[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Social Security Administration Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



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Part XLIII



Social Security Administration



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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                                   


  



_______________________________________________________________________

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Office of the Commissioner

20 CFR Ch. III

Semiannual Unified Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: Executive Order 12866 entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review,'' issued September 30, 1993, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) require each Federal agency to publish 
semiannually a brief description of all regulatory actions then under 
development or review, expected to be under development or review for 
the next 12 months, or completed since the previous publication of the 
agenda. Our last agenda of regulations was published on November 28, 
1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about a 
specific regulatory action, contact the person identified as the agency 
contact for that action. Comments or inquiries of a general nature 
should be directed to Martin J. Sussman, Acting Regulations Officer, 
Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235; telephone (410) 965-1767.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has 
responsibility for the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance 
programs under title II of the Social Security Act (the Act) and the 
supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Act. We are 
not a regulatory agency. For the most part, SSA's regulations do not 
impose burdens on the private sector or on State, local, or tribal 
governments. Our regulations document the rules under which we make 
eligibility determinations and set forth both the responsibilities of 
the Agency towards the public and beneficiary's rights and 
responsibilities under the programs we administer.

    Our regulatory efforts can be placed into one of the following 
three categories: 1) legislative implementation; 2) program 
improvements to provide better service to SSA customers; and 3) 
improvements or clarifications to fulfill commitments made as part 
of the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative.

    We continue to seek legislative improvements for the programs 
we administer. However, because of the complexity of our programs, 
statutory language is rarely detailed enough to govern the actions 
of agency adjudicative decisionmakers. Supporting regulations are 
often required. In some instances, the Congress directs SSA to 
issue implementing regulations. For other legislative provisions, 
SSA regulations provide program information to applicants for 
benefits, current beneficiaries, and their legal counsels.

    Providing world-class service to our customers is a principal 
objective of the Social Security Administration. Our regulatory 
program supports this overarching Agency goal. One of the areas in 
which we are working hard to deliver high quality service is our 
disability determination process. Several of our agenda items 
support improvements to disability program administration. Also, 
some of the regulatory items support SSA's Disability Redesign 
Plan. The Disability Redesign aims to streamline our disability 
determination process and provide better service to applicants for 
disability benefits.

    SSA's regulatory program supports the President's Reinventing 
Government (REGO II) initiative to create a Federal Government that 
works better and costs less. We list three regulations which would 
carry out REGO II initiatives.

    Cycling Payment of Social Security Benefits for future 
beneficiaries is designed to pay social security benefits on 
several payment dates each month instead of making all the payments 
on the same date, as is our current practice. The current use of 
one payment date creates a workload spike each month for SSA, for 
other Federal agencies, and for financial institutions and other 
businesses which participate in or depend on issuance of social 
security benefits. Spreading the issuance of payments throughout 
the month and reducing workload spikes for SSA and others will 
result in better service to our customers. We expect that our 
customers will have better access to SSA personnel and services in 
our field facilities and through use of our national 1-800 
teleservice network. Current beneficiaries can expect to continue 
to receive their benefit payments on the third of each month. The 
additional payment dates will be assigned to new beneficiaries as 
their benefit awards are processed.

    Two other agenda items support the following REGO II 
initiatives: Providing ``One-Stop'' Service for Aliens Applying for 
Social Security Cards and Reducing Burden Associated With Reporting 
Wages. The goal of each of these initiatives and the supporting 
regulations is to streamline service to our customers by improving 
the efficiency of current processes.

    Consistent with the President's Regulatory Reinvention 
Initiative, we are working diligently to improve our program 
benefit regulations and to develop partnerships with large segments 
of the community of stakeholders interested in Social Security 
programs. Our aim is to clarify or improve over 50 percent of the 
Code of Federal Regulations pages for which we are responsible. The 
remainder of our Unified Agenda items are such improvements and 
clarifications.

    The April 1996 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated: March 14, 1996.

Martin J. Sussman,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3938        Standards of Conduct for Claimant Representatives (431P)..............................    0960-AD73 
3939        Fees for Federal Administration of State Supplementary Payments in the SSI Program;                 
            Interest Charging on State Supplementary Payment Funds (376P).........................    0960-AD75 

[[Page 23875]]

                                                                                                                
3940        Benefits for Spouses, Divorced Spouses, and Children (455P)...........................    0960-AD83 
3941        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment                     
            Provisions for Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (507P)......    0960-AD98 
3942        Definition of United States Resident; Evidence of Citizenship (515P)..................    0960-AE05 
3943        Hearing Procedures for Civil Monetary Penalty Cases (579P)............................    0960-AE41 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                Final Rule Stage                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3944        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for                  
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................    0960-AB01 
3945        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income                       
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides                 
            (147F)................................................................................    0960-AB73 
3946        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payee Reforms (295F)........................    0960-AD22 
3947        Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Payment for VR                      
            Services Furnished Individuals During Certain Months of Nonpayment of SSI Benefits                  
            (315F)................................................................................    0960-AD39 
3948        Statement of Earnings and Benefit Estimate (415F).....................................    0960-AD74 
3949        Valuation of Certain In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Where There Is a Cost-of-                
            Living Adjustment in SSI Benefits (454F)..............................................    0960-AD82 
3950        Technical Changes to Title XVI (466F).................................................    0960-AD89 
3951        Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled; Evidence of Lawful                   
            Admission for Permanent Residence in the United States (468F).........................    0960-AD90 
3952        Waiver of Recovery of Overpayments; Notice of Appeal and Waiver Rights and Right to a               
            Pre-Recoupment Oral Hearing Before Denial of Waiver (491F)............................    0960-AD99 
3953        Coverage Provisions of Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of                 
            1994 and of the Domestic Employment Reform Act of 1994 (503F).........................    0960-AE00 
3954        When You Are a Full-Time Elementary or Secondary School Student (552F)................    0960-AE21 
3955        Income Exclusions in the SSI Program (502F)...........................................    0960-AE22 
3956        Authority To Impose Civil Money Penalties (532F)......................................    0960-AE23 
3957        Cycling Payment of Social Security Benefits (558F)....................................    0960-AE31 
3958        Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit               
            Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)..........................................    0960-AE40 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3959        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating               
            Mental Disorders for Adults (222F)....................................................    0960-AC74 
3960        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................    0960-AD23 
3961        Code of Conduct for Administrative Law Judges and Administrative Appeals Judges of the              
            Social Security Administration (341P).................................................    0960-AD54 
3962        Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced                
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)...........................................................    0960-AD56 
3963        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (382F).......................................    0960-AD65 
3964        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for                  
            Determination of Disability; Hemic and Lymphatic System, and Malignant Neoplastic                   
            Diseases (399P).......................................................................    0960-AD67 
3965        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (NEWMAN) (434P)..............................    0960-AD77 
3966        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and Obesity              
            and Related Criteria (436P)...........................................................    0960-AD78 

[[Page 23876]]

                                                                                                                
3967        Temporary Increase in Sponsorship Period for Aliens Under the SSI Program (457P)......    0960-AD84 
3968        Prevention of Adverse Effects on Eligibility and Benefit Amount When Spouse or Parent               
            Absent Due to Active Military Service (462P)..........................................    0960-AD86 
3969        Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income,              
            Acceptable Medical Sources (469P).....................................................    0960-AD91 
3970        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support (475P)    0960-AD92 
3971        Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)..............    0960-AD93 
3972        Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Purposes of Determining the Earnings                   
            Record on Which a Person Who Is Simultaneously Entitled to Child's Insurance Benefits               
            (481P)................................................................................    0960-AD95 
3973        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for                        
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F).....................    0960-AD96 
3974        SSI Eligibility for Students Temporarily Abroad (505P)................................    0960-AE01 
3975        Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F)........................................    0960-AE02 
3976        Guaranteed Family Maximums (510F).....................................................    0960-AE03 
3977        Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Income and Resources,               
            Deeming of Parental Income and Resources When Children Are Hospitalized (522P)........    0960-AE08 
3978        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Overpayment Debt Collection Procedures                
            (523P)................................................................................    0960-AE09 
3979        Determinations and Administrative Review Process--Applicability of Administrative Res               
            Judicata (526P).......................................................................    0960-AE11 
3980        SSA Acquisition Regulations (527F)....................................................    0960-AE12 
3981        Misuse of Symbols, Emblems, or Names in Reference to the Social Security                            
            Administration (530P).................................................................    0960-AE15 
3982        OASDI; Nonpayment of Benefits to Incarcerated Individuals and Individuals Confined in               
            Criminal Cases, Pursuant to Conviction or by Court Order Based on Findings of Insanity              
            (531P)................................................................................    0960-AE16 
3983        Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506I).................    0960-AE17 
3984        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security                    
            Number Cards (543F)...................................................................    0960-AE18 
3985        Lump Sum Death Payment and Living in the Same Household (548F)........................    0960-AE20 
3986        Freedom of Information and Availability of Information Regulations for Independent SSA              
            (546F)................................................................................    0960-AE24 
3987        Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain                  
            Grants and Agreements with States, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547F)........    0960-AE25 
3988        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide                         
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)..................................    0960-AE27 
3989        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and              
            Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)................................    0960-AE28 
3990        Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and                     
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).........................................................    0960-AE29 
3991        Status of Legally Adopted Child (557P)................................................    0960-AE30 
3992        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (566F).....................    0960-AE34 
3993        Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits                  
            (567P)................................................................................    0960-AE35 
3994        Provide ``One-Stop'' Service for Aliens Applying for Social Security Cards (569P).....    0960-AE36 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                Completed Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3995        Supplemental Security Income Program; Continuation of Full Benefit Standard for                     
            Certain Persons Temporarily Institutionalized (198F)..................................    0960-AC55 
3996        Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Exclusion From Income               
            and Resources of Victims' Compensation Payments and State Relocation Assistance (311F)    0960-AD36 
3997        Extension of Time Period for Not Counting as Resources, Funds Received for Repair or                
            Replacement of Damaged or Destroyed Excluded Resources in the SSI Program (486F)......    0960-AD87 
3998        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Signature Requirements for                 
            State Agency Medical and Psychological Consultants in Disability Determinations (465F)    0960-AD88 
3999        Government Pension Offset, Windfall Elimination Provision, and Annual Earnings Report               
            (514F)................................................................................    0960-AE04 
4000        Assigning SSNs to Undocumented Aliens Who Are Representative Payees or SSI Deemors                  
            (549P)................................................................................    0960-AE26 
4001        Revision of Authority Citations (562F)................................................    0960-AE32 
4002        Social Security Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Establishment of New Part 498 To Address                 
            Civil Money Penalties, Assessment and Exclusions (563F)...............................    0960-AE33 
4003        Promote One-Stop Benefit Application (572P)...........................................    0960-AE38 

[[Page 23877]]

                                                                                                                
4004        Determining Disability and Blindness; Extension of Expiration Dates for Hemic and                   
            Lymphatic System, Childhood Mental Disorders, and Malignant Neoplastic Diseases                     
            Listing (573F)........................................................................    0960-AE39 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



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3938. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR CLAIMANT REPRESENTATIVES (431P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 406; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
1383(d)(1); 42 USC 1383(d)(2)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1700ff; 20 CFR 416.1500ff

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We proposed to amend our regulations to establish standards 
of conduct and responsibility for persons serving as representatives of 
claimants seeking a right or benefit under titles II or XVI of the 
Social Security Act. These regulations are part of SSA's Disability 
Redesign.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Division of 
Regulations and Rulings, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD73
_______________________________________________________________________




3939. FEES FOR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS IN 
THE SSI PROGRAM; INTEREST CHARGING ON STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENT FUNDS 
(376P)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1382(e); 42 USC 1383; PL 93-66, 
sec 212; PL 101-453; PL 102-589

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.2010; 20 CFR 416.2090

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 13731 of Pub. L. 103-66 (the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1993) enacted August 10, 1993, requires the 
Commissioner to assess each State an administration fee for processing 
the State's mandatory and optional supplementary payments. The fee will 
be charged for all State supplementary payments issued on or after 
October 1, 1993. Also, the Commissioner may charge a State an 
additional services fee if, at the request of the State, the 
Commissioner provides services beyond the level customarily provided in 
the administration of such payments. The Cash Management Improvement 
Act, Pub. L. 101-453 as amended by Pub. L. 102-589, sets forth rules 
regarding the transfer of funds from States to SSA for use in making 
supplementary payments and authorizes the imposition of an interest 
liability on either the States or SSA under certain circumstances. 
These proposed rules will reflect these statutory provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD75
_______________________________________________________________________




3940. BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES, DIVORCED SPOUSES, AND CHILDREN (455P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 
405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 428(a); 42 USC 428(b); 42 USC 
428(c); 42 USC 428(d); 42 USC 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.331; 20 CFR 404.332; 20 CFR 404.341; 20 CFR 
404.357; 20 CFR 404.361; 20 CFR 404.366

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will make technical changes to several 
sections. Most of the changes correct problems with wording which 
occurred during the 1980 recodification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD83
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23878]]





3941. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT PROVISIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG 
ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM (507P)

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-296, sec 201; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 
1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.2001; 20 CFR 404.2010; 20 CFR 404.2021; 20 
CFR 404.2040; 20 CFR 404.2040a; 20 CFR 404.2053; 20 CFR 416.621; 20 CFR 
416.640; 20 CFR 416.640a; 20 CFR 416.655

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to extend the 
representative payee requirement, which now applies only to recipients 
of supplemental security income (SSI) benefit payments, to Social 
Security disability insurance (DI) beneficiaries whose drug addiction 
or alcoholism is material to a finding of disability.

Statement of Need: These regulations are needed to implement the 
representative payment requirements of the Social Security Independence 
and Program Improvements Act of 1994.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 2 of P.L. 103-296 extends the 
representative payee requirement, which now applies only to 
supplemental security income recipients, to Social Security disability 
insurance beneficiaries.

Alternatives: None

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Effective stewardship of SSA programs 
requires mechanisms to assure that benefits are used to meet the needs 
of beneficiaries who are not able to manage their own benefits due to 
legal incompetence or medical infirmity. As part of the Social Security 
Improvements Act of 1994 Congress determined that individuals who 
receive social security disability insurance benefits whose drug 
addiction or alcoholism is material to the finding of disability must 
have representative payees. Preliminary estimates are that these 
regulations will have no effect on SSA program costs. Any 
administrative costs are part of legislative implementation and further 
our program integrity efforts.

Risks: Since basically all these regulations do is implement the 
statute, we see no risks associated with them.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/96
Final Action                    06/00/97

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD98
_______________________________________________________________________




3942. DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES RESIDENT; EVIDENCE OF CITIZENSHIP 
(515P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 
1382(f); 42 USC 1382c(f); 42 USC 1382j; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1180; 20 CFR 416.1603; 20 CFR 416.1610

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations will define more precisely the 
concept of ``living within the geographical limits of the United 
States.'' The others will state the requirements for religious records 
as proof of U.S. citizenship. We propose also to amend section 
416.1180, because there is an obvious error in the wording.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE05
_______________________________________________________________________




3943.  HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY CASES 
(579P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 1320a-8; 42 USC 
1320b-10; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 498.200 to 498.223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations add new rules that would establish 
hearing procedures for the Social Security Administration's civil 
monetary penalty cases. These rules will implement the provisions of 
section 1129 and section 1140 of the Social Security Act which require 
an opportunity to be heard on the record before a determination, to 
impose penalties or assessments, or to recommend an exclusion of a 
physician or medical provider from the Medicare program, becomes final.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE41
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23879]]




SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3944. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED 
MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM 
(143F)

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Sections 1.00 and 101.00 of appendix 1 to the disability 
regulations at 20 CFR 404.1501 through 404.1599 describe those 
musculoskeletal impairments which are considered severe enough to 
prevent a person from doing any gainful activity or age-appropriate 
activities. Comprehensive revisions to these sections are proposed to 
ensure that the medical evaluation criteria are up to date and 
consistent with the latest advances in medicine. The SSI program 
incorporates by reference and uses the same medical criteria as the 
old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program.

Statement of Need: These regulations are necessary to update the 
musculoskeletal listing to reflect advances in medical knowledge, 
treatment, and methods of evaluating musculoskeletal impairments.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Administrative--not required by statute or 
court order.

Alternatives: None--Medical advances require that this listing be 
updated.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: These final regulations will have 
negligible program and administrative cost impact because, despite 
changes in terminology and emphasis, the proposed musculoskeletal 
system listings describe a level of severity comparable to the level of 
severity contained in the current listings.

Risks: Since all this regulation will do is update the medical listing, 
we see no risks associated with these changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/21/93                    58 FR 67574
NPRM Comment Period End         02/22/94
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




3945. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME PROGRAMS, DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; 
SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY GUIDES (147F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 98-460, sec 10; PL 99-643; PL 100-203; PL 101-508

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404; 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations will clarify how the Social Security 
Administration evaluates a person's work activity to determine whether 
work is substantial gainful activity and whether an individual is 
entitled to a trial work period. These regulations also reflect 
statutory changes with respect to the trial work period and the re-
entitlement period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/95                    60 FR 12166
NPRM Comment Period End         05/15/95
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sandy Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




3946. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE 
REFORMS (295F)

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 101-508, sec 5105

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.902; 20 CFR 404.2001; 20 CFR 404.2011; 20 CFR 
404.2022; 20 CFR 404.2024; 20 CFR 404.2025; 20 CFR 404.2030; 20 CFR 
404.2041; 20 CFR 404.2050; 20 CFR 416.601; 20 CFR 416.611; 20 CFR 
416.622; 20 CFR 416.624; 20 CFR 416.625; 20 CFR 416.630; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Effective stewardship at SSA programs requires mechanisms to 
assure that benefits are used to meet the needs of beneficiaries who 
are not able to manage their own benefits due to legal incompetence or 
medical infirmity. Congress determined that improvements to the 
representative payment procedures were needed to assure program 
integrity as part of P.L. 101-508. Any costs associated with these 
regulations are reflected in the President's budget as part of 
legislative in implementation. They are required to further our program 
integrity efforts.

Statement of Need: These regulations, which reflect certain provisions 
of PL 101-508, modify existing representative payee procedures by 
requiring the Social Security Administration to do a more extensive 
investigation of representative payee applicants; generally limiting to 
1 month the deferral or suspension of direct payment of benefits 
pending selection of a payee; providing stricter standards in 
determining the fitness of representative payee applicants to manage 
benefit payments on behalf of beneficiaries; requiring SSA to repay to 
the beneficiary or an alternate payee, an amount equal to any misused 
funds resulting from SSA's negligent failure to investigate or monitor 
a representative payee; and requiring SSA to compile and maintain a 
centralized file of certain beneficiary and payee information.

[[Page 23880]]


These regulations are needed to reflect certain provisions of PL 101-
508 (OBRA '90). Sections 205(a), 1102, and 1631(d of the Act give the 
Commissioners broad power to make rules and carry out these provisions.

Summary of the Legal Basis: These regulations implement section 5105 of 
Public Law 101-508.

Alternatives: None

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Effective stewardship of SSA programs 
requires mechanisms to assure that benefits are used to meet the needs 
of beneficiaries who are not able to manage their own benefits due to 
legal incompetence or medical infirmity. Congress determined that 
improvements to the representative payment procedures were needed to 
assure program integrity as part of P.L. 101-508. Any costs associated 
with these regulations are reflected in the President's budget as part 
of legislative implementation. They are required to further our program 
integrity efforts.

Risks: Since basically all these regulations do is implement the 
statute, we see no risks associated with these regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/15/94                    59 FR 11949
NPRM Comment Period End         05/16/94
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________




3947. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
PAYMENT FOR VR SERVICES FURNISHED INDIVIDUALS DURING CERTAIN MONTHS OF 
NONPAYMENT OF SSI BENEFITS (315F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 101-508, Sec 5037

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.2113; 20 CFR 404.2115; 20 CFR 404.2116; 20 
CFR 416.2201; 20 CFR 416.2203; 20 CFR 416.2209; 20 CFR 416.2212; 20 CFR 
416.2213; 20 CFR 416.2215; 20 CFR 416.2216; 20 CFR 416.2217

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations reflect section 5037 of Pub. L. 101-508, 
which amends section 1615 of the Act, to provide for reimbursement for 
VR services furnished during certain months of nonpayment of 
Supplemental Security Income benefits. Prior to these amendments there 
was no provision in the law for such reimbursement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/11/95                    60 FR 47126
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/95
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD39
_______________________________________________________________________




3948. STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND BENEFIT ESTIMATE (415F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1320b-13

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.811; 20 CFR 404.812 (New); 20 CFR 422.125

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 1143(c) of the Social Security Act requires that by 
not later than September 30, 1995, we must furnish a social security 
account statement to each eligible individual who has attained age 60 
by October 1, 1994, is not receiving social security benefits, and for 
whom we can determine a current mailing address. During fiscal years 
1995 through 1999, we must furnish such a statement to eligible 
individuals attaining age 60. Similarly, beginning no later than 
October 1, 1999, we must provide such a statement annually to eligible 
individuals age 25 or over. In these regulations, we provide who will 
be sent a statement, who will not be sent a statement, how we will 
determine addresses, and the contents of the statements. We have not 
yet compiled all the costs. These regulations will benefit the public 
by implementing section 1143(c) which will help individuals verify that 
we have entered their correct earnings into our records and by showing 
the benefits to which such individuals may become entitled.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/19/95                     60 FR 3787
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/95
Final Action                    05/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jack Schanberger, Legal Assistant, Division of 
Regulations and Rulings, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-8471

RIN: 0960-AD74
_______________________________________________________________________




3949. VALUATION OF CERTAIN IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (ISM) WHERE 
THERE IS A COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN SSI BENEFITS (454F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-66, sec 13735

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.420; 20 CFR 416.1130(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation will reflect the amendment to section 
1611(c) of the Act, effective January 1, 1995, that the current Federal 
benefit rate be used in determining the value of certain in-kind 
support and

[[Page 23881]]

maintenance for the first 2 months in which a cost-of-living adjustment 
in SSI benefits applies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/09/95                    60 FR 40542
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/95
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AD82
_______________________________________________________________________




3950. TECHNICAL CHANGES TO TITLE XVI (466F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1382a; 42 USC 1382b; 42 USC 1382j

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1236; 20 CFR 416 app

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the supplemental security income regulations 
by making technical changes to update the appendix at the end of 
subpart K which lists exclusions from income in statutes other than the 
Social Security Act and to update the lists of statutory exclusions 
from resources contained in subpart L.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD89
_______________________________________________________________________




3951. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, OR DISABLED; 
EVIDENCE OF LAWFUL ADMISSION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN THE UNITED 
STATES (468F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1382c(a)(1)(B); 42 USC 
1382c(e); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1615

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On September 20, 1993, the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service (INS) published a regulatory change concerning the documents 
which certify the alien status of a lawful permanent resident within 
the United States. The change which establishes INS Form I-551, Alien 
Registration Receipt Card, as the definitive evidence of lawful 
permanent resident status was to be effective September 20, 1994. Since 
aliens who apply for SSI benefits as lawful permanent residents must 
submit evidence of this status, we are revising the title XVI 
regulations to reflect the change in the INS regulations. INS delayed 
the effective date of its regulation until March 1996.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/30/95                    60 FR 45110
NPRM Comment Period End         10/30/95
Final Action                    04/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD90
_______________________________________________________________________




3952. WAIVER OF RECOVERY OF OVERPAYMENTS; NOTICE OF APPEAL AND WAIVER 
RIGHTS AND RIGHT TO A PRE-RECOUPMENT ORAL HEARING BEFORE DENIAL OF 
WAIVER (491F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 404(a) to 404(d); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 1302; 
42 USC 402(i); 42 USC 402(j); 42 USC 402(o); 42 USC 402(p); 42 USC 
402(v); 42 USC 416(i)(2); 42 USC 423(b); 42 USC 428(a)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.502a; 20 CFR 404.506; 20 CFR 404.907; 20 CFR 
404.930; 20 CFR 410.561; 20 CFR 410.561a; 20 CFR 410.623; 20 CFR 
410.630

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Judicial, October 13, 1995. Final, Judicial, 
April 13, 1997.

Abstract: In these proposed regulations we state procedures resulting 
from the 1974 court decision in Buffington, et al. v. Weinberger, No 
734-73C2 (W.D. Wash. October 22, 1974), and the Supreme Court decision 
in Califano v. Yamasaki, 442 U.S. 682 (1979). The effects are to 
publish in regulations pursuant to the court order the rights of 
overpaid individuals to certain procedures currently afforded 
individuals under court oversight.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/02/95                    60 FR 28767
NPRM Comment Period End         08/01/95
Final Action                    06/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD99
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23882]]





3953. COVERAGE PROVISIONS OF SOCIAL SECURITY INDEPENDENCE AND PROGRAM 
IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1994 AND OF THE DOMESTIC EMPLOYMENT REFORM ACT OF 
1994 (503F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402(v); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 409; 42 USC 410; 
42 USC 411; 42 USC 418; 42 USC 429(a); 42 USC 430; 42 USC 431; 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1004; 20 CFR 404.1012; 20 CFR 404.1018; 20 
CFR 404.1018b; 20 CFR 404.1020; 20 CFR 404.1034; 20 CFR 404.1036; 20 
CFR 404.1042; 20 CFR 404.1055; 20 CFR 404.1056; 20 CFR 404.1057; 20 CFR 
404.1068; 20 CFR 404.1206; 20 CFR 404.1210; 20 CFR 404.1038 (New); ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pub. L. 103-296, the Social Security Independence and Program 
Improvements Act of 1994, contains the following coverage provisions 
(along with numerous other provisions) in a section called 
Miscellaneous Program Improvements: Sec. 303. Expansion of State option 
to exclude service of election officials or election workers from 
coverage. Sec. 305. Authorization for all States to extend coverage to 
State and local police officers and firefighters under existing 
coverage agreements. Sec. 319. Coverage under FICA of Federal employees 
transferred temporarily to international organizations; and Sec. 320. 
Extension of the FICA tax exemption and certain tax rules to 
individuals who enter the United States under a visa issued under 
section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, Pub. 
L. 103-387, the Social Security Domestic Employment Reform Act of 1994, 
made several changes with respect to the coverage of domestic services. 
Final rules will be published to reflect these two statutes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE00
_______________________________________________________________________




3954. WHEN YOU ARE A FULL-TIME ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT 
(552F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 403; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 
USC 423; 42 USC 428; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.350; 20 CFR 404.351; 20 CFR 404.352; 20 CFR 
404.353; 20 CFR 404.367; 20 CFR 404.369

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations revise our rules on full-time 
elementary or secondary school students to include students enrolled in 
home schooling or independent study programs authorized by State or 
local law, e.g., political subdivision, tribal government, or the 
District of Columbia. Prior rules covered only students in traditional 
institutional educational settings; however, many States (or other 
jurisdictions) provide for home schooling and independent study 
programs considered equivalent to traditional schools. These rules will 
show that nonpayment provisions apply to certain prisoners and certain 
other inmates of publicly funded institutions who otherwise would meet 
student benefit requirements. In addition, we have removed outdated 
rules on student benefits relating to months before August 1982.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/07/95                    60 FR 62783
NPRM Comment Period End         02/05/96
Final Action                    04/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE21
_______________________________________________________________________




3955. INCOME EXCLUSIONS IN THE SSI PROGRAM (502F)

Priority:  Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1124; 20 CFR 416.1161

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final supplemental security income (SSI) regulations 
update existing regulations to reflect the statutory amendment of the 
exclusion from income of Alaska Longevity Bonus payments. They also 
update existing regulations to reflect the statutory exclusion from 
income of hostile fire pay received by an SSI claimant or recipient and 
to reflect current operating procedure of excluding hostile fire pay 
when determining the countable income of an ineligible spouse or 
ineligible parent. In addition, they update existing regulations to 
reflect the current operating procedure of excluding impairment-related 
work expenses, and interest on an appreciation in the value of excluded 
burial funds and interest on excluded burial space purchase agreements, 
when determining the countable income of an ineligible spouse or 
ineligible parent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/95                    60 FR 62356
NPRM Comment Period End         02/05/96
Final Action                    09/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE22
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23883]]





3956. AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES (532F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1320a; 42 USC 1320b

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 498.100 to 498.104; 20 CFR 498.106; 20 CFR 
498.108 to 498.110; 20 CFR 498.127 to 498.129; 20 CFR 498.132

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations add new rules that establish the 
authority to impose civil money penalties against third parties, 
medical professionals, Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance 
(OASDI) beneficiaries, supplemental security income (SSI) recipients 
and other individuals and entities who engage in fraudulent schemes to 
enroll ineligible individuals in the OASDI and SSI programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/27/95                    60 FR 58305
NPRM Comment Period End         01/26/96
Final Action                    06/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE23
_______________________________________________________________________




3957. CYCLING PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS (558F)

Priority:  Economically Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 407; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
401(j); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 421(d); 42 USC 
405(i); 42 USC 909

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1805; 20 CFR 404.903

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This Reinventing Government initiative will result in 
staggered payment to new beneficiaries over a number of payment dates 
throughout the month to eliminate workload spikes and allow the Social 
Security Administration to provide better customer service without 
adding staff. Current beneficiaries and all Supplemental Security 
Income recipients will be unaffected by these regulatory changes.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement a 
Reinventing Government initiative.

Summary of the Legal Basis: These changes are not required by statute 
or court order.

Alternatives: None

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Payment cycling is proposed as both an 
immediate and long-term strategy to help the Agency improve service and 
better manage its resources. By leveling workloads, it will allow the 
public better access to SSA's field office and toll-free 800 number 
services. While the proposed change in payment patterns may result in 
some incidental savings from management and operational efficiencies, 
cycling is not expected to produce significant workyear savings. 
Cycling will benefit the business and banking communities in that they 
will be better able to utilize their resources throughout the month to 
serve their customers. Cycling will reduce the risk to the Federal 
government, the financial community, and to beneficiaries by reducing 
the volume of financial transactions passing through the payment system 
at any one time in the month.

Risks: This change in payment cycling, which will affect new 
beneficiaries who file claims, should pose no risks to our claimant 
population.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/26/96                     61 FR 2654
NPRM Comment Period End         03/26/96
Final Action                    07/00/96

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE31
_______________________________________________________________________




3958.  ELIMINATION OF ROUNDING DISTORTION IN THE CALCULATION OF 
THE CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT BASE AND EARNINGS TEST EXEMPT AMOUNTS 
(512F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.211(c); 20 CFR 404.430(c); 20 CFR 404.1047 to 
1048; 20 CFR 404, subpart C, app 1; 20 CFR 404.403(d); 20 CFR 
404.408ff; 20 CFR 404.1048(c); 20 CFR 404.1918(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 321(g) of Pub. L. 103-296 designates 1994 as the base 
year to be used in calculating increases in the OASDI contribution and 
benefit base and earnings test exempt amounts for all years after 1994. 
(Increases in these amounts will no longer be based on the rounded 
amounts applicable in the previous year, which can distort the base and 
exempt amounts over time.) The provision is effective for the 
contribution and benefit base beginning in 1995 and for earnings test 
exempt amounts for taxable years ending after 1994.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE40
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23884]]




SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3959. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; MEDICAL 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS FOR ADULTS (222F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1382c

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1; 20 CFR 404.1520a; 20 CFR 
404.1528; 20 CFR 416.920a; 20 CFR 416.928

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments revise the medical evaluation criteria for 
mental disorders for the Social Security and Supplemental Security 
Income disability programs. The revisions will reflect advances in 
medical treatment and in methods of evaluating certain mental 
impairments and will provide up-to-date medical criteria for use in the 
evaluation of disability claims based on mental disorders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/18/91                    56 FR 33130
NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/91
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________




3960. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; FEES FOR 
REPRESENTATION OF CLAIMANTS (296P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 101-508, Sec 5106

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1703; 20 CFR 404.1713; 20 CFR 404.1720; 20 
CFR 404.1715 to 404.1717; 20 CFR 404.1725; 20 CFR 416.1503; 20 CFR 
416.1513; 20 CFR 416.1520; 20 CFR 416.1515 to 416.1517; 20 CFR 416.1525

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend the regulations to reflect section 
5106(a) of Pub. L. 101-508 which modifies the manner in which past-due 
benefits are calculated and the process by which SSA approves fees 
charged by persons representing claimants before the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




3961. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
APPEALS JUDGES OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (341P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  EO 12674 as modified by EO 12731;; 42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations would establish a Code of Conduct for OHA 
Administrative Law Judges and Administrative Appeals Judges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sandy Bond, Legal Assistant, Division of Regulations 
and Rulings, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




3962. ELECTION OF BENEFITS BASED ON AGE BY DISABLED WIDOW, WIDOWER, AND 
SURVIVING DIVORCED SPOUSE BENEFICIARIES (343P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.336; 20 CFR 404.337

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations to permit the election of 
benefits based on age by widows, widowers and surviving divorced 
spouses (hereinafter, collectively widows) who are at least age 60 and 
who are already entitled to widow's benefits based on disability. This 
proposal would allow the widow to choose which of the two types of 
widow's benefits is more advantageous. The estimated increase in 
benefit payments is less than $500,000 per year for fiscal years 1992-
1995.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Division of 
Regulations and Rulings, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




3963. RELIABLE INFORMATION WHICH IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING 
BENEFIT AMOUNTS IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM (382F)

Priority:  Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing

[[Page 23885]]

Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1382(a) to 1382(c); 42 USC 
1382(e); 42 USC 1382a; 42 USC 1382f; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.420

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Judicial, March 16, 1993.

Abstract: Pursuant to the Court order in Gould, et al. v. Sullivan, No. 
C2-87-964 (S.D. Ohio, October 2, 1992), we proposed a rule for 
determining benefits in the SSI program. Under section 1611(c)(4)(A) of 
the Social Security Act, if the Secretary determines that reliable 
information is currently available concerning the income and other 
circumstances of an individual for a month, the Secretary may use that 
information to determine an individual's SSI benefit amount for that 
month. This discretionary method of determining SSI benefit amounts is 
an exception to the use of information from a prior month, known as 
retrospective monthly accounting (RMA), as provided in section 
1611(c)(1) of the Act. The proposed rule explained that the Secretary 
has determined that no information exists which is reliable and 
currently available to use in computing SSI benefit amounts pursuant to 
section 1611(c)(4).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/16/93                    58 FR 14191
NPRM Comment Period End         05/17/93
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD65
_______________________________________________________________________




3964. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED 
MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC 
SYSTEM, AND MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC DISEASES (399P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Sections 7.00 and 107.00 (hemic and lymphatic system), and 
13.00 and 113.00 (malignant neoplastic diseases) of appendix 1 to 
Subpart P of Part 404 of the Disability Regulations (404.1501 through 
404.1599) describe those impairments which are considered severe enough 
to prevent a person from engaging in any gainful activity, or in the 
case of a child under age 18, age-appropriate activities. We are 
proposing revisions to these sections to ensure that the medical 
evaluation criteria are up-to-date and consistent with the latest 
advances in medical knowledge and treatment. The Supplemental Security 
Income program incorporates and uses the same medical criteria as the 
Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




3965. RELIABLE INFORMATION WHICH IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING 
BENEFIT AMOUNTS IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM (NEWMAN) 
(434P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1382(a) to 1382(c); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.420

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Act (the Act) provides that if the 
Commissioner of Social Security (the Commissioner) determines that 
reliable information is currently available concerning the income of an 
individual, the Commissioner may use that information to determine an 
individual's current month's supplemental security income (SSI) benefit 
amount. This method of determining SSI benefit amounts is an exception 
to the use of income from a prior month, known as retrospective monthly 
accounting (RMA). The Commissioner has determined that no reliable 
information exists which is currently available for determining SSI 
benefit amounts for a current month using any method other than RMA. 
These rules are applicable only in California pursuant to a court order 
issued in Newman v. Shalala.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD77
_______________________________________________________________________




3966. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND OBESITY AND RELATED CRITERIA (436P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing

[[Page 23886]]

Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Sections 9.00 and 109.00 of appendix 1 to subpart P of part 
404 of the Disability Regulations (404.1501 through 404.1599) describe 
those impairments which are considered severe enough to prevent a 
person from engaging in any gainful activity, or in the case of a child 
under age 18, age-appropriate activities. We are proposing to revise 
the criteria in these sections to reflect advances in medical 
knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating endocrine impairments. 
The Supplemental Security Income program incorporates and uses the same 
medical criteria as the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




3967. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN SPONSORSHIP PERIOD FOR ALIENS UNDER THE SSI 
PROGRAM (457P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-152, sec 7

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1160; 20 CFR 416.1204

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 7 of Pub. L. 103-152 amended section 1621 of the 
Social Security Act to temporarily increase the sponsorship period for 
aliens under the SSI program from 3 years to 5 years following the 
alien's date of lawful admission to the U.S. The increase in the 
sponsorship period is effective January 1, 1994. Beginning October 1, 
1996, the 3-year sponsorship period will be reinstated. We will amend 
our regulations to conform to the statutory changes. Any costs/savings 
are associated with the legislation and not with the regulations 
themselves.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD84
_______________________________________________________________________




3968. PREVENTION OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ON ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFIT AMOUNT 
WHEN SPOUSE OR PARENT ABSENT DUE TO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE (462P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 103-66, sec 13733; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1167

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations reflect the provisions of section 
13733 of Pub. L. 103-66 which allows us to consider, absent evidence to 
the contrary, an ineligible parent or spouse who is absent from a 
deeming household due solely to an active duty military assignment, to 
be living in the same household as the eligible individual for deeming 
purposes. This will prevent possible adverse SSI effects which could 
otherwise result when a military deemor is absent from the household.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AD86
_______________________________________________________________________




3969. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, ACCEPTABLE MEDICAL SOURCES (469P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 416.913

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to add speech and language pathologists to the 
list of acceptable medical sources in our current regulations. These 
sources will assist us in establishing the existence of speech and 
language impairments. We also propose to make other changes in our 
regulations to clarify what we mean by an acceptable medical source.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD91
_______________________________________________________________________




3970. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; 
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR SUPPORT (475P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402(d)(3); 42 USC 416(b)(3); 42 USC 405(a); 42 
USC 1302

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.366

[[Page 23887]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To provide more uniformity in our decision making, we are 
proposing to amend our rules on the contributions for support that must 
be provided by the insured to certain categories of claimants for 
child's benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD92
_______________________________________________________________________




3971. COMPUTATION OF SSI BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF PAYMENT 
(476P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.320

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: SSI eligibility and payment are calculated by taking into 
account income received by the applicant/recipient. Two calculations 
must be made for each month. The first is the eligibility computation 
and is based on the current (payment) month's income. The second is the 
payment computation, which, under retrospective monthly accounting, is 
based (usually) on the income of a prior month called the budget month. 
Generally the budget month is 2 months prior to the payment month. The 
transitional computation for the first 3 months of SSI payment is an 
exception to the general rule described above. While the eligibility 
computation continues to apply to the current month's income, the 
budget month on which each of the first 3 months' payments are based is 
the first month of eligibility. This policy was intended to facilitate 
the transition into 2 month retrospective accounting cycle and to avoid 
penalizing the recipient for income received prior to initial SSI 
eligibility. However, the policy also has the effect of counting income 
which is only received in one month more than one time. In Jones v. 
Shalala the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that SSA's 
transitional computation for the first 3 months of eligibility is not 
permissible because it will result in the triple counting of 
nonrecurring income received only in the first month of eligibility. 
The proposed policy addresses the triple counting of nonrecurring 
income.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD93
_______________________________________________________________________




3972. DEFINITION OF ``LARGEST BENEFIT AMOUNT'' FOR PURPOSES OF 
DETERMINING THE EARNINGS RECORD ON WHICH A PERSON WHO IS SIMULTANEOUSLY 
ENTITLED TO CHILD'S INSURANCE BENEFITS (481P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402(d); 42 USC 402(k); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 
USC 405(a)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.304; 20 CFR 404.353b; 20 CFR 404.407d

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 202(k)(2)(A) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 402(k)(2)(A)) 
contains the statutory requirements for determining the earnings record 
on which SSA will pay a person, who is simultaneously entitled to 
child's insurance benefits on the earnings records of more than one 
worker. Generally, the child's benefits will be paid on the earnings 
record that yields the highest primary insurance amount (PIA). However, 
under certain circumstances, the child's benefits will be paid on the 
earnings record that yields a lower PIA if that record produces the 
``largest benefit'' to which the child could be entitled under section 
202(d) without the application of the reduction under the ``family 
maximum'' provisions. In implementing section 202(k)(2)(A), SSA has 
determined the ``largest benefit'' under section 202(k)(2)(A) by 
comparing the original benefit amount (i.e., 50 percent of the PIA of a 
living worker and 75 percent of the PIA of a deceased worker) 
calculated on the dependent and/or survivor claim of the child on the 
earnings record of each worker without applying any reductions or 
deductions. The United States District Court for the Northern District 
of Alabama in Agee v. Sullivan rejected this interpretation and held 
that SSA must compare the amounts payable to the child under each 
earnings record after considering all applicable deductions and 
reductions other than the reduction under the family maximum 
provisions. Legal support for both interpretations can be found in the 
statutory language and legislative history of section 202(k)(2)(A). We 
have found current regulations implementing section 202(k)(2)(A) to be 
ambiguous. We propose to amend these regulations to reflect the 
longstanding SSA interpretation, rather than the interpretation adopted 
by the district court in the Agee decision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD95
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 23888]]





3973. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; BENEFIT 
REFORMS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM 
(496F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.315; 20 CFR 404.316; 20 CFR 404.321; 20 CFR 
404.332; 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.337; 20 CFR 404.350; 20 CFR 
404.352; 20 CFR 404.402; 20 CFR 404.470; 20 CFR 404.480; 20 CFR 
404.902; 20 CFR 404.1535; 20 CFR 404.1536; 20 CFR 404.1537; ...

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, February 11, 1995.
Section 201 of Public Law 103-296.

Abstract: The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act 
of 1994 (Public Law 103-296) contains provisions affecting the payment 
of benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to 
individuals whose drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor 
material to the determination of disability. These final rules 
implement certain provisions related to limitations on benefit payments 
and the nonpayment and termination of benefits to these individuals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent with Request 
for Comments                    10/17/94                    59 FR 52380
Interim Final Rule              02/10/95                     60 FR 8140
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/11/95
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD96
_______________________________________________________________________




3974. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS TEMPORARILY ABROAD (505P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.202; 20 CFR 416.270 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulatory changes are required by section 204 of P.L. 
103-296, the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act 
of 1994. This provision allows individuals who leave the United States 
temporarily as part of an educational program that is not available in 
the United States, that is designed for gainful employment, and that is 
sponsored by a school, college, or university in the United States, to 
continue receiving SSI benefits for up to 1 year if they were eligible 
for SSI benefits for the month they left the country.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________




3975. REPEAL OF FACILITY OF PAYMENT PROVISION (508F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 403

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.402(b); 20 CFR 404.458

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will reflect section 309 of P.L. 103-296 
which repeals the facility of payment provision under which Social 
Security benefits subject to the family maximum would not be 
redistributed in certain cases and provides that the reduction for the 
family maximum will be made prior to a temporary suspension for work 
when the non-working auxiliary resides in a separate household from the 
working auxiliary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




3976. GUARANTEED FAMILY MAXIMUMS (510F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 403(a)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will reflect effect section 310 of P.L. 103-
296 which provides that the guaranteed primary insurance amount is to 
be used in establishing the maximum family benefit for workers who had 
previously been entitled to disability insurance benefits and became 
reentitled to retirement or disability benefits on or after December 
1995.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235

[[Page 23889]]

Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE03
_______________________________________________________________________




3977. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
INCOME AND RESOURCES, DEEMING OF PARENTAL INCOME AND RESOURCES WHEN 
CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED (522P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1382c(f)(2); 42 USC 1383(d)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1167; 20 CFR 416.1202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current SSI regulations reflect the concept that deeming (the 
process of considering another person's income to be your own) applies 
only in household situations. Currently, children in medical care 
facilities are not subject to parental deeming because they are not 
considered to be in the same household as their parents. While 
maintaining the concept of ``household'' for deeming purposes, these 
proposed rules will expand upon current policy from the household and, 
as a result, subject to parental deeming. This extends the current 
policy that is applicable to children away at school to children in 
medical care facilities. That is, a child who is born in or enters a 
medical care facility and who is subject to the control of a parent 
will be considered temporarily absent from the parental household. 
During this absence, deeming will apply.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE08
_______________________________________________________________________




3978. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; OVERPAYMENT DEBT 
COLLECTION PROCEDURES (523P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-387

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will implement section 5 of Pub. L. 103-387, 
the Social Security Domestic Employment Act of 1994 which authorizes 
SSA to use certain delinquent debt collection procedures available to 
other Federal agencies, but which were not available to SSA under the 
Debt Collection Act of 1982. The procedures include reporting 
delinquent debtors to credit agencies, contracting with private debt 
collection agencies, and recovering debts by administrative offset of 
other Federal payments to which the debtor may be entitled. The 
procedures may be applied only if the overpayment was paid to a person 
after he or she attained age 18, the debt is not recoverable by other 
means provided by the Social Security Act, and the debtor is no longer 
a beneficiary. Authority to use such debt collection procedures sunsets 
September 30, 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE09
_______________________________________________________________________




3979. DETERMINATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS--APPLICABILITY OF 
ADMINISTRATIVE RES JUDICATA (526P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a) to 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 
USC 421(d); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383b

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.903; 20 CFR 404.950; 20 CFR 404.957; 20 CFR 
416.1403; 20 CFR 416.1450; 20 CFR 416.1457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation implements section 5107 of Pub. L. 101-508 
which provides that SSA may not deny a new application on the basis 
that the claimant did not timely appeal an earlier determination, if 
the claimant relied upon incorrect, incomplete or misleading 
information provided by SSA in deciding not to appeal. In addition, the 
regulation explains in more detail our res judicata policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




3980. SSA ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (527F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will establish the acquisition rules for the 
newly independent SSA. The regulation will largely duplicate the HHS 
acquisition regulation, except for modifications to reflect SSA and its 
organizational structure. Program and administrative costs are expected 
to be minimal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

[[Page 23890]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE12
_______________________________________________________________________




3981. MISUSE OF SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, OR NAMES IN REFERENCE TO THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (530P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-296, sec 312

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.527

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation will implement section 312 of P.L. 103-296 
which expands prohibitions on the use of certain letters and symbols 
and also the reproduction for a fee of forms and publications of SSA 
and HHS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sandy Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE15
_______________________________________________________________________




3982. OASDI; NONPAYMENT OF BENEFITS TO INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS AND 
INDIVIDUALS CONFINED IN CRIMINAL CASES, PURSUANT TO CONVICTION OR BY 
COURT ORDER BASED ON FINDINGS OF INSANITY (531P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402(x); 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.468

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will implement section 4 of P.L. 103-387 which 
modifies and expands the current prisoner nonpayment provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE16
_______________________________________________________________________




3983. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT 
(506I)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-296, sec 203; 42 USC 1383b(d)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1180; 20 CFR 416.1181; 20 CFR 416.1182; 20 
CFR 416.1224; 20 CFR 416.1225; 20 CFR 416.1226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations revise our rules on plans to achieve self-
support (PASS) to take into account the time period an individual will 
need for completion of his or her PASS and other factors determined to 
be appropriate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Secuarity 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




3984. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS; REPLACING 
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CARDS (543F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.103

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules will support our pilot test for replacing 
social security number cards when we receive a request by telephone. We 
will test replacing the card based on information furnished by 
telephone, without requiring additional documentation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/22/95                    60 FR 32444
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/21/95
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE18
_______________________________________________________________________




3985. LUMP SUM DEATH PAYMENT AND LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD (548F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
402; 42 USC 403; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 428

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.2; 20 CFR 404.3; 20 CFR 404.347; 20 CFR 
404.390;

[[Page 23891]]

20 CFR 404.392; 20 CFR 404.393; 20 CFR 404.394; 20 CFR 404.395; 20 CFR 
404.612; 20 CFR 404.615; 20 CFR 404.765

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations revise our rules on ``living in the 
same household'' (LISH) and the lump-sum death payment (LSDP) to bring 
them into accord with legislation that restricted the payment of the 
LSDP. This revision includes the removal from our regulations of 
several outdated sections and paragraphs. We are also incorporating 
into our rules the policy established previously in a Social Security 
Ruling (SSR) that interpreted the definition of LISH to allow for 
extended separations that are based solely on medical reasons.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/95                    60 FR 62354
NPRM Comment Period End         02/05/96
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE20
_______________________________________________________________________




3986. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION REGULATIONS 
FOR INDEPENDENT SSA (546F)

Priority:  Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1306; 5 USC 552; 
5 USC 552(a); 8 USC 1360; 18 USC 1905; 26 USC 6103; 31 USC 9701; 30 USC 
923(b)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 402.5 to 402.205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations adopt the DHHS Freedom of Information 
Regulations and the SSA availability of information and records to the 
public regulations into a new 20 CFR part 402.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE24
_______________________________________________________________________




3987. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS AND SUBAWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
EDUCATION; CERTAIN GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, LOCAL, AND INDIAN 
TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS (547F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 31 USC 7505; 41 USC 403(11)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 435.000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 
45 CFR part 74 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR 435 now that SSA is 
an independent agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




3988. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) (554F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 41 USC 403(11); 41 USC 701 et seq

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 436.000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 
45 CFR part 76 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 436 now that 
SSA is an independent agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE27
_______________________________________________________________________




3989. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 
(555F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 41 USC 403(ii)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 437.000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 
45 CFR part 92 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 437 now that 
SSA is an independent agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




3990. RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OF GRANTS, 
CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS (556F)

Priority:  Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 31 USC 1352

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 438.000

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 23892]]

Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 
45 CFR part 93 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 438 now that 
SSA is an independent agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE29
_______________________________________________________________________




3991. STATUS OF LEGALLY ADOPTED CHILD (557P)

Priority:  Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 
405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.354; 20 CFR 404.355; 20 CFR 404.365

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations will amend our present regulations 
to clarify that we determine the status of an adopted child by applying 
State adoption law, not the State law on inheritance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE30
_______________________________________________________________________




3992. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION (566F)

Priority:  Other

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 26 USC 6103; 30 USC 923; 42 
USC 405(a); 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1306

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 401.5 to 401.200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS privacy regulation at 
45 CFR part 5b into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 401 which now 
includes SSA's regulations on disclosure.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action Effective          00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE34
_______________________________________________________________________




3993. REDUCTION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS--WORKERS' COMPENSATION/PUBLIC 
DISABILITY BENEFITS (567P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402 to 405; 42 USC 424a; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.408

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our rules on reduction of Social 
Security benefits based on disability on account of receipt of workers' 
compensation and/or public disability benefits provided under Federal 
(other than Social Security), State, or local laws or plans to clarify 
our existing policies. We also propose to adopt a uniform method of 
proration of workers' compensation and public disability benefit 
settlements. In addition, we propose to incorporate into our rules the 
policy interpretations established previously in relevant Social 
Security Rulings (SSRs), and we will update provisions that have not 
been changed since 1984.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE35
_______________________________________________________________________




3994. PROVIDE ``ONE-STOP'' SERVICE FOR ALIENS APPLYING FOR SOCIAL 
SECURITY CARDS (569P)

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Aliens will apply for Social Security cards at the same time 
they complete Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) paperwork. 
Currently, alien applicants are required to furnish almost the same 
information to both SSA and INS. This one-stop service will reduce the 
potential for issuing Social Security cards based on fraudulent INS 
documents, and will result in efficiencies for the Government.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement a 
Reinventing Government initiative.

Summary of the Legal Basis: These changes are not required by statute 
or court order.

Alternatives: Not yet determined

[[Page 23893]]

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: While the full impact of this change 
has not yet been determined, it is expected to reduce fraud based on 
false INS documents and to result in efficiencies for the Government of 
approximately $18 million over 5 years.

Risks: At this time we have not identified any risks associated with 
the proposal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Martin Sussman, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1767

RIN: 0960-AE36
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3995. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM; CONTINUATION OF FULL BENEFIT 
STANDARD FOR CERTAIN PERSONS TEMPORARILY INSTITUTIONALIZED (198F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.211; 20 CFR 416.413; 20 CFR 416.414; 20 CFR 
416.1149; 20 CFR 416.1167; 20 CFR 416.1325; 20 CFR 416.2040; 20 CFR 
416.410; 20 CFR 416.412; 20 CFR 416.640; 20 CFR 416.1147

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/13/96                    61 FR 10274

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________




3996. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
EXCLUSION FROM INCOME AND RESOURCES OF VICTIMS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS 
AND STATE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE (311F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1124; 20 CFR 416.1161(a); 20 CFR 416.1204(a); 
20 CFR 416.1210; 20 CFR 416.1229 (New); 20 CFR 416.1239 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/23/96                     61 FR 1711
Final Action Effective          02/22/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short
Phone: 410 965-1753

RIN: 0960-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________




3997. EXTENSION OF TIME PERIOD FOR NOT COUNTING AS RESOURCES, FUNDS 
RECEIVED FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED OR DESTROYED EXCLUDED 
RESOURCES IN THE SSI PROGRAM (486F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1232

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/15/96                     61 FR 5943
Final Action Effective          02/15/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD87
_______________________________________________________________________




3998. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; SIGNATURE 
REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AGENCY MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS IN 
DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS (465F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1615; 20 CFR 416.1015

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/19/96                    61 FR 11133

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD88
_______________________________________________________________________




3999. GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET, WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION, AND 
ANNUAL EARNINGS REPORT (514F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.213; 20 CFR 404.408a; 20 CFR 404.452

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/09/95                    60 FR 56511
Final Action Effective          11/09/95

Small Entities Affected: None

[[Page 23894]]

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Jack Schanberger
Phone: 410 965-8471

RIN: 0960-AE04
_______________________________________________________________________




4000. ASSIGNING SSNS TO UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVE 
PAYEES OR SSI DEEMORS (549P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.104

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/21/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE26
_______________________________________________________________________




4001. REVISION OF AUTHORITY CITATIONS (562F)

Priority:  Other

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 401.100 to 401.600; 20 CFR 401.1 to 404.2127; 20 
CFR 416.101 to 416.227; 20 CFR 422.1 to 422.607; 20 CFR 423.1 to 423.9

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/15/96                     61 FR 5939
Final Action Effective          02/15/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE32
_______________________________________________________________________




4002. SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS: FRAUD AND ABUSE; ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW 
PART 498 TO ADDRESS CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES, ASSESSMENT AND EXCLUSIONS 
(563F)

Priority:  Other

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 498.100 to 498.103; 20 CFR 498.106; 20 CFR 
498.108 to 498.110; 20 CFR 498.126 to 498.128; 20 CFR 498.132

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/27/95                    60 FR 58225
Final Action Effective          11/27/95

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE33
_______________________________________________________________________




4003. PROMOTE ONE-STOP BENEFIT APPLICATION (572P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/21/96

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE38
_______________________________________________________________________




4004.  DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; EXTENSION OF 
EXPIRATION DATES FOR HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, CHILDHOOD MENTAL 
DISORDERS, AND MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC DISEASES LISTING (573F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1382c

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1501

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule extends the expiration dates for the hemic and 
lymphatic system childhood mental disorders, and malignant neoplastic 
diseases listings for a period of 2 years. It makes no revisions to the 
medical criteria in the listings; they remain the same as they now 
appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. This extension will ensure 
that we continue to have medical evaluation criteria in the listings to 
adjudicate claims for disability based on hemic and lymphatic system 
impairments, childhood mental disorders, and malignant neoplastic 
diseases at step three of our sequential evaluation process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/06/95                    60 FR 62329

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE39
[FR Doc. 96-6952 Filed 05-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F