Background

This transmittal amends Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual chapter I-2-1 to update procedures for routing paper claim(s) files and hearing recordings. Consistent with the decision of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review to end operations at the Office of Appellate Operations MegaSite in Springfield, Virginia, hearing office staff now routes paper claim(s) files with the hearing recording(s) to the Social Security Administration's National Records Center (SSANRC) in Independence, Missouri, or if the claim is favorably decided, to the appropriate effectuating component.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-2-1-10 – In subsection C, we update the process for routing paper claim(s) files. In C.1., we explain that if an administrative law judge (ALJ) issues an unfavorable decision or dismissal order, hearing office (HO) staff will send the claim(s) file to the SSANRC. We explain that HO staff will associate the hearing recording with the claim(s) file. In C.2., we explain that if the ALJ issues a favorable decision, the effectuating component will send the claim(s) file to the SSANRC after processing. We also make minor changes throughout this section.

I-2-1-13 – In subsection C, we explain that HO staff will now request paper claim(s) files through the Automated Folder Location website. We remove references to the MegaSite Information Management System, because we no longer use this system. We also make minor editorial changes throughout this section.

Date: May 26, 2017