| A. The employer shall respond to the claim on the employer response form provided by the Department no later than 15 days after the Department mails the employer a copy of the claim by ordinary mail.
B. If the employer fails or refuses to submit a response to the claim in accordance with subsection (A), the Department will notify the employer in writing that the employer must pay the amount claimed or submit a written response to the claim within 15 days of the Department's notification.
C. If the employer's response is incomplete or lacks documentation, the employer shall submit further information or documentation within 15 days of the Department's notification of the deficiency to the employer. If the employer fails or refuses to submit the information or documentation required by the Department, the Department will make a determination of the claim based on the evidence in the file.
D. If the employer's response protests the amount claimed by the claimant, the Department shall send a copy of the response to the claimant and give the claimant 15 days from the date of notification by the Department by ordinary mail to reply to the employer's response. If the claimant fails or refuses to respond, the Department will make a determination of the claim based on the evidence in the file.
E. If the employer fails or refuses to pay the amount claimed or submit a written response to the claim in accordance with subsection (B), the Department will make a determination of the claim based on the evidence in the file.
F. The claimant, the employer, or both parties, shall submit further written information or shall meet with the Director or his designee, if necessary, to complete the Department's investigation of a claim. Except for settlement, mediation, or informal conferences, the Director or his designee shall administer oaths for the purpose of taking affidavits and shall tape record the meeting.
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