I-3-0-35.Claimant and Public Assistance Branch

The Claimant and Public Assistance Branch (CPAB) serves as the liaison between the Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) and Members of Congress on case related matters. CPAB staff responds to both routine and sensitive written and telephone inquiries from the public as well as Members of Congress. Detailed information about CPAB's functions and processes is set forth in Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual I-1-6.

At the Appeals Council level, CPAB is responsible for designating critical cases and monitoring OAO's pending critical case workload. See HALLEX I-3-1-5.