Chapter: I-2-8
Subject: Administrative Law Judge Decisions
This transmittal amends section I-2-8-7 of the Hearings, Appeals, and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual to update procedures for processing statutory benefit continuation (SBC) in Appeals Council (AC) remands of medical cessation cases. These updates are consistent with upcoming changes to Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 12027.060 and DI 12027.065. We also made minor updates for grammar throughout the HALLEX section.
This transmittal revises HALLEX I-2-8-7 as follows:
In section A, we added a note clarifying the timeframe for electing SBC to account for mailing. In sections B and C, we updated the language describing how the AC, field office (FO), and hearing office (HO) communicate regarding SBC issues and clarified who must receive notices regarding SBC. We replaced references to notice templates in HALLEX with references to Standard Hearings Operations Procedure (SHOP). We added language clarifying when section D applies and added a note on how to determine an individual's pay status. We updated closeout procedures and removed instructions regarding the termination memorandum.
Date: March 28, 2025