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We propose to revise our rules regarding returning evidence at the Appeals Council level. Our current regulations require the Appeals Council to return to the claimant additional evidence when the Appeals Council finds that the evidence does not relate to the period on or before the date of the administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing decision. With the availability and use of our electronic services, and because the current procedures are not administratively efficient or cost effective, these rules would no longer require us to return any additional evidence when the Appeals Council determines the additional evidence does not relate to the period on or before the date of the ALJ decision, except in rare circumstances. We are not proposing any changes to how the Appeals Council considers additional evidence or when the Appeals Council gives protective filing based on the receipt of additional evidence.