Chapter: I-2-5
Subject: Initial Processing of a Request for Hearing
This transmittal amends chapter I-2-5 of the Hearings, Appeals, and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual to implement Social Security Ruling (SSR) 24-3p, Titles II and XVI: Use of Occupational Information and Vocational Specialist and Vocational Expert Evidence in Disability Determinations and Decisions which replaces SSR 00-4p: Titles II and XVI: Use of Vocational Expert and Vocational Specialist Evidence, and Other Reliable Occupational Information in Disability Decisions.
I-2-5-48 – We added language that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) must evaluate the sufficiency of the vocational expert evidence consistent with SSR 24-3p and HALLEX I-2-6-74 before using it to support findings at step four or five of the sequential evaluation process.
I-2-5-57 – In subsection A, we indicated that it is generally preferred that an ALJ obtain vocational expert testimony at the hearing as noted in SSR 24-3p. In subsection B, we listed the content that interrogatories should cover in compliance of SSR 24-3p if vocational expert testimony is not obtained at the hearing.
I-2-5-60 – We made a minor change in phrasing from “determine whether to obtain additional comments” to “determine whether additional VE evidence may be needed.”
Date: January 6, 2025