20 C.F.R. Subpart R—Representation of Parties
Title 20 - Employees' Benefits
Authority: Secs. 205(a), 206, and 702(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(a), 406, and 902(a)(5)).
Source: 45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, unless otherwise noted.
You may appoint someone to represent you in any of your dealings with us. This subpart explains, among other things— (a) Who may be your representative and what his or her qualifications must be; (b) How you appoint a representative; (c) The payment of fees to a representative; (d) Our rules that representatives must follow; and (e) What happens to a representative who breaks the rules. As used in this subpart— Past-due benefits means the total amount of benefits payable under title II of the Act to all beneficiaries that has accumulated because of a favorable administrative or judicial determination or decision, up to but not including the month the determination or decision is made. Representative means an attorney who meets all of the requirements of §404.1705(a), or a person other than an attorney who meets all of the requirements of §404.1705(b), and whom you appoint to represent you in dealings with us. We, our, or us refers to the Social Security Administration. You or your refers to any person claiming a right under the old-age, disability, dependents', or survivors' benefits program. (a) Attorney. You may appoint as your representative in dealings with us, any attorney in good standing who— (1) Has the right to practice law before a court of a State, Territory, District, or island possession of the United States, or before the Supreme Court or a lower Federal court of the United States; (2) Is not disqualified or suspended from acting as a representative in dealings with us; and (3) Is not prohibited by any law from acting as a representative. (b) Person other than attorney. You may appoint any person who is not an attorney to be your representative in dealings with us if he or she— (1) Is generally known to have a good character and reputation; (2) Is capable of giving valuable help to you in connection with your claim; (3) Is not disqualified or suspended from acting as a representative in dealings with us; and (4) Is not prohibited by any law from acting as a representative. If you are not represented by an attorney and we make a determination or decision that is subject to the administrative review process provided under subpart J of this part and it does not grant all of the benefits or other relief you requested or it adversely affects any entitlement to benefits that we have established or may establish for you, we will include with the notice of that determination or decision information about your options for obtaining an attorney to represent you in dealing with us. We will also tell you that a legal services organization may provide you with legal representation free of charge if you satisfy the qualifying requirements applicable to that organization. [58 FR 64886, Dec. 10, 1993] We will recognize a person as your representative if the following things are done: (a) You sign a written notice stating that you want the person to be your representative in dealings with us. (b) That person signs the notice, agreeing to be your representative, if the person is not an attorney. An attorney does not have to sign a notice of appointment. (c) The notice is filed at one of our offices if you have initially filed a claim or have requested reconsideration; with an administrative law judge if you requested a hearing; or with the Appeals Council if you have requested a review of the administrative law judge's decision. (a) What a representative may do. Your representative may, on your behalf— (1) Obtain information about your claim to the same extent that you are able to do; (2) Submit evidence; (3) Make statements about facts and law; and (4) Make any request or give any notice about the proceedings before us. (b) What a representative may not do. A representative may not sign an application on behalf of a claimant for rights or benefits under title II of the Act unless authorized to do so under §404.612. (a) We shall send your representative— (1) Notice and a copy of any administrative action, determination, or decision; and (2) Requests for information or evidence. (b) A notice or request sent to your representative, will have the same force and effect as if it had been sent to you. (a) General. A representative may charge and receive a fee for his or her services as a representative only as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Charging and receiving a fee. (1) The representative must file a written request with us before he or she may charge or receive a fee for his or her services. (2) We decide the amount of the fee, if any, a representative may charge or receive. (3) A representative shall not charge or receive any fee unless we have approved it, and he or she shall not charge or receive any fee that is more than the amount we approve. This rule applies whether the fee is charged to or received from you or from someone else. (4) If the representative is an attorney and the claimant is entitled to past-due benefits, we will pay the authorized fee, or a part of the authorized fee, directly to the attorney out of the past-due benefits, subject to the limitations described in §404.1730(b)(1). If the representative is not an attorney, we assume no responsibility for the payment of any fee that we have authorized. (c) Notice of fee determination. We shall mail to both you and your representative at your last known address a written notice of what we decide about the fee. We shall state in the notice— (1) The amount of the fee that is authorized; (2) How we made that decision; (3) That we are not responsible for paying the fee, except when we may pay an attorney from past-due benefits; and (4) That within 30 days of the date of the notice, either you or your representative may request us to review the fee determination. (d) Review of fee determination—(1) Request filed on time. We will review the decision we made about a fee if either you or your representative files a written request for the review at one of our offices within 30 days after the date of the notice of the fee determination. Either you or your representative, whoever requests the review, shall mail a copy of the request to the other person. An authorized official of the Social Security Administration who did not take part in the fee determination being questioned will review the determination. This determination is not subject to further review. The official shall mail a written notice of the decision made on review both to you and to your representative at your last known address. (2) Request not filed on time. (i) If you or your representative requests a review of the decision we made about a fee, but does so more than 30 days after the date of the notice of the fee determination, whoever makes the request shall state in writing why it was not filed within the 30-day period. We will review the determination if we decide that there was good cause for not filing the request on time. (ii) Some examples of good cause follow: (A) Either you or your representative was seriously ill and the illness prevented you or your representative from contacting us in person or in writing. (B) There was a death or serious illness in your family or in the family of your representative. (C) Material records were destroyed by fire or other accidental cause. (D) We gave you or your representative incorrect or incomplete information about the right to request review. (E) You or your representative did not timely receive notice of the fee determination. (F) You or your representative sent the request to another government agency in good faith within the 30-day period, and the request did not reach us until after the period had ended. (3) Payment of fees. We assume no responsibility for the payment of a fee based on a revised determination if the request for administrative review was not filed on time. (a) Filing a request. In order for your representative to obtain approval of a fee for services he or she performed in dealings with us, he or she shall file a written request with one of our offices. This should be done after the proceedings in which he or she was a representative are completed. The request must contain— (1) The dates the representative's services began and ended; (2) A list of the services he or she gave and the amount of time he or she spent on each type of service; (3) The amount of the fee he or she wants to charge for the services; (4) The amount of fee the representative wants to request or charge for his or her services in the same matter before any State or Federal court; (5) The amount of and a list of any expenses the representative incurred for which he or she has been paid or expects to be paid; (6) A description of the special qualifications which enabled the representative, if he or she is not an attorney, to give valuable help in connection with your claim; and (7) A statement showing that the representative sent a copy of the request for approval of a fee to you. (b) Evaluating a request for approval of a fee. (1) When we evaluate a representative's request for approval of a fee, we consider the purpose of the social security program, which is to provide a measure of economic security for the beneficiaries of the program, together with— (i) The extent and type of services the representative performed; (ii) The complexity of the case; (iii) The level of skill and competence required of the representative in giving the services; (iv) The amount of time the representative spent on the case; (v) The results the representative achieved; (vi) The level of review to which the claim was taken and the level of the review at which the representative became your representative; and (vii) The amount of fee the representative requests for his or her services, including any amount authorized or requested before, but not including the amount of any expenses he or she incurred. (2) Although we consider the amount of benefits, if any, that are payable, we do not base the amount of fee we authorize on the amount of the benefit alone, but on a consideration of all the factors listed in this section. The benefits payable in any claim are determined by specific provisions of law and are unrelated to the efforts of the representative. We may authorize a fee even if no benefits are payable. (a) Representation of a party in court proceedings. We shall not consider any service the representative gave you in any proceeding before a State or Federal court to be services as a representative in dealings with us. However, if the representative also has given service to you in the same connection in any dealings with us, he or she must specify what, if any, portion of the fee he or she wants to charge is for services performed in dealings with us. If the representative charges any fee for those services, he or she must file the request and furnish all of the information required by §404.1725. (b) Attorney fee allowed by a Federal court. If a Federal court in any proceeding under title II of the Act makes a judgment in favor of a claimant who was represented before the court by an attorney, and the court, under section 206(b) of the Act, allows to the attorney as part of its judgment a fee not in excess of 25 percent of the total of past-due benefits to which the claimant is entitled by reason of the judgment, we may pay the attorney the amount of the fee out of, but not in addition to, the amount of the past-due benefits payable. We will not certify for direct payment any other fee your representative may request. (a) Fees allowed by a Federal court. We will pay a representative who is an attorney, out of the claimant's past-due benefits, the amount of fee allowed by a Federal court in a proceeding under title II of the Act. The payment we make to the attorney is subject to the limitations described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. (b) Fees we may authorize—(1) Attorneys. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if we make a determination or decision in favor of a claimant who was represented by an attorney, and as a result of the determination or decision past-due benefits are payable, we will pay the attorney out of the past-due benefits the smallest of— (i) Twenty-five percent of the total of the past-due benefits; (ii) The amount of the fee that we set; or (iii) The amount agreed upon between the attorney and the claimant represented. (2) Persons other than attorneys. If the representative is not an attorney, we assume no responsibility for the payment of any fee that we have authorized. We will not deduct the fee from any benefits payable to the claimant represented. (c) Time limit for filing request for approval of attorney fee. (1) In order to receive direct payment of a fee from a claimant's past-due benefits, an attorney should file a request for approval of a fee, or written notice of the intent to file a request, at one of our offices within 60 days of the date the notice of the favorable determination is mailed. (2)(i) If no request is filed within 60 days of the date the notice of the favorable determination is mailed, we will mail a written notice to the attorney and to the claimant, at their last known addresses. The notice will inform the attorney and the claimant that unless the attorney files, within 20 days from the date of the notice, a written request for approval of a fee under §404.1725, or a written request for an extension of time, we will pay all the past-due benefits to the claimant. (ii) The attorney must send the claimant a copy of any request made to us for an extension of time. If the request is not filed within 20 days of the date of the notice, or by the last day of any extension we approved, we will pay all past-due benefits to the claimant. Any fee the attorney charges after that time must be approved by us, but the collection of any approved fee is a matter between the attorney and the claimant represented. Services provided a claimant in any dealing with us under title II of the Act consist of services performed for that claimant in connection with any claim he or she may have before the Commissioner of Social Security under title II of the Act. These services include any in connection with any asserted right a claimant may have calling for an initial or reconsidered determination by us, and a decision or action by an administrative law judge or by the Appeals Council. [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 62 FR 38452, July 18, 1997] (a) Purpose and scope. (1) All attorneys or other persons acting on behalf of a party seeking a statutory right or benefit shall, in their dealings with us, faithfully execute their duties as agents and fiduciaries of a party. A representative shall provide competent assistance to the claimant and recognize the authority of the Agency to lawfully administer the process. The following provisions set forth certain affirmative duties and prohibited actions which shall govern the relationship between the representative and the Agency, including matters involving our administrative procedures and fee collections. (2) All representatives shall be forthright in their dealings with us and with the claimant and shall comport themselves with due regard for the nonadversarial nature of the proceedings by complying with our rules and standards, which are intended to ensure orderly and fair presentation of evidence and argument. (b) Affirmative duties. A representative shall, in conformity with the regulations setting forth our existing duties and responsibilities and those of claimants (see §404.1512 in disability and blindness claims): (1) Act with reasonable promptness to obtain the information and evidence that the claimant wants to submit in support of his or her claim, and forward the same to us for consideration as soon as practicable. In disability and blindness claims, this includes the obligations to assist the claimant in bringing to our attention everything that shows that the claimant is disabled or blind, and to assist the claimant in furnishing medical evidence that the claimant intends to personally provide and other evidence that we can use to reach conclusions about the claimant's medical impairment(s) and, if material to the determination of whether the claimant is blind or disabled, its effect upon the claimant's ability to work on a sustained basis, pursuant to §404.1512(a); (2) Assist the claimant in complying, as soon as practicable, with our requests for information or evidence at any stage of the administrative decisionmaking process in his or her claim. In disability and blindness claims, this includes the obligation pursuant to §404.1512(c) to assist the claimant in providing, upon our request, evidence about: (i) The claimant's age; (ii) The claimant's education and training; (iii) The claimant's work experience; (iv) The claimant's daily activities both before and after the date the claimant alleges that he or she became disabled; (v) The claimant's efforts to work; and (vi) Any other factors showing how the claimant's impairment(s) affects his or her ability to work. In §§404.1560 through 404.1569, we discuss in more detail the evidence we need when we consider vocational factors; and (3) Conduct his or her dealings in a manner that furthers the efficient, fair and orderly conduct of the administrative decisionmaking process, including duties to: (i) Provide competent representation to a claimant. Competent representation requires the knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. This includes knowing the significant issue(s) in a claim and having a working knowledge of the applicable provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended, the regulations and the Rulings; and (ii) Act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a claimant. This includes providing prompt and responsive answers to requests from the Agency for information pertinent to processing of the claim. (c) Prohibited actions. A representative shall not: (1) In any manner or by any means threaten, coerce, intimidate, deceive or knowingly mislead a claimant, or prospective claimant or beneficiary, regarding benefits or other rights under the Act; (2) Knowingly charge, collect or retain, or make any arrangement to charge, collect or retain, from any source, directly or indirectly, any fee for representational services in violation of applicable law or regulation; (3) Knowingly make or present, or participate in the making or presentation of, false or misleading oral or written statements, assertions or representations about a material fact or law concerning a matter within our jurisdiction; (4) Through his or her own actions or omissions, unreasonably delay or cause to be delayed, without good cause (see §404.911(b)), the processing of a claim at any stage of the administrative decisionmaking process; (5) Divulge, without the claimant's consent, except as may be authorized by regulations prescribed by us or as otherwise provided by Federal law, any information we furnish or disclose about a claim or prospective claim; (6) Attempt to influence, directly or indirectly, the outcome of a decision, determination or other administrative action by offering or granting a loan, gift, entertainment or anything of value to a presiding official, Agency employee or witness who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the administrative decisionmaking process, except as reimbursement for legitimately incurred expenses or lawful compensation for the services of an expert witness retained on a non-contingency basis to provide evidence; or (7) Engage in actions or behavior prejudicial to the fair and orderly conduct of administrative proceedings, including but not limited to: (i) Repeated absences from or persistent tardiness at scheduled proceedings without good cause (see §404.911(b)); (ii) Willful behavior which has the effect of improperly disrupting proceedings or obstructing the adjudicative process; and (iii) Threatening or intimidating language, gestures or actions directed at a presiding official, witness or Agency employee which results in a disruption of the orderly presentation and reception of evidence. [63 FR 41416, Aug. 4, 1998] When we have evidence that a representative fails to meet our qualification requirements or has violated the rules governing dealings with us, we may begin proceedings to suspend or disqualify that individual from acting in a representational capacity before us. We may file charges seeking such sanctions when we have evidence that a representative: (a) Does not meet the qualifying requirements described in §404.1705; (b) Has violated the affirmative duties or engaged in the prohibited actions set forth in §404.1740; (c) Has been convicted of a violation under section 206 of the Act; (d) Has been, by reason of misconduct, disbarred or suspended from any bar or court to which he or she was previously admitted to practice (see §404.1770(a)); or (e) Has been, by reason of misconduct, disqualified from participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency (see §404.1770(a)). [63 FR 41416, Aug. 4, 1998, as amended at 71 FR 2876, Jan. 18, 2006] (a) The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, will prepare a notice containing a statement of charges that constitutes the basis for the proceeding against the representative. (b) We will send this notice to the representative either by certified or registered mail, to his or her last known address, or by personal delivery. (c) We will advise the representative to file an answer, within 30 days from the date of the notice, or from the date the notice was delivered personally, stating why he or she should not be suspended or disqualified from acting as a representative in dealings with us. (d) The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, may extend the 30-day period for good cause. (e) The representative must— (1) Answer the notice in writing under oath (or affirmation); and (2) File the answer with the Social Security Administration, at the address specified on the notice, within the 30-day time period. (f) If the representative does not file an answer within the 30-day time period, he or she does not have the right to present evidence, except as may be provided in §404.1765(g). [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24131, May 29, 1991; 62 FR 38452, July 18, 1997; 63 FR 41417, Aug. 4, 1998; 71 FR 2876, Jan. 18, 2006] The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, may withdraw charges against a representative. We will do this if the representative files an answer, or we obtain evidence, that satisfies us that we should not suspend or disqualify the representative from acting as a representative in dealings with us. When we consider withdrawing charges brought under §404.1745(d) or (e) based on the representative's assertion that, before or after our filing of charges, the representative has been reinstated to practice by the court, bar, or Federal program or agency that suspended, disbarred, or disqualified the representative, the Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs, or his or her designee, will determine whether such reinstatement occurred, whether it remains in effect, and whether he or she is reasonably satisfied that the representative will in the future act in accordance with the provisions of section 206(a) of the Act and our rules and regulations. If the representative proves that reinstatement occurred and remains in effect and the Deputy Commissioner, or his or her designee, is so satisfied, the Deputy Commissioner, or his or her designee, will withdraw those charges. The action of the Deputy Commissioner, or his or her designee, regarding withdrawal of charges is solely that of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs, or his or her designee, and is not reviewable, or subject to consideration in decisions made under §§404.1770 and 404.1790. If we withdraw the charges, we shall notify the representative by mail at his or her last known address. [71 FR 2876, Jan. 18, 2006] (a) Scheduling the hearing. If the Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, does not take action to withdraw the charges within 15 days after the date on which the representative filed an answer, we will hold a hearing and make a decision on the charges. (b)(1) Hearing officer. The Associate Commissioner for Hearings and Appeals, or his or her designee, shall assign an administrative law judge, designated to act as a hearing officer, to hold a hearing on the charges. (2) No hearing officer shall hold a hearing in a case in which he or she is prejudiced or partial about any party, or has any interest in the matter. (3) If the representative or any party to the hearing objects to the hearing officer who has been named to hold the hearing, we must be notified at the earliest opportunity. The hearing officer shall consider the objection(s) and either proceed with the hearing or withdraw from it. (4) If the hearing officer withdraws from the hearing, another one will be named. (5) If the hearing officer does not withdraw, the representative or any other person objecting may, after the hearing, present his or her objections to the Appeals Council explaining why he or she believes the hearing officer's decision should be revised or a new hearing held by another administrative law judge designated to act as a hearing officer. (c) Time and place of hearing. The hearing officer shall mail the parties a written notice of the hearing at their last known addresses, at least 20 days before the date set for the hearing. (d) Change of time and place for hearing. (1) The hearing officer may change the time and place for the hearing. This may be done either on his or her own initiative, or at the request of the representative or the other party to the hearing. (2) The hearing officer may adjourn or postpone the hearing. (3) The hearing officer may reopen the hearing for the receipt of additional evidence at any time before mailing notice of the decision. (4) The hearing officer shall give the representative and the other party to the hearing reasonable notice of any change in the time or place for the hearing, or of an adjournment or reopening of the hearing. (e) Parties. The representative against whom charges have been made is a party to the hearing. The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, shall also be a party to the hearing. (f) Subpoenas. (1) The representative or the other party to the hearing may request the hearing officer to issue a subpoena for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and for the production of books, records, correspondence, papers, or other documents that are material to any matter being considered at the hearing. The hearing officer may, on his or her own initiative, issue subpoenas for the same purposes when the action is reasonably necessary for the full presentation of the facts. (2) The representative or the other party who wants a subpoena issued shall file a written request with the hearing officer. This must be done at least 5 days before the date set for the hearing. The request must name the documents to be produced, and describe the address or location in enough detail to permit the witnesses or documents to be found. (3) The representative or the other party who wants a subpoena issued shall state in the request for a subpoena the material facts that he or she expects to establish by the witness or document, and why the facts could not be established by the use of other evidence which could be obtained without use of a subpoena. (4) We will pay the cost of the issuance and the fees and mileage of any witness subpoenaed, as provided in section 205(d) of the Act. (g) Conduct of the hearing. (1) The hearing officer shall make the hearing open to the representative, to the other party, and to any persons the hearing officer or the parties consider necessary or proper. The hearing officer shall inquire fully into the matters being considered, hear the testimony of witnesses, and accept any documents that are material. (2) If the representative did not file an answer to the charges, he or she has no right to present evidence at the hearing. The hearing officer may make or recommend a decision on the basis of the record, or permit the representative to present a statement about the sufficiency of the evidence or the validity of the proceedings upon which the suspension or disqualification, if it occurred, would be based. (3) If the representative did file an answer to the charges, and if the hearing officer believes that there is material evidence available that was not presented at the hearing, the hearing officer may at any time before mailing notice of the hearing decision reopen the hearing to accept the additional evidence. (4) The hearing officer has the right to decide the order in which the evidence and the allegations will be presented and the conduct of the hearing. (h) Evidence. The hearing officer may accept evidence at the hearing, even though it is not admissible under the rules of evidence that apply to Federal court procedure. (i) Witnesses. Witnesses who testify at the hearing shall do so under oath or affirmation. Either the representative or a person representing him or her may question the witnesses. The other party and that party's representative must also be allowed to question the witnesses. The hearing officer may also ask questions as considered necessary, and shall rule upon any objection made by either party about whether any question is proper. (j) Oral and written summation. (1) The hearing officer shall give the representative and the other party a reasonable time to present oral summation and to file briefs or other written statements about proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law if the parties request it. (2) The party that files briefs or other written statements shall provide enough copies so that they may be made available to any other party to the hearing who requests a copy. (k) Record of hearing. In all cases, the hearing officer shall have a complete record of the proceedings at the hearing made. (l) Representation. The representative, as the person charged, may appear in person and may be represented by an attorney or other representative. The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, will be represented by one or more attorneys from the Office of the General Counsel. (m) Failure to appear. If the representative or the other party to the hearing fails to appear after being notified of the time and place, the hearing officer may hold the hearing anyway so that the party present may offer evidence to sustain or rebut the charges. The hearing officer shall give the party who failed to appear an opportunity to show good cause for failure to appear. If the party fails to show good cause, he or she is considered to have waived the right to be present at the hearing. If the party shows good cause, the hearing officer may hold a supplemental hearing. (n) Dismissal of charges. The hearing officer may dismiss the charges in the event of the death of the representative. (o) Cost of transcript. If the representative or the other party to a hearing requests a copy of the transcript of the hearing, the hearing officer will have it prepared and sent to the party upon payment of the cost, unless the payment is waived for good cause. [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24131, 24132, May 29, 1991; 62 FR 38452, July 18, 1997; 63 FR 41417, Aug. 4, 1998; 71 FR 2877, Jan. 18, 2006] (a) General. (1) After the close of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a decision or certify the case to the Appeals Council. The decision must be in writing, will contain findings of fact and conclusions of law, and be based upon the evidence of record. (2) In deciding whether an individual has been, by reason of misconduct, disbarred or suspended by a court or bar, or disqualified from participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency, the hearing officer will consider the reasons for the disbarment, suspension, or disqualification action. If the action was taken for solely administrative reasons (e.g., failure to pay dues or to complete continuing legal education requirements), that will not disqualify the individual from acting as a representative before SSA. However, this exception to disqualification does not apply if the administrative action was taken in lieu of disciplinary proceedings (e.g., acceptance of a voluntary resignation pending disciplinary action). Although the hearing officer will consider whether the disbarment, suspension, or disqualification action is based on misconduct when deciding whether an individual should be disqualified from acting as a representative before us, the hearing officer will not re-examine or revise the factual or legal conclusions that led to the disbarment, suspension or disqualification. For purposes of determining whether an individual has been, by reason of misconduct, disqualified from participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency— (i) Disqualified refers to any action that prohibits an individual from participating in or appearing before a Federal program or agency, regardless of how long the prohibition lasts or the specific terminology used. (ii) Federal program refers to any program established by an Act of Congress or administered by a Federal agency. (iii) Federal agency refers to any authority of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. (3) If the hearing officer finds that the charges against the representative have been sustained, he or she shall either— (i) Suspend the representative for a specified period of not less than 1 year, nor more than 5 years, from the date of the decision; or (ii) Disqualify the representative from acting as a representative in dealings with us until he or she may be reinstated under §404.1799. Disqualification is the sole sanction available if the charges have been sustained because the representative has been disbarred or suspended from any court or bar to which he or she was previously admitted to practice or disqualified from participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency, or because the representative has collected or received, and retains, a fee for representational services in excess of the amount authorized. (4) The hearing officer shall mail a copy of the decision to the parties at their last known addresses. The notice will inform the parties of the right to request the Appeals Council to review the decision. (b) Effect of hearing officer's decision. (1) The hearing officer's decision is final and binding unless reversed or modified by the Appeals Council upon review. (2) If the final decision is that a person is disqualified from being a representative in dealings with us, he or she will not be permitted to represent anyone in dealings with us until authorized to do so under the provisions of §404.1799. (3) If the final decision is that a person is suspended for a specified period of time from being a representative in dealings with us, he or she will not be permitted to represent anyone in dealings with us during the period of suspension unless authorized to do so under the provisions of §404.1799. [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24132, May 29, 1991; 63 FR 41417, Aug. 4, 1998; 71 FR 2877, Jan. 18, 2006] (a) General. After the hearing officer issues a decision, either the representative or the other party to the hearing may ask the Appeals Council to review the decision. (b) Time and place of filing request for review. The party requesting review shall file the request for review in writing with the Appeals Council within 30 days from the date the hearing officer mailed the notice. The party requesting review shall certify that a copy of the request for review and of any documents that are submitted have been mailed to the opposing party. Upon receipt of a request for review of the hearing officer's decision, the matter will be assigned to a panel consisting of three members of the Appeals Council none of whom shall be the Chair of the Appeals Council. The panel shall jointly consider and rule by majority opinion on the request for review of the hearing officer's decision, including a determination to dismiss the request for review. Matters other than a final disposition of the request for review may be disposed of by the member designated chair of the panel. [56 FR 24132, May 29, 1991] (a) Upon request, the Appeals Council shall give the parties a reasonable time to file briefs or other written statements as to fact and law, and to appear before the Appeals Council to present oral argument. (b) If a party files a brief or other written statement with the Appeals Council, he or she shall send a copy to the opposing party and certify that the copy has been sent. (a) General. Generally, the Appeals Council will not consider evidence in addition to that introduced at the hearing. However, if the Appeals Council believes that the evidence offered is material to an issue it is considering, the evidence will be considered. (b) Individual charged filed an answer. (1) When the Appeals Council believes that additional material evidence is available, and the representative has filed an answer to the charges, the Appeals Council shall require that the evidence be obtained. The Appeals Council may name an administrative law judge or a member of the Appeals Council to receive the evidence. (2) Before additional evidence is admitted into the record, the Appeals Council shall mail a notice to the parties, telling them that evidence about certain issues will be obtained, unless the notice is waived. The Appeals Council shall give each party a reasonable opportunity to comment on the evidence and to present other evidence that is material to an issue it is considering. (c) Individual charged did not file an answer. If the representative did not file an answer to the charges, the Appeals Council will not permit the introduction of evidence that was not considered at the hearing. (a) The Appeals Council shall base its decision upon the evidence in the hearing record and any other evidence it may permit on review. The Appeals Council shall either— (1) Affirm, reverse, or modify the hearing officer's decision; or (2) Return a case to the hearing officer when the Appeals Council considers it appropriate. (b) The Appeals Council, in changing a hearing officer's decision to suspend a representative for a specified period, shall in no event reduce the period of suspension to less than 1 year. In modifying a hearing officer's decision to disqualify a representative, the Appeals Council shall in no event impose a period of suspension of less than 1 year. Further, the Appeals Council shall in no event impose a suspension when disqualification is the sole sanction available in accordance with §404.1770(a)(3)(ii). (c) If the Appeals Council affirms or changes a hearing officer's decision, the period of suspension or the disqualification is effective from the date of the Appeals Council's decision. (d) If the hearing officer did not impose a period of suspension or a disqualification, and the Appeals Council decides to impose one or the other, the suspension or disqualification is effective from the date of the Appeals Council's decision. (e) The Appeals Council shall make its decision in writing and shall mail a copy of the decision to the parties at their last known addresses. [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24132, May 29, 1991; 71 FR 2877, Jan. 18, 2006] The Appeals Council may dismiss a request for the review of any proceeding to suspend or disqualify a representative in any of the following circumstances: (a) Upon request of party. The Appeals Council may dismiss a request for review upon written request of the party or parties who filed the request if there is no other party who objects to the dismissal. (b) Death of party. The Appeals Council may dismiss a request for review in the event of the death of the representative. (c) Request for review not timely filed. The Appeals Council will dismiss a request for review if a party failed to file a request for review within the 30-day time period and the Appeals Council does not extend the time for good cause. We shall automatically allow a person to serve again as a representative in dealings with us at the end of any suspension. (a) After more than one year has passed, a person who has been suspended or disqualified, may ask the Appeals Council for permission to serve as a representative again. (b) The suspended or disqualified person shall submit any evidence he or she wishes to have considered along with the request to be allowed to serve as a representative again. (c) The Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee, upon notification of receipt of the request, shall have 30 days in which to present a written report of any experiences with the suspended or disqualified person subsequent to that person's suspension or disqualification. The Appeals Council shall make available to the suspended or disqualified person a copy of the report. (d)(1) The Appeals Council shall not grant the request unless it is reasonably satisfied that the person will in the future act according to the provisions of section 206(a) of the Act, and to our rules and regulations. (2) If a person was disqualified because he or she had been disbarred or suspended from a court or bar, the Appeals Council will grant a request for reinstatement as a representative only if the criterion in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is met and the disqualified person shows that he or she has been admitted (or readmitted) to and is in good standing with the court or bar from which he or she had been disbarred or suspended. (3) If a person was disqualified because he or she had been disqualified from participating in or appearing before a Federal program or agency, the Appeals Council will grant the request for reinstatement only if the criterion in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is met and the disqualified person shows that he or she is now qualified to participate in or appear before that Federal program or agency. (4) If the person was disqualified as a result of collecting or receiving, and retaining, a fee for representational services in excess of the amount authorized, the Appeals Council will grant the request only if the criterion in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is met and the disqualified person shows that full restitution has been made. (e) The Appeals Council shall mail a notice of its decision on the decision to the suspended or disqualified person. It shall also mail a copy to the Deputy Commissioner for Disability and Income Security Programs (or other official the Commissioner may designate), or his or her designee. (f) If the Appeals Council decides not to grant the request, it shall not consider another request before the end of 1 year from the date of the notice of the previous denial. [45 FR 52090, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24132, May 29, 1991; 62 FR 38452, July 18, 1997; 63 FR 41417, Aug. 4, 1998; 71 FR 2877, Jan. 18, 2006]
Title 20: Employees' Benefits
PART 404—FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE (1950– )
Subpart R—Representation of Parties
§ 404.1700 Introduction.
§ 404.1703 Definitions.
§ 404.1705 Who may be your representative.
§ 404.1706 Notification of options for obtaining attorney representation.
§ 404.1707 Appointing a representative.
§ 404.1710 Authority of a representative.
§ 404.1715 Notice or request to a representative.
§ 404.1720 Fee for a representative's services.
§ 404.1725 Request for approval of a fee.
§ 404.1728 Proceedings before a State or Federal court.
§ 404.1730 Payment of fees.
§ 404.1735 Services in a proceeding under title II of the Act.
§ 404.1740 Rules of conduct and standards of responsibility for representatives.
§ 404.1745 Violations of our requirements, rules, or standards.
§ 404.1750 Notice of charges against a representative.
§ 404.1755 Withdrawing charges against a representative.
§ 404.1765 Hearing on charges.
§ 404.1770 Decision by hearing officer.
§ 404.1775 Requesting review of the hearing officer's decision.
§ 404.1776 Assignment of request for review of the hearing officer's decision.
§ 404.1780 Appeals Council's review of hearing officer's decision.
§ 404.1785 Evidence permitted on review.
§ 404.1790 Appeals Council's decision.
§ 404.1795 When the Appeals Council will dismiss a request for review.
§ 404.1797 Reinstatement after suspension—period of suspension expired.
§ 404.1799 Reinstatement after suspension or disqualification—period of suspension not expired.
