Background

This transmittal amends section I-2-4-22 of the Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual to update instructions regarding a claimant's request to withdraw an application at the hearing level.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-2-4-22 – In subsection B.2., we deleted and replaced an outdated reference to Program Operations Manual System (POMS) GN 00206.075 with references to GN 00206.011 and 00206.014. We also removed language that required Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) staff to route an application withdrawal request to the field office. We provided additional information regarding OHO staff's role in developing a claimant's request to withdraw an application or request for hearing. In subsection D, we removed a reference to outdated POMS GN 00206.150 and replaced it with an updated reference to GN 00206.017. We also provided clarification regarding the obligation of field offices and processing centers in developing a claimant's cancellation of a request to withdraw an application. In subsections B and D, we replaced references to the hearing office with OHO. We also made minor editorial changes throughout this section.

Date: June 24, 2021