Paper Files Available for Pro Se Claimants

June 14, 2010

Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate) | Louise M. Tarantino

Thanks to David Ralph of the Elmira office of LAWNY for reminding us of another useful Chief Judge Bulletin.  CJB 07-07 - Conducting Electronic Hearings at Temporary Remote Sites (TRSs) - reminds adjudicators that “[i]f an unrepresented claimant requests assistance or cannot access the CD provided, the hearing office should provide a printed copy of the file to the unrepresented claimant prior to the hearing.”  Generally, however, ODAR personnel will not print out files or supply laptops at TRSs. 

CJB 07-07 is one of several bulletins issued concerning the challenges posed by transporting PII  (Personally Identifiable Information). CJB 07-06 outlines “Instructions for Providing a Copy of Electronic Folder (EF) to Claimant/Representative.”  Per this CJB, ODAR’s “established business process” provides that a CD will be provided to the claimant or representative at two “critical intervals”:  at workup when the case is exhibited, and the evening before or on the day of the hearing.  Additionally, a request from a claimant for a copy of the electronic file should be honored at any time during the process.

Both bulletins are available at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10.