Section 853.10  Definitions

"Beneficiary" means an individual who is entitled to and has been awarded benefits under the disability provisions of the Social Security Act.

"Bureau" means the Bureau of Disability Determination Services.

"Disability hearing" means a face-to-face evidentiary proceeding which takes place when an individual requests reconsideration of an initial determination that the physical or mental impairment on the basis of which benefits have been payable has ceased, did not exist or is no longer disabling.

"Disability Hearing Division" means that part of the Bureau of Disability Determination Services which has responsibility for the entire disability hearing operations.

"Disability hearing officer" means a person appointed to conduct the disability hearing and prepare a reconsidered determination.

"Reconsideration" means the first step in the administrative review process provided to claimants/beneficiaries who are dissatisfied with the initial determination.

"Representative" means an attorney who meets all of the requirements of 20 CFR 404.1705(a) or 20 CFR 416.1505(a), or a person other than an attorney who meets all of the requirements of 20 CFR 404.1705(b) or 20 CFR 416.1505(b), and whom the beneficiary appoints to represent him/her in dealings with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

"Supervising hearing officer" means an experienced disability examiner supervisor appointed to manage the disability hearing process.