Obsolete 0411 - 811-4 Returned Mail

Effective date:   December 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011

When mail sent to a client is returned by the post office, the worker must take the following actions.

1. If returned mail has a forwarding address on it, resend the returned mail to the client's new address.  See 815-1 for information on Change of Address.

2. If there is no forwarding address on the returned mail, the following policy applies.  

1. If the returned mail was a request for the client to provide information or take an action, send a denial or closure notice to the client's last known address.  The closure notice can be mailed less than 10 days before the effective date of the closure, but no later than the actual effective date.  (See 811-2)  Even though the denial or closure notice may be returned, the agency must send a proper denial or closure notice.

2. If the returned mail was a denial notice or a closure notice, note in the case record that it was returned with no forwarding address.  No further notice is required.

3. If a client's whereabouts become known during the period of time that the client is still eligible for benefits, reinstate benefits.  Take any additional actions needed on any changes in circumstances.