[The Regulatory Plan and 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 XLI





Social Security Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 63358]]



SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                                   


  



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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 May 13, 1996.

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: For this edition of the Social Security 
Administration's regulatory agenda, the most important significant 
regulatory actions are included in The Regulatory Plan, which appears 
in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan 
entries are listed in the Table of Contents below and are denoted by a 
bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the appropriate 
Sequence Number in Part II.

    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 area 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 
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 that 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.

    Our second entry related to a Reinventing Government initiative 
is Enumeration of Aliens With the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service (INS). The goal of this process is to coordinate services 
to customers who, under current procedures, must deal with multiple 
Federal agencies to establish their status as alien residents of 
the United States. The proposed regulatory authority would support 
a pilot project with INS whereby it would transmit data to SSA 
electronically so that SSA can issue social security numbers to 
certain resident aliens.

    Our third entry related to a Reinventing Government initiative 
is the Elimination of Mandatory Earnings Reports. These 
regulations, proposed in the spirit of improved service to the 
public, concern beneficiaries who are under age 70 and who work and 
earn more than the applicable exempt amount. Currently, these 
beneficiaries are required to report their earnings to SSA within 3 
months and 15 days following the close of their tax year (usually 
April 15). Under these proposed rules, beneficiaries, in most 
instances, will not have to file a report. Instead, we will 
consider the W-2 report filed by the employer with SSA or the self-
employment income tax return filed by the beneficiary with the 
Internal Revenue Service to be the report of earnings. We will use 
the information (wages and net earnings from self-employment) 
contained in those reports to adjust benefits under the earnings 
test.

    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

[[Page 63359]]

of Federal Regulations pages for which we are responsible. The 
remainder of our Unified Agenda items are such improvements and 
clarifications.

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

Martin J. Sussman,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4194        Standards of Conduct for Claimant Representatives (431P)..............................    0960-AD73 
4195        Prevention of Adverse Effects on Eligibility and Benefit Amount When Spouse or Parent               
            Absent Due to Active Military Service (462P)..........................................    0960-AD86 
4196        SSI Eligibility for Students Temporarily Abroad (505P)................................    0960-AE01 
4197        Determinations and Administrative Review Process--Applicability of Administrative Res               
            Judicata (526P).......................................................................    0960-AE11 
4198        Misuse of Symbols, Emblems, or Names in Reference to the Social Security                            
            Administration (530P).................................................................    0960-AE15 
4199        Permit Department of State and Immigration and Naturalization Service To Collect                    
            Information Needed To Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens (569P) (Reg Plan Seq.                
            No. 149)..............................................................................    0960-AE36 
4200        Assessment of Residual Functional Capacity (599P) (Reg Plan Seq. No. 150).............    0960-AE42 
4201        Elimination of Mandatory Annual Earnings Reports (592P) (Reg Plan Seq. No. 151).......    0960-AE44 
4202        Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security                     
            Administration (601P).................................................................    0960-AE48 
4203        Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful                     
            Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)............................................    0960-AE49 
4204        Quality Review of Administrative Law Judges' Decisions (Reg Plan Seq. No. 152)........    0960-AE53 
4205        Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication                   
            Officers (616P) (Reg Plan Seq. No. 153)...............................................    0960-AE55 
4206        Weight of Disability Determination Services' Medical Psychological Consultant's                     
            Opinions (Reg Plan Seq. No. 154)......................................................    0960-AE56 
4207        Testing Elimination of the Fourth Step in the Disability Claim Process (Request for                 
            Appeals Council Review) (621P)........................................................   0960-AE58  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register.          


                                                Final Rule Stage                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4208        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for                  
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................    0960-AB01 
4209        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income                       
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides                 
            (147F)................................................................................    0960-AB73 
4210        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (382F).......................................    0960-AD65 
4211        Fees for Federal Administration of State Supplementary Payments in the SSI Program;                 
            Interest Charging on State Supplementary Payment Funds (376F).........................    0960-AD75 
4212        Technical Changes to Title XVI (466F).................................................    0960-AD89 
4213        Definition of United States Resident; Evidence of Citizenship (515F)..................    0960-AE05 
4214        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security                    
            Number Cards (543F)...................................................................    0960-AE18 
4215        Freedom of Information and Availability of Information Regulations for Independent SSA              
            (546F)................................................................................    0960-AE24 
4216        Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain                  
            Grants and Agreements with States, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547F)........    0960-AE25 
4217        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide                         
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)..................................    0960-AE27 
4218        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and              
            Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)................................    0960-AE28 
4219        Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and                     
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).........................................................    0960-AE29 
4220        Cycling Payment of Social Security Benefits (558F) (Reg Plan Seq. No. 155)............    0960-AE31 
4221        Hearing Procedures for Civil Monetary Penalty Cases (579F)............................    0960-AE41 
4222        Amended 20 CFR, Parts 400-499; Employees' Benefits (595F).............................    0960-AE45 
4223        Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act in Agency Proceedings (596F)........    0960-AE46 
4224        Administrative (613F).................................................................    0960-AE51 
4225        Indemnification of SSA Employees (614F)...............................................    0960-AE52 

[[Page 63360]]

                                                                                                                
4226        Childhood Disability (Reg Plan Seq. No. 156)..........................................   0960-AE57  
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References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register.          


                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4227        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating               
            Mental Disorders for Adults (222F)....................................................    0960-AC74 
4228        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payee Reforms (295F)........................    0960-AD22 
4229        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................    0960-AD23 
4230        Code of Conduct for Administrative Law Judges and Administrative Appeals Judges of the              
            Social Security Administration (341P).................................................    0960-AD54 
4231        Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced                
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)...........................................................    0960-AD56 
4232        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 
4233        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (NEWMAN) (434P)..............................    0960-AD77 
4234        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and Obesity              
            and Related Criteria (436P)...........................................................    0960-AD78 
4235        Valuation of Certain In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Where There Is a Cost-of-                
            Living Adjustment in SSI Benefits (454F)..............................................    0960-AD82 
4236        Benefits for Spouses, Divorced Spouses, and Children (455P)...........................    0960-AD83 
4237        Temporary Increase in Sponsorship Period for Aliens Under the SSI Program (457P)......    0960-AD84 
4238        Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income,              
            Acceptable Medical Sources (469P).....................................................    0960-AD91 
4239        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support (475P)    0960-AD92 
4240        Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)..............    0960-AD93 
4241        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 
4242        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for                        
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F).....................    0960-AD96 
4243        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 
4244        Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F)........................................    0960-AE02 
4245        Guaranteed Family Maximums (510F).....................................................    0960-AE03 
4246        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 
4247        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Overpayment Debt Collection Procedures                
            (523P)................................................................................    0960-AE09 
4248        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 
4249        Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P).................    0960-AE17 
4250        Status of Legally Adopted Child (557P)................................................    0960-AE30 
4251        Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits                  
            (567P)................................................................................    0960-AE35 
4252        Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit               
            Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)..........................................    0960-AE40 
4253        Deeming of Income from an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an Eligible               
            Child (606P)..........................................................................    0960-AE50 
4254        Payments for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (615P)................................    0960-AE54 
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[[Page 63361]]


                                                Completed Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4255        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 
4256        Statement of Earnings and Benefit Estimate (415F).....................................    0960-AD74 
4257        Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled; Evidence of Lawful                   
            Admission for Permanent Residence in the United States (468F).........................    0960-AD90 
4258        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 
4259        Coverage Provisions of Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of                 
            1994 and of the Domestic Employment Reform Act of 1994 (503F).........................    0960-AE00 
4260        SSA Acquisition Regulations (527F)....................................................    0960-AE12 
4261        Lump Sum Death Payment and Living in the Same Household (548F)........................    0960-AE20 
4262        When You Are a Full-Time Elementary or Secondary School Student (552F)................    0960-AE21 
4263        Income Exclusions in the SSI Program (502F)...........................................    0960-AE22 
4264        Authority To Impose Civil Money Penalties (532F)......................................    0960-AE23 
4265        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (566F).....................    0960-AE34 
4266        Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and                     
            Blindness; Extension of Expiration Date for Musculoskeletal System Listings (590F)....    0960-AE43 
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



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4194. 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                            02/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4195. 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                            05/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4196. 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

[[Page 63362]]

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                            10/00/96

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-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________




4197. 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                            02/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4198. 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                            06/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4199. PERMIT DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION 
SERVICE TO COLLECT INFORMATION NEEDED TO ASSIGN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS 
TO ALIENS (569P)

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 149 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE36
_______________________________________________________________________




4200.  ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY (599P)

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 150 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




4201.  ELIMINATION OF MANDATORY ANNUAL EARNINGS REPORTS (592P)

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 151 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE44
_______________________________________________________________________




4202.  SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES 
OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (601P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  5 USC App. (Ethics in Government Act of 1978)

CFR Citation:  5 CFR ch LXXXI (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA), with the 
concurrence of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), proposes to issue 
regulations for officers and employees of SSA that supplement the OGE 
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 
which became effective February 3, 1993. The proposed rule specifies 
procedural and substantive requirements that are necessary to address 
ethical issues unique to SSA. There were no alternatives considered for 
these proposed rules. The proposed changes addressed have already been 
implemented. Any costs or savings will be insignificant.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/97

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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-AE48

[[Page 63363]]

_______________________________________________________________________




4203.  DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; ELIMINATING THE 
LOWER SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY EARNINGS GUIDELINE AMOUNTS (603P)

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 423(d)(4); 42 USC 1382c (a)(3)(D)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 416.974

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules would eliminate the lower substantial 
gainful activity earnings guideline amounts to simplify the evaluation 
of work activity in claims for disability benefits under titles II and 
XVI of the Social Security Act. This reflects a recommendation of the 
Disability Reengineering Project Proposal published in the Federal 
Register on April 15, 1994 (59 FR 18188).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/97

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-AE49
_______________________________________________________________________




4204.  QUALITY REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES' DECISIONS

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 152 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE53
_______________________________________________________________________




4205.  IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS TO PREHEARING PROCEDURES AND 
DECISIONS BY ADJUDICATION OFFICERS (616P)

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 153 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE55
_______________________________________________________________________




4206.  WEIGHT OF DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES' MEDICAL 
PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANT'S OPINIONS

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 154 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




4207.  TESTING ELIMINATION OF THE FOURTH STEP IN THE DISABILITY 
CLAIM PROCESS (REQUEST FOR APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW) (621P)

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:  31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 
405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 421(d); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.967; 20 CFR 416.1467

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations will authorize testing of that 
aspect of our published Plan for a New Disability Claim Process dealing 
with elimination of the fourth and final step in the existing process -
- the step at which individuals who are dissatisfied with an ALJ's 
decision may request review by the Appeals Council (59 FR September 19, 
1994, 47887, 47917-47918). The redesign plan calls for eliminating this 
step, which is currently a prerequisite to an individual's establishing 
a right to file a civil action, and for making judicial review the next 
level of appeal following the ALJ step. Under the redesign plan, the 
Appeals Council will function in a quality assurance role in disability 
cases, reviewing cases under its existing authority to review cases on 
its own motion, and will also evaluate cases in which civil actions are 
filed to determine, in conjunction with agency counsel, if the ALJ's 
decision should be defended. The proposed rules will authorize testing 
of these changes in the Appeals Council's role and in the disability 
claim process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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-AE58
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4208. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED 
MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM 
(143F)

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 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

[[Page 63364]]

reference and uses the same medical criteria as the old-age, survivors, 
and disability insurance program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/21/93                    58 FR 67574
NPRM Comment Period End         02/22/94
Final Action                    06/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4209. 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                    06/00/97

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-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




4210. RELIABLE INFORMATION WHICH IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING 
BENEFIT AMOUNTS IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM (382F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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 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                    02/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4211. FEES FOR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS IN 
THE SSI PROGRAM; INTEREST CHARGING ON STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENT FUNDS 
(376F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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                            04/18/96                    61 FR 18529
NPRM Comment Period End         06/26/96
Final Action                    11/00/96

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

[[Page 63365]]

Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD75
_______________________________________________________________________




4212. 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                    06/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4213. DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES RESIDENT; EVIDENCE OF CITIZENSHIP 
(515F)

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 final regulations 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 will amend section 416.1180, because there is an 
obvious error in the wording.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/22/96                    61 FR 17609
NPRM Comment Period End         06/21/96
Final Action                    04/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4214. 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                    09/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4215. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION REGULATIONS 
FOR INDEPENDENT SSA (546F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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                    03/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4216. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS AND SUBAWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
EDUCATION; CERTAIN GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, LOCAL, AND INDIAN 
TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS (547F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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.

[[Page 63366]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4217. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) (554F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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                    01/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4218. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 
(555F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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                    01/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4219. RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OF GRANTS, 
CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS (556F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 31 USC 1352

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 438.000

Legal Deadline: None

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                    01/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4220. CYCLING PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS (558F)

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 155 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE31
_______________________________________________________________________




4221. HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY CASES (579F)

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 final regulations add new rules that establish hearing 
procedures for the Social Security Administration's civil monetary 
penalty cases. These rules 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                            07/31/96                    61 FR 39921
NPRM Comment Period End         09/30/96
Final Action                    07/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4222.  AMENDED 20 CFR, PARTS 400-499; EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS (595F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 400 to 499

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules amend our regulations to revise references 
to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of 
Health, Education, and Welfare and to the Secretary to read the Social 
Security Administration and the Commissioner, respectively. Parts 401 
and 422 subpart E are not addressed in this regulation because they are 
covered by another regulation.

[[Page 63367]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE45
_______________________________________________________________________




4223.  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT IN 
AGENCY PROCEEDINGS (596F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 5 USC 504(c)(1)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 426.101ff

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules adopt as Social Security Administration 
rules the Department of Health and Human Services' practices and 
procedures contained in 45 CFR Part 13, Implementation of the Equal 
Access to Justice Act in Agency Proceedings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/97

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE46
_______________________________________________________________________




4224.  ADMINISTRATIVE (613F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 429.100ff

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules adopt as Social Security Administration 
rules the Department of Health and Human Services' practices and 
procedures contained in 45 CFR Part 35.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE51
_______________________________________________________________________




4225.  INDEMNIFICATION OF SSA EMPLOYEES (614F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 430.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules adopt as Social Security Administration 
rules the Department of Health and Human Services' policy contained in 
45 CFR part 36. These regulations permit, but do not require, the 
Agency to indemnify all employees for a judgement, verdict or monetary 
award resulting from conduct within the scope of his or her employment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE52
_______________________________________________________________________




4226.  CHILDHOOD DISABILITY

Regulatory Plan:  This entry is Seq. No. 156 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE57
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4227. 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

[[Page 63368]]

_______________________________________________________________________




4228. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE 
REFORMS (295F)

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 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/15/94                    59 FR 11949
NPRM Comment Period End         05/16/94
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-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________




4229. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4230. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4231. 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

[[Page 63369]]

Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




4232. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4233. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4234. 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 
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: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




4235. 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,

[[Page 63370]]

1995, that the current Federal benefit rate be used in determining the 
value of certain in-kind support and 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                    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-AD82
_______________________________________________________________________




4236. 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                            00/00/00

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4237. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4238. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4239. 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

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

[[Page 63371]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4240. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4241. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4242. 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

[[Page 63372]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4243. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT PROVISIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG 
ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM (507P)

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 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4244. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4245. 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
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE03
_______________________________________________________________________




4246. 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

[[Page 63373]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4247. 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: Robert J. Augusting, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE09
_______________________________________________________________________




4248. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4249. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT 
(506P)

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

________________________________________________________________________

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 Secuarity 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE17

[[Page 63374]]

_______________________________________________________________________




4250. STATUS OF LEGALLY ADOPTED CHILD (557P)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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                    11/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4251. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4252. 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                    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-AE40
_______________________________________________________________________




4253.  DEEMING OF INCOME FROM AN INELIGIBLE SPOUSE TO AN 
ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL AND AN ELIGIBLE CHILD (606P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1160 (c)(3)(iii); 20 CFR 416.1165 (g)(1); 20 
CFR 416.1166

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise the method used under the SSI program 
to determine income for a child who lives with both parents where one 
parent is ineligible for SSI because of income deemed from an 
ineligible spouse. Instead of deeming any excess income from the 
ineligible spouse to the child, referred to as ``pass-through 
deeming,'' we would deem income to the child using the method we use 
where neither parent files for SSI. Under current rules, ``pass-
through'' deeming has had the unintended effect of deeming more income 
than would have been deemed if the regular rules for deeming from 
ineligible parents who do not file for SSI are used.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE50

[[Page 63375]]

_______________________________________________________________________




4254.  PAYMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (615P)

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 422; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
1382d; 42 USC 1383(d)(1); 42 USC 1383(e); 42 USC 1683b(a)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.2111; 20 CFR 404.2117; 20 CFR 404.2121; 20 
CFR 416.2211; 20 CFR 416.2217; 20 CFR 416.2221

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend our regulations to minimize the 
reporting burden on providers of vocational rehabilitation (VR) 
services who serve Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental 
Security Income recipients who are disabled or blind under our VR 
payment programs. These proposed changes to our regulations will: 
simplify the criteria for determining when VR services will be 
considered to have contributed to a continuous period of 9-months of 
substantial gainful activity (SGA) and make other changes to reduce 
burdens on State agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE54
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4255. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/19/96                    61 FR 31022

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD39
_______________________________________________________________________




4256. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/24/96                    61 FR 18075

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jack Schanberger
Phone: 410 965-8471

RIN: 0960-AD74
_______________________________________________________________________




4257. 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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1615

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/31/96                    61 FR 56133

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD90
_______________________________________________________________________




4258. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/31/96                    61 FR 56126

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD99

[[Page 63376]]

_______________________________________________________________________




4259. 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.

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); ...

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/24/96                    61 FR 38363

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE00
_______________________________________________________________________




4260. SSA ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (527F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  48 CFR ch 23

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/27/96                    61 FR 50737

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE12
_______________________________________________________________________




4261. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/08/96                    61 FR 41329

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE20
_______________________________________________________________________




4262. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/24/96                    61 FR 38361

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE21
_______________________________________________________________________




4263. INCOME EXCLUSIONS IN THE SSI PROGRAM (502F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1124; 20 CFR 416.1161

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/24/96                    61 FR 49962

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE22
_______________________________________________________________________




4264. AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES (532F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/24/96                    61 FR 18078

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE23
_______________________________________________________________________




4265. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION (566F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 401.5 to 401.200

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Regulation Merged With 0960-AE2404/23/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE34
_______________________________________________________________________




4266.  FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; 
DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR 
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM LISTINGS (590F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 
405(d) to (h); 42 USC 416(i); 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421(i); 42 USC 
422(c); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.202; 20 CFR 404.205(a) to (b); 20 CFR 
404.205(d) to

[[Page 63377]]

(h); 20 CFR 404.216(i); 20 CFR 404.221(a); 20 CFR 404.221(i); 20 CFR 
404.222(c); 20 CFR 404.223; 20 CFR 404.225; 20 CFR 404.702(a)(5)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues listings of 
impairments to evaluate disability and blindness under the Social 
Security and supplemental security income (SSI) programs. This rule 
extends the expiration date for the musculoskeletal system listings. We 
have made 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 
musculoskeletal system impairments at step three of our sequential 
evaluation process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/04/96                    61 FR 28046

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-AE43
[FR Doc. 96-27872 Filed 11-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F