§416.1550 Notice of charges against a representative.

(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 §416.1565(g).

[45 FR 52106, Aug. 5, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 24132, May 29, 1991; 62 FR 38455, July 18, 1997; 63 FR 41418, Aug. 4, 1998; 71 FR 2878, Jan. 18, 2006]