Background

This transmittal updates the instructions contained in HALLEX I-4-3-44 to reflect the change in agency policy announced in EM-08066 to include offering special notice options to visually impaired claimants or recipients as well as to blind claimants or recipients.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-4-3-44 (A) has been modified to update the definition of persons who may receive special notices to include visually impaired claimants or recipients as well as blind claimants or recipients.

I-4-3-44 (B) has been modified to reflect the new definition in (A). A note has been added to explain that representative payees are not included in the definition.

I-4-3-44 (C) has been modified to reflect the new definition in (A), and has been expanded to reflect a change in the tasks that must be performed in the Appeals Review Processing System (ARPS) when a member of the Office of Appellate Operations staff identifies an individual who requires special notice. The tasks in ARPS will be done to alert the individual who closes the case that the special notice procedures are required.

Date: August 6, 2009