[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 150 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41886-41889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-20866]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION


Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

    Notice is given that a new chapter, TAG for the Office of the 
Deputy Commissioner, Policy (ODCP) is being issued. This statement also 
amends parts S and T of the Statement of the Organization, Functions 
and Delegations of Authority which covers the Social Security 
Administration (SSA). Chapter TA covers the Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner, Programs and Policy (ODCPP). Notice is given that this 
office is being retitled as the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, 
Disability and Income Security Programs (ODCDISP). Subchapter TAR, the 
Office of Policy and Planning will be abolished and the functions split 
between ODCP and ODCDISP. Subchapter TAN, the Office of Research, 
Evaluation and Statistics will also be abolished within ODCPP and be 
reestablished as a new office with the newly created Office of the 
Deputy Commissioner, Policy. Subchapter TAJ, the Office of 
International Policy is being retitled as the Office of International 
Programs. Subchapter TAP, the Office of Program Benefits Policy is 
being retitled as the Office of Program Benefits. Notice is further 
given that Chapter S, the Social Security Administration opening 
chapter will be amended to reflect these organizational changes.
    The changes are as follow:
    Section S.10  The Social Security Administration--(Organization):
    Retitle:
    I. ``The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs and Policy'' 
to ``The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs''.
    Add:
    K. The Office of the Actuary (TC).
    L. The Office of Communications (TE).
    M. The Office of Policy (TG).
    Add new Chapter.

Chapter TG
Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy
TG.00  Mission
TG.10  Organization
    TG.20  Functions

    Section TG.00  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy-- 
(Mission):
    The Deputy Commissioner, Policy is the principal advisor to the 
Commissioner of Social Security on major policy issues and is 
responsible for major activities in the areas of strategic policy 
planning, policy research and evaluation, statistical programs, and 
overall policy development and analysis. The Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner, Policy (ODCP) serves as the Agency lead spokesperson in 
presenting policy proposals and analysis within and outside the 
Executive Branch. The Office directs the formulation of overall policy 
for SSA and ensures the consistency of policy development and 
implementation activities across all programs administered by SSA. The 
Office broadly formulates, promulgates, and interprets programs, 
objectives, and policy. The Office directs research, evaluation and 
analysis, and development of demonstrations and studies supporting the 
policy development of SSA. Provides recommendations on modification of 
social insurance and income assistance programs administered by SSA. 
Conducts the statistical programs of the Agency. The Office is involved 
in developing legislative and regulatory specifications and analyses of 
legislative and budgetary impacts. The Office works with the Department 
of Treasury on issues of policy relating to the Federal Insurance 
Contributions Act and the Self-Employment Contributions Act, including 
such matters as definition of wages and implementation of law. It 
directs formulation of Agency policy regarding related government 
programs that affect SSA programs and/or operations and negotiates 
related agreements with other agencies. It evaluates the effectiveness 
of national policies in meeting both short and long-term program goals.
    Section TG.10  The Office of the Deputy Commission, Policy--
(Organization):
    The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy, under the leadership 
of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy, includes:
    A. The Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TG).
    B. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TG).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TGA).
    D. The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (TGB).
    E. The Office of Disability and Income Assistance Policy (TGC).
    F. The Office of Retirement Policy (TGE).
    Section TG.20  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy--
(Functions):
    A. The Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TG) is directly responsible to 
the Commissioner for carrying out the ODCP mission and for providing 
general supervision to the major components of ODCP.
    B. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TG) assists the 
Deputy Commissioner in carrying out his/her responsibilities and 
performs other duties as the Deputy Commissioner may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy (TGA) 
provides the Deputy Commissioner with staff assistance on the full 
range of his/her responsibilities.
    D. The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (TGB) develops 
and conducts SSA's research and statistical programs. Topics of 
research include evaluation of such things as income security, the 
effects of Social Security and income assistance programs on the 
economy, financing, and adequacy of cash benefits. This Office plans 
and directs studies to evaluate the effects of proposed policy changes 
on individuals, the economy, SSA programs and the interactions among 
these programs, other tax and income-transfer programs, and economic, 
social and demographic forces. Short and long-term research on the 
disabled population, work incentives, assessment tools, and impact of 
current and emerging medical technologies on SSA disability

[[Page 41887]]

financing and income assistance programs are conducted by the Agency 
under the oversight of this Office. This Office is also responsible for 
designing, implementing and assessing the results of models that test 
proposed changes in policy. Establishes linkages of SSA data with data 
from other statistical and record systems and develops and operates 
models to analyze the impact of present programs and program 
alternatives. Conducts broad analyses of major social and economic 
trends and their impact on Social Security and income assistance 
program policy.
    E. The Office of Disability and Income Assistance Policy (TGC) 
provides broad policy analysis and development in disability and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.This Office is responsible 
for the development of disability and income assistance policy for the 
Agency. This Office conducts broad analyses of eligibility and return 
to work proposals. It formulates Agency policy regarding cross-cutting 
programs or issues related to disability and/or income assistance 
programs and works with other agencies, including the Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), toward this end.
    F. The Office of Retirement Policy (TGE) provides policy analysis 
and policy development in retirement and survivors insurance programs. 
This Office is responsible for the development of social insurance, 
financing and economic policy for the Agency. Conducts broad analyses 
of major social and economic trends and their impact on social 
insurance policies.
    Add new Subchapter.

Subchapter TGB
Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics
TGB.00  Mission
TGB.10  Organization
TGB.20  Functions

    Section TGB.00  The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics--
(Mission):
    The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics develops and 
conducts SSA's research and statistical programs. Topics of research 
include evaluation of such things as income security, the effects of 
Social Security and income assistance programs on the economy, 
financing, and adequacy of cash benefits. This Office plans and directs 
studies to evaluate he effects of proposed policy changes on 
individuals, the economy, SSA programs and the interactions among these 
programs, other tax and income-transfer programs, and economic, social 
and demographic forces. Short and long-term research on the disabled 
population, work incentives, assessment tools, and impact of current 
and emerging medical technologies on SSA disability financing and 
income assistance programs are conducted by the Agency under the 
oversight of this Office. This Office is also responsible for 
designing, implementing and assessing the results of models that test 
proposed changes in policy. Establishes linkages of SSA data with data 
from other statistical and record systems and develops and operates 
models to analyze the impact of present programs and program 
alternatives. Conducts broad analyses of major social and economic 
trends and their impact on Social Security and income assistance 
program policy.
    Section TGB.0  The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics.--
(Organization):
    The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics under the 
leadership of the Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and 
Statistics, includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and 
Statistics (TGB).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and 
Statistics (TGB)/
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for Research, 
Evaluation and Statistics (TGBA).
    D. The Publications Staff (TGBB).
    E. The Division of Program Analysis (TGBC).
    F. The Division of Economic Research (TGBE).
    G. The Division of Earnings Statistics and Analysis (TGBG).
    H. The Division of Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance 
Research Statistics (TGBH).
    I. The Division of SSI Analysis/Management Statistical Support 
(TGBJ).
    J. The Disability Research Staff (TGBK).
    Section TGB.20  The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics--
(Functions):
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and 
Statistics (TGB) is directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, 
Policy for Carrying out ORES' mission, and providing general 
supervision to the major components of ORES.
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and 
Statistics (TGB) assists the Associate Commissioner in carrying out 
his/her responsibilities and performs other duties the Associate 
Commissioner may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for Research, 
Evaluation and Statistics (TGBA) provides the Associate Commissioner 
and Deputy Associate Commissioner with staff assistance on the full 
range of their responsibilities and helps coordinate the activities of 
ORES components.
    D. The Publications Staff (TGBB).
    1. Advises ORES on the development, organization and presentation 
of research and statistical studies.
    2. Publishes and distributes these studies to national and 
international audiences.
    3. Assesses informational needs of SSA staff, staff in other 
Government agencies, the social science research community and the 
public for data and findings from the ORES research program.
    E. The Division of Program Analysis (TGBC).
    1. Plans, designs and conducts surveys of program target groups and 
performs policy-relevant research.
    2. Analyzes the impact of proposed policy options, legislative 
proposals and special high-priority issues and prepares briefing 
materials for SSA administrators.
    3. Plans, conducts and publishes the results of cross-national 
research on social security programs worldwide.
    F. The Division of Economic Research (TGBE).
    1. Plans, directs and executes issue-oriented research to provide 
information about relationships between the Social Security program, 
the economy and other aspects of society.
    2. Interprets changing demographic and economic trends as they 
relate to the broad field of economic security and to overall economic 
and social policy.
    3. Studies such major areas as: Social Security financing, economic 
impacts of Social Security, income maintenance, effect of Social 
Security on lifetime income redistribution, alternative measures of 
income adequacy, and labor market and retirement behavior.
    G. The Division of Earnings Statistics and Analysis (TGBG).
    1. Plans, coordinates and directs the preparation of statistical 
and analytical data pertaining to earnings, employment and employer 
classification. Analyzes these data with emphasis on demographic, 
economic, social and program characteristics. These data are used to 
support program and legislative planning and serve as important sources 
for program evaluation, research and administrative information within 
SSA, and for research by other Federal and State and local government 
agencies, universities, and private research organizations.

[[Page 41888]]

    2. Provides ORES and other SSA researchers with support in the 
development of social science survey data linked with SSA 
administrative record data.
    H. The Division of Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance 
Research Statistics (TGBH).
    1. Plans, coordinates and directs the preparation of statistical 
and analytical data pertaining to RSDI claims and benefits provisions 
of Title II of the Social Security Act. Analyzes these data with 
emphasis on demographic, economic, social and program characteristics. 
These data are used to support program and legislative planning and 
serve as important sources for program evaluation, research and 
administrative information within SSA, and for research by other 
Federal and State and local government agencies, universities and 
private research organizations.
    I. The Division of SSI Analysis/Management Statistical Support 
(TGBJ).
    1. Plans, coordinates and directs the preparation of statistical 
and analytical data pertaining to the Supplemental Security Income 
provisions of Title XVI of the Social Security Act. Analyzes these data 
with emphasis on demographic, economic, social and program 
characteristics. These data are used to support program and legislative 
planning and serve as important sources for program evaluation, 
research and administrative information within SSA and for research by 
other Federal and State and local government agencies, universities and 
private research organizations.
    2. Provides management statistical services to SSA operating and 
policy components, including such activities as the development of 
general purpose and customized field office samples, development of 
work sampling systems and quality assurance systems, and the design and 
analysis of operational pilot studies. Provides support for the 
development and use of mathematical models and statistical methods.
    J. The Disability Research Staff (TGBK).
    1. Plans, directs and implements a wide range of studies and 
analyses, utilizing data from surveys and administrative records, on 
the national disabled population, disability applicants and disability 
beneficiaries.
    2. Develops research in response to DI program issues.
    3. Maintains and develops research surveys and administrative data 
files used in the analysis of disability data.
    Retitle:
    Chapter TA, ``The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs and 
Policy'' to ``The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and 
Income Security Programs''. Change all references to ``The Office of 
the Deputy Commissioner, Programs and Policy'' to ``The Office of the 
Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs'' and all 
references to ``ODCPP'' to ``ODCDISP'' throughout Chapter TA and all 
its Subchapters.
    Section TA.00  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability 
and Income Security Programs--(Mission):
    Amend to read as follows:
    The Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs is 
the principal advisor to the Commissioner of Social Security on program 
policy issues and is involved in strategic planning, policy 
development, and analysis of SSA program policy. The Office of the 
Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs (ODCDISP) 
directs the formulation of program policy for SSA. It directs and 
manages the planning, development, issuance, and evaluation of 
operational policies, standards, and instructions for the Retirement 
and Survivors Insurance (RSI), Disability Insurance (DI), Supplemental 
Security Income (SSI) programs, and other SSA programs. The Office 
assists in achievement of consistency in program policy across programs 
administered by SSA. The Office is involved in analyses of legislative 
and regulatory specifications and budgetary impacts of legislation on 
programs administered by SSA. The Office produces data on the programs 
of the Agency. It is involved in the development of demonstrations and 
studies that provide recommendations on program improvements. The 
Office is responsible for the Agency's Regulatory Program. Oversees 
Agency hearings and appeals activities. Provides budget and management 
guidance for the disability claims activities as carried out by the 
State Disability Determination Services (DDSs). Oversees the 
collection, use and dissemination of both personal and non-personal 
information to ensure consistency with Agency objectives, law and the 
expectations of the American public. Develops and implements policies 
and procedures and coordinates activities relating to the operation of 
Social Security programs outside of the United States. Coordinates 
programmatic response to court actions and requirements in civil 
actions involving all Social Security administered programs.
    Section TA.10  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability 
and Income Security Programs--(Organization):
    Abolish and delete subchapters for same components:
    D. The Office of Policy and Planning (TAR).
    H. The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (TAN).
    Retitle:
    G. ``The Office of International Policy'' (TAJ) to ``The Office of 
International Programs'' (TAJ).
    I. ``The Office of Program Benefits Policy'' (TAP) to ``The Office 
of Program Benefits'' (TAP).
    Amend to read as follows:
    The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, 
Disability and Income Security Programs includes:
    A. The Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs 
(TA).
    B. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs (TA).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and 
Income Security Programs (TAA).
    D. The Office of Disability (TAE).
    E. The Office of Hearings and Appeals (TAH).
    F. The Office of International Programs (TAJ).
    G. The Office of Program Benefits (TAP).
    H. The Office of Program Support (TAS).
    Section TA.20  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability 
and Income Security Programs--(Functions):
    Abolish in their entirety and delete subchapters for same 
components:
    D. The Office of Policy and Planning (TAR).
    H. The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (TAN).
    Retitle:
    G. ``The Office of International Policy'' (TAJ) to ``The Office of 
International Programs'' (TAJ).
     I. ``The Office of Program Benefits Policy'' (TAP) to ``The Office 
of Program Benefits'' (TAP).
    Amend to read as follows:
    A. The Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs 
(TA) is directly responsible to the Commissioner for carrying out the 
ODCDISP mission and for providing general supervision to the major 
components of ODCDISP.
    B. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs (TA) assists the Deputy Commissioner in carrying out 
his/her responsibilities and performs other duties as the Deputy 
Commissioner may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and

[[Page 41889]]

Income Security Programs (TAA) provides the Deputy Commissioner with 
staff assistance on the full range of his/her responsibilities.
    D. The Office of Disability (TAE) plans, develops, evaluates, and 
issues operational and administrative appeals process regulations, 
rulings, policies, standards, and instructions for use by State, 
Federal, and private contractor providers which implement the 
disability provisions of the Social Security Act. Provides operational 
policy advice, technical support, management information, and 
management direction to central office and field components in the 
administration of the disability programs. Evaluates the effects of 
proposed legislation and legislation pending before the Congress to 
determine the operational impact on the disability programs. Provides 
national budgeting and oversight of disability claims processing as 
carried out by the State DDSs. Processes State agency workloads on a 
temporary or transitional basis.
    E. The Office of Hearings and Appeals (TAH) administrators the 
nationwide hearings and appeals program for SSA. Holds hearings and 
issues decisions as part of the SSA appeals process. Directs a 
nationwide field organization that conducts impartial hearings and 
makes decisions on appealed determinations involving Retirement, 
Survivors, Disability, Health Insurance, Black Lung and Supplemental 
Security Income benefits.
    F. The Office of International Programs (TAJ) serves as SSA's focal 
point for international program policy matters and for its 
participation in the international Social Security community. Serves as 
liaison to international agencies and associations that deal with 
Social Security matters. Negotiates international Social Security 
(totalization) agreements with foreign governments and develops 
policies and procedures to implement the agreements. Develops and 
implements policies and procedures relating to the operation of the 
Social Security program outside the United States. Provides training 
programs and technical consultation on Social Security and related 
fields to Social Security officials and other experts outside the 
United States.
    G. The Office of Program Benefits (TAP) provides SSA-wide 
leadership and direction to the development, coordination and 
promulgation of procedures, operational policies, standards and 
instructions for the Retirement, Survivors and Supplemental Security 
Income (SSI) programs administered by the Agency. Develops and issues 
guidelines for use by State and Federal organizations which implement 
the SSI provisions. Develops agreements with State supplementation 
programs, Medicaid eligibility, data exchange programs, food stamps and 
fiscal reporting processes. Coordinates programmatic response to court 
actions and requirements in civil actions involving all Social Security 
administered programs. Directs the coordination and publication of 
acquiescence rulings and instructions related to acquiescence rulings.
    H. The Office of Program Support (TAS) provides leadership in 
overseeing the Agency's system of programmatic instructions, notices to 
the public and technical documents. Develops and maintains standards 
governing the translating of policy decisions into operational 
policies, procedures and notices. Responsible for the Agency's 
Regulatory Program, including development of SSA's Regulatory Plan and 
the Agency's portion of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. 
Oversees the Agency's implementation of policies that utilize 
technologies in providing service to the public and provides program 
management of such technological applications. Develops and interprets 
SSA program policy governing requests for disclosure of information 
from Agency records under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the 
Freedom of Information Act. Designs, implements and maintains automated 
information and communications systems ODISP-wide.
    Retitle:
    Subchapter TAJ, ``The Office of International Policy'' to ``The 
Office of International Programs''. Change all references to ``The 
Office of International Policy'' to ``The Office of International 
Programs'' throughout Chapter TA and all its sub chapters.
    Retitle:
    Subchapter TAP, ``The Office of Program Benefits Policy'' to ``The 
Office of Program Benefits''. Change all references to ``The Office of 
Program Benefits Policy'' to ``The Office of Program Benefits'' and all 
references to ``OPBP'' to ``OPB'' throughout Chapter TA and all its 
subchapters.

    Dated: July 17, 1998.
Kenneth S. Apfel,
Commissioner of Social Security
[FR Doc. 98-20866 Filed 8-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-P