410.689—Notice of charges.
The Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Policy, or his or her designee, will prepare a notice containing a statement of charges that constitutes the basis for the proceeding against the individual. This notice will be delivered to the individual charged, either by certified or registered mail to his last known address or by personal delivery, and will advise the individual charged to file an answer, within 30 days from the date the notice was mailed, or was delivered to him personally, indicating why he should not be suspended or disqualified from acting as a representative before the SSA. This 30-day period may be extended for good cause shown, by the Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Policy, or his or her designee. The answer must be in writing under oath (or affirmation) and filed with the Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235, within the prescribed time limitation. If an individual charged does not file an answer within the time prescribed, he shall not have the right to present evidence. However, see § 410.692(g) relating to statements with respect to sufficiency of the evidence upon which the charges are based or challenging the validity of the proceedings.