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



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Part XLIII



Social Security Administration



_______________________________________________________________________

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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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 November 29, 
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: 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 remains a 
principal objective of the Social Security Administration. Our 
regulatory program supports this overarching Agency goal. One of 
the areas in which we are working hard to deliver high quality 
service is our disability determination process. Several of our 
agenda items support improvements to disability program 
administration. Also, some of the regulatory items support SSA's 
Disability Redesign Plan. The Disability Redesign aims to 
streamline our disability determination process and provide better 
service to applicants for disability benefits.

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

    The April 1997 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Martin J. Sussman,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3795        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................    0960-AD23 
3796        Procedure To Review Complaints of Alleged Misconduct on the Part of Administrative Law              
            Judges (341P).........................................................................    0960-AD54 
3797        Misuse of Symbols, Emblems, or Names in Reference to the Social Security                            
            Administration (530P).................................................................    0960-AE15 
3798        Permit Department of State and Immigration and Naturalization Service To Collect                    
            Information Needed To Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens (569P).................    0960-AE36 
3799        Assessment of Residual Functional Capacity (599P).....................................    0960-AE42 
3800        Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security                     
            Administration (601P).................................................................    0960-AE48 
3801        Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful                     
            Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)............................................    0960-AE49 
3802        Quality Review of Administrative Law Judges' Decisions (623P).........................    0960-AE53 
3803        Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication                   
            Officers (616P).......................................................................    0960-AE55 
3804        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Evaluating Opinion Evidence                 
            (624P)................................................................................    0960-AE56 
3805        Testing Elimination of the Fourth Step in the Disability Claim Process (Request for                 
            Appeals Council Review) (621P)........................................................    0960-AE58 
3806        Listening-In to or Recording Telephone Conversations (626P)...........................    0960-AE66 
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                                                Final Rule Stage                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3807        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for                  
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................    0960-AB01 
3808        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income                       
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides                 
            (147F)................................................................................    0960-AB73 
3809        Standards of Conduct for Claimant Representatives (431F)..............................    0960-AD73 
3810        Valuation of Certain In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Where There Is a Cost-of-                
            Living Adjustment in SSI Benefits (454F)..............................................    0960-AD82 
3811        Deeming in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program When an Ineligible Spouse or              
            Parent Is Absent From Household Due Solely to Active Military Service (462F)..........    0960-AD86 
3812        Technical Changes to Title XVI (466F).................................................    0960-AD89 
3813        Definition of United States Resident; Religious Record of Birth or Baptism as Evidence              
            of Citizenship; Plan To Help Blind and Disabled Individuals Achieve Self-Support                    
            (515F)................................................................................    0960-AE05 
3814        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security                    
            Number Cards (543F)...................................................................    0960-AE18 
3815        Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain                  
            Grants and Agreements With States, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547F)........    0960-AE25 
3816        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide                         
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)..................................    0960-AE27 
3817        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and              
            Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)................................    0960-AE28 
3818        Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and                     
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).........................................................    0960-AE29 
3819        Application of State Law in Determining Child Relationship (557F).....................    0960-AE30 
3820        Amended 20 CFR, Parts 400-499; Employees' Benefits (595F).............................    0960-AE45 
3821        Administrative (613F).................................................................    0960-AE51 
3822        Indemnification of SSA Employees (614F)...............................................    0960-AE52 
3823        Supplemental Security Income; Determining Disability for a Child Under Age 18; Interim              
            Final Rules With Request for Comments (625I)..........................................    0960-AE57 
3824        Reduction in SSI Payable to Institutionalized Children Whose Medical Costs Are Covered              
            by Private Insurance (630F)...........................................................    0960-AE61 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3825        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating               
            Mental Disorders for Adults (222F)....................................................    0960-AC74 
3826        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the               
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payee Reforms (295F)........................    0960-AD22 
3827        Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced                
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)...........................................................    0960-AD56 
3828        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (382F).......................................    0960-AD65 
3829        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 
3830        Reliable Information Which Is Currently Available for Determining Benefit Amounts in                
            the Supplemental Security Income Program (NEWMAN) (434P)..............................    0960-AD77 
3831        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and Obesity              
            and Related Criteria (436P)...........................................................    0960-AD78 
3832        Benefits for Spouses, Divorced Spouses, and Children (455F)...........................    0960-AD83 
3833        Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income,              
            Acceptable Medical Sources (469P).....................................................    0960-AD91 
3834        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support (475P)    0960-AD92 
3835        Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)..............    0960-AD93 
3836        Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's                    
            Benefits (481P).......................................................................    0960-AD95 
3837        Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for                        
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F).....................    0960-AD96 
3838        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 

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3839        SSI Eligibility for Students Temporarily Abroad (505P)................................    0960-AE01 
3840        Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F)........................................    0960-AE02 
3841        Guaranteed Family Maximums (510F).....................................................    0960-AE03 
3842        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 
3843        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Overpayment Debt Collection Procedures                
            (523P)................................................................................    0960-AE09 
3844        Determinations and Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and                   
            Related Rules (526P)..................................................................    0960-AE11 
3845        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 
3846        Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P).................    0960-AE17 
3847        Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits                  
            (567P)................................................................................    0960-AE35 
3848        Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit               
            Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)..........................................    0960-AE40 
3849        Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an Eligible               
            Child (606P)..........................................................................    0960-AE50 
3850        Payments for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (615P)................................    0960-AE54 
3851        Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F)..    0960-AE59 
3852        Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of                 
            1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, in Programs Receiving Financial                       
            Assistance by SSA (617F)..............................................................    0960-AE63 
3853        Availability of Information and Records to the Public--Charging Fees for Providing                  
            Personal Information (618P)...........................................................    0960-AE64 
3854        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and Related              
            Criteria (620P).......................................................................    0960-AE65 
3855        SSI Overpayment Recovery by Offset of Federal Income Tax Refund (632I)................    0960-AE67 
3856        Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments (640P)...............................    0960-AE68 
3857        Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and Budget               
            (OMB) Control Number (280F)...........................................................    0960-AE69 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3858        Fees for Federal Administration of State Supplementary Payments in the SSI Program;                 
            Interest Charging on State Supplementary Payment Funds (376F).........................    0960-AD75 
3859        Temporary Increase in Sponsorship Period for Aliens Under the SSI Program (457P)......    0960-AD84 
3860        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information; Availability of                         
            Information and Records to the Public (546F)..........................................    0960-AE24 
3861        Cycling Payment of Social Security Benefits (558F)....................................    0960-AE31 
3862        Hearing Procedures for Civil Monetary Penalty Cases (579F)............................    0960-AE41 
3863        Elimination of Mandatory Annual Earnings Reports (592F)...............................    0960-AE44 
3864        Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act in Agency Proceedings (596F)........    0960-AE46 
3865        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination for Disability Extension of Expiration Date              
            for Growth Impairment Listing (627F)..................................................    0960-AE60 
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



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3795. 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                            12/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3796. PROCEDURE TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED MISCONDUCT ON THE PART 
OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES (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; 20 CFR 422.700 to 714 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations would establish a procedure to 
review complaints of alleged misconduct on the part of Administrative 
Law Judges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




3797. 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                            11/00/97

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-AE15
_______________________________________________________________________




3798. PERMIT DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION 
SERVICE TO COLLECT INFORMATION NEEDED TO ASSIGN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS 
TO ALIENS (569P)

Priority:  Other Significant

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

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.103; 20 CFR 422.105; 20 CFR 422.106; 20 CFR 
422.107; 20 CFR 422.110

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to provide authorization for elements of the 
Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to 
obtain, as part of the immigration process, enumeration information for 
SSA to enable SSA to assign SSNs and issue SSN cards to aliens. We also 
propose to amend the rule on the presumption of authority of a 
nonimmigrant to accept employment to include circumstances where a form 
I-94 has not been issued and to remove outdated rules on school 
enumeration.

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

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

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: We will need to reimburse INS for the 
enumeration work they perform. We estimate that there is a 20% greater 
efficiency to the government if INS gathers the information to 
enumerate these applicants. After reimbursing INS, we expect to save 
approximately $7 million per year. This totals to $34 million (rounded) 
for the period FY 1998 through FY 2002.

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 22558]]

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-AE36
_______________________________________________________________________




3799. ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY (599P)

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 423; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would make minor clarification to the Social 
Security Medical-Vocational guidelines used to evaluate disability in 
individuals under age 50 who have severe impairments that do not meet 
or equal the criteria of any listed impairment but have a residual 
functional capacity for no more than the full range of sedentary work. 
The guidelines are contained in appendix 2 of Subpart P of 20 CFR 404.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement one of 
several process unification initiatives approved by the Commissioner on 
July 8, 1996.

Summary of the Legal Basis: None.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Since these regulations merely clarify 
existing policy, they impose no additional program or administrative 
costs.

Risks: None--Because the only purpose of these regulations is to 
clarify existing policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/97
Final Action                    09/00/97

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-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




3800. 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                            04/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3801. 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                            12/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3802. QUALITY REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES' DECISIONS (623P)

Priority:  Other Significant

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

Legal Authority:  31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 
405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 421(d); 42 USC 
423(h); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); PL 96-265, sec 304(g)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.900ff; 20 CFR 416.1400ff

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations are in furtherance of our published Plan 
for a New Disability Claim Process and, specifically, the quality 
assurance aspect of that Plan (59 FR 47918). This initiative provides 
for a preeffectuation review of a sample of decisions made by Office of 
Hearings and Appeals (OHA) administrative law judges. Decisions that 
appear to be unsupported by the evidence of record will be forwarded to 
the OHA Appeals Council for review in accordance with 20 CFR 404.970 or 
416.1470. These regulations will set out the procedures by which we 
will identify and refer

[[Page 22559]]

these cases to the Appeals Council for quality review under its 
existing authority to review cases on its own motion.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement one of 
several process unification initiatives approved by the Commissioner on 
July 8, 1996.

Summary of the Legal Basis: None.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: We do not anticipate any additional 
program or administrative costs.

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/97
Final Action                    09/00/97

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-AE53
_______________________________________________________________________




3803. IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS TO PREHEARING PROCEDURES AND DECISIONS 
BY ADJUDICATION OFFICERS (616P)

Priority:  Other Significant

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

Legal Authority:  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 404.943 (New); 20 CFR 416.1443 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending our rules to implement use of an adjudication 
officer, who, under the Plan for a New Disability Claim Process 
approved by the Commissioner of Social Security in September 1994 (the 
disability redesign plan), would be the focal point for all prehearing 
activities when a request for a hearing before an administrative law 
judge (ALJ) is filed. The adjudication officer position is an integral 
part of the disability redesign plan. These proposed rules will add 
several new sections setting out the responsibilities of the 
adjudication officer in connection with a claim for Social Security or 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on disability.

Statement of Need: These regulations are needed to implement a major 
initiative discussed in the Plan for a New Disability Claim Process 
approved by the Commissioner of Social Security in September 1994 (the 
disability redesign plan).

Summary of the Legal Basis: None.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: No program costs are expected. There 
will be some administrative costs as a result of setting up these new 
positions in the field offices. However we expect these costs to be 
offset by subsequent processing efficiencies resulting in significant 
administrative savings.

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/97
Final Action                    01/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, 3-C-3 Operations, 
Social Security Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE55
_______________________________________________________________________




3804. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED; EVALUATING 
OPINION EVIDENCE (624P)

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 902(c)(5); 42 
USC 1382C; 42 USC 221

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1502; 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 
CFR 404.1519; 20 CFR 404.1527; 20 CFR 416.902; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 
416.913; 20 CFR 416.919; 20 CFR 416.927

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our disability regulations to clarify 
the weight administrative law judges and the Appeals Council are to 
give to opinion evidence from State agency medical and psychological 
consultants, other program physicians and psychologists, and medical 
experts in claims for disability benefits under title II and title XVI 
of the Social Security Act.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement one of 
several process unification initiatives approved by the Commissioner on 
July 8, 1996.

Summary of the Legal Basis: None.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: We do not anticipate any additional 
program or administrative costs.

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/97
Final Action                    06/00/98

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-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




3805. 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

[[Page 22560]]

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                            08/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3806.  LISTENING-IN TO OR RECORDING TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS 
(626P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383; 44 USC 3506

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Information Technology Management Reform Act (ITMRA), 
effective August 8, 1996, repealed the central authority of GSA to 
promulgate regulations governing information management practices. 
Prior to that date GSA had promulgated the FIRMR part 201-21.603 which 
governed the conduct of telephone service observation. ITMRA causes 
each agency to be responsible for its own information management 
practices. SSA is promulgating this regulation to govern the conduct of 
telephone service observation activity within its programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE66
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3807. 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 being made to 
ensure that the medical evaluation criteria are up to date and 
consistent with the latest advances in medicine. The SSI program 
incorporates by reference and uses the same medical criteria as the 
old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3808. 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.

[[Page 22561]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/95                    60 FR 12166
NPRM Comment Period End         05/15/95
Final Action                    12/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3809. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR CLAIMANT REPRESENTATIVES (431F)

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 are amending 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                            01/03/97                      62 FR 352
NPRM Comment Period End         03/04/97
Final Action                    03/00/98

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-AD73
_______________________________________________________________________




3810. VALUATION OF CERTAIN IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (ISM) WHERE 
THERE IS A COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN SSI BENEFITS (454F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  PL 103-66, sec 13735

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final regulation will reflect the amendment to section 
1611(c) of the Act, effective January 1, 1995, that the current Federal 
benefit rate be used in determining the value of certain in-kind 
support and 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                    12/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3811. DEEMING IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) PROGRAM WHEN AN 
INELIGIBLE SPOUSE OR PARENT IS ABSENT FROM HOUSEHOLD DUE SOLELY TO 
ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE (462F)

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: We are proposing to add a rule on how the income and 
resources of ineligible spouses or parents affect the eligibility and 
benefit amounts of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants and 
recipients when those spouses or parents are absent from their 
households due solely to a duty assignment as a member of the Armed 
Forces on active duty. We are proposing to add this rule because the 
current rules do not reflect the provision of the Social Security Act 
(the Act), as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 
(OBRA 1993), that addresses this situation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/24/97                     62 FR 3633
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/97
Final Action                    01/00/98

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3812. 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

[[Page 22562]]

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-AD89
_______________________________________________________________________




3813. DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES RESIDENT; RELIGIOUS RECORD OF BIRTH OR 
BAPTISM AS EVIDENCE OF CITIZENSHIP; PLAN TO HELP BLIND AND DISABLED 
INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE SELF-SUPPORT (515F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 
1382a; 42 USC 1382b; 42 USC 1382 note; 42 USC 1382c(a)(1)(B); 42 USC 
1382c(f); 42 USC 1382(e); 42 USC 1382j; 42 USC 1383; 8 USC 1254a; 48 
USC 1681 note

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations clarify SSA's policies on the 
definition of a U.S. resident. They also clarify the requirements for a 
religious record of birth or baptism in the United States to be 
acceptable evidence to establish status as a U.S. citizen or national. 
We are also correcting a typographical error in the wording of one 
section of the regulation concerning income that is used or set aside 
to be used under a plan to become self-supporting.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3814. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3815. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3816. 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                    05/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3817. 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.

[[Page 22563]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3818. 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                    05/00/97

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3819. APPLICATION OF STATE LAW IN DETERMINING CHILD RELATIONSHIP (557F)

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) to 428(e); 42 USC 
902(a)(5); 42 USC 425

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to revise our rules to explain which version 
of State law we will apply in determining whether a natural child has 
inheritance rights; depending on whether the insured is living or 
deceased, how we will apply State law requirements on time limits for 
determining inheritance rights, and how we will apply State law 
requirements for a court determination of paternity. We are also 
proposing to clarify our current rule on determining an applicant's 
status as a legally adopted child of an insured individual.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/30/97                     62 FR 4494
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/97
Final Action                    01/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE30
_______________________________________________________________________




3820. 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.

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-AE45
_______________________________________________________________________




3821. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3822. 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

[[Page 22564]]

Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE52
_______________________________________________________________________




3823. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; DETERMINING DISABILITY FOR A CHILD 
UNDER AGE 18; INTERIM FINAL RULES WITH REQUEST FOR COMMENTS (625I)

Priority:  Economically Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5); PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500 app 1; 20 CFR 416.901; 20 CFR 416.906; 
20 CFR 416.911; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.913; 20 CFR 416.919a; 20 CFR 
416.919n; 20 CFR 416.924; 20 CFR 416.924a to 416.924e; 20 CFR 416.925; 
20 CFR 416.926a; 20 CFR 416.927; 20 CFR 416.929; 20 CFR 416.987 (New); 
...

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996.
90 Days After Enactment--3 months after the effective date of P.L. 104-
193, August 22, 1996

Abstract: These rules implement the childhood disability provisions of 
sections 211 and 212 of Public Law 104-193, the Personal Responsibility 
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that provide a new 
definition of disability for children (i.e., individuals under age 18), 
mandate changes to the evaluation process for children's disability 
claims and continuing disability review, and require that disability 
redeterminations be performed for 18-year-olds eligible as children in 
the month before they attain age 18.

Statement of Need: This regulation is necessary to implement provision 
of P.L. 104-193.

Summary of the Legal Basis: These regulations are required by P.L. 104-
193.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: As required by the legislation we will 
review the claims of certain children currently receiving SSI 
Disability benefits. Benefits will be terminated for some of these 
children, and others who file new applications will be denied under the 
new standard.

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/11/97                     62 FR 6408
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/14/97
Final Action                    11/00/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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-AE57
_______________________________________________________________________




3824.  REDUCTION IN SSI PAYABLE TO INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILDREN 
WHOSE MEDICAL COSTS ARE COVERED BY PRIVATE INSURANCE (630F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 
1382c; 42 USC 1382d(c); 42 USC 1382h; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383c; 48 USC 
1681

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1149; 20 CFR 416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1202; 20 
CFR 416.211; 20 CFR 416.212; 20 CFR 416.414

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996.

Abstract: These regulations reflect an amendment to section 
1611(e)(1)(B) of the Act made by section 214 of Public Law 104-193, the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 
1996. Section 214 extends applicability of the reduced SSI benefit rate 
(currently $30.00 per month) to children under age 18 in medical care 
facilities receiving payments on their behalf under a health insurance 
policy issued by a private provider. Under these rules, children with 
private health insurance coverage will be treated the same as children 
with Medicaid coverage in terms of the amount of monthly SSI benefits 
for which they are eligible. While the major impact of these changes 
will be to reduce benefits for those children described above, some 
children residing in public institutions, which receive private health 
insurance payments and which previously did not receive any SSI 
benefits on their behalf, would now be eligible for SSI benefits up to 
$30.00 per month.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/08/97                     62 FR 1053
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/10/97
Final Action                    10/00/97

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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-AE61
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3825. 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

[[Page 22565]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3826. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3827. ELECTION OF BENEFITS BASED ON AGE BY DISABLED WIDOW, WIDOWER, AND 
SURVIVING DIVORCED SPOUSE BENEFICIARIES (343P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




3828. 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                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22566]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3829. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3830. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3831. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3832. BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES, DIVORCED SPOUSES, AND CHILDREN (455F)

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 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 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

[[Page 22567]]

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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    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
_______________________________________________________________________




3833. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3834. 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; 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 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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3835. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3836. DEFINITION OF ``LARGEST BENEFIT AMOUNT'' FOR SIMULTANEOUS 
ENTITLEMENT TO CHILD'S 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.

[[Page 22568]]

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402(d); 42 USC 403; 42 USC 404(a); 42 USC 
404(e); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(c); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 422(b); 42 USC 
423; 42 USC 424a; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5)

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3837. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; BENEFIT 
REFORMS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM 
(496F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

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

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD96
_______________________________________________________________________




3838. 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

[[Page 22569]]

and Rulings, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD98
_______________________________________________________________________




3839. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS TEMPORARILY ABROAD (505P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________




3840. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3841. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3842. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
INCOME AND RESOURCES, DEEMING OF PARENTAL INCOME AND RESOURCES WHEN 
CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED (522P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations

[[Page 22570]]

and Rulings, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE08
_______________________________________________________________________




3843. 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. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE09
_______________________________________________________________________




3844. DETERMINATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; ADMINISTRATIVE 
RES JUDICATA AND RELATED RULES (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); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 
405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 421; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 
405 note; 42 USC 421 note; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383b; 31 USC 3720A; 42 
USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.903a (New); 20 CFR 404.903b (New); 20 CFR 
404.957; 20 CFR 404.967; 20 CFR 416.1403a (New); 20 CFR 416.1403b 
(New); 20 CFR 416.1457; 20 CFR 416.1467

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations which govern the 
administrative review process for the Social Security and Supplemental 
Security Income (SSI) programs under titles II and XVI of the Social 
Security Act (the Act) to reflect and implement sections 205(b)(3)(A) 
and 1631(c)(1)(B)(j) of the Act. These sections of the Act were added 
by section 5107 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA 
1990), Pub. L. 101-508, to specify certain cases in which our policy on 
administrative res judicata may not be applied to deny a claimant's 
subsequent application for benefits under the Social Security or SSI 
program. In general, those sections of the Act provide that a 
claimant's failure to timely request review of an adverse initial or 
reconsidered determination which we make on an application for benefits 
under the Social Security or SSI program shall not serve as a basis for 
a denial by us of the claimant's subsequent application for benefits 
under the same program if the failure to so request review was due to 
certain circumstances specified in the statute.
In connection with making changes to our regulations to reflect this 
statutory exception to administrative res judicata, we are also 
proposing to amend our regulations to expand and clarify our rules 
concerning our policy on administrative res judicata. We are also 
proposing to amend our regulations to clarify our rules concerning a 
distinct but related Agency policy which we refer to in our existing 
regulations as ``collateral estoppel,'' but which we propose to rename 
``adoption of findings'' in these proposed regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




3845. 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

[[Page 22571]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3846. 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 propose to 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3847. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3848. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3849. 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 22572]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3850. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3851.  DEDICATED ACCOUNTS AND INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN 
PAST DUE SSI BENEFITS (622F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.535; 20 CFR 416.538; 20 CFR 416.542; 20 CFR 
416.545; 20 CFR 416.546; 20 CFR 416.570; 20 CFR 416.640; 20 CFR 
416.1124; 20 CFR 416.1210; 20 CFR 416.1247

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996.

Abstract: These regulations reflect amendments to the Social Security 
Act made by sections 213 and 221 of the Personal Responsibility and 
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Section 213 requires the 
establishment of accounts in financial institutions for the payment of 
past-due SSI benefits after reimbursement to a State for Interim 
Assistance Reimbursement exceeding 6 months' benefits to representative 
payees on behalf of children under age 18. These accounts will be 
dedicated for certain purposes by restrictions on the use of such past-
due benefits.
Section 221 requires past-due SSI benefits after reimbursement to a 
State for Interim Assistance Reimbursement which equals or exceeds 12 
months' benefits to be paid in installments, with certain exceptions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/20/96                    61 FR 67203
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/18/97
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-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




3852.  EFFECTUATION OF TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, 
THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AND THE AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1975, 
IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY SSA (617F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 5 USC 301; 20 USC 1405; 21 USC 
1174; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 290dd-2; 42 USC 2000d-1; 42 USC 6101

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 431

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Prior to March 31, 1995, SSA was an operating component of 
HHS and the general regulatory authority for SSA programs and 
administration was vested in the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(the Secretary) based on section 1102 of the Social Security Act (the 
Act) (42 U.S.C. 1302). The SSIPIA established SSA as an independent 
agency in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government effective 
March 31, 1995, and vested general regulatory authority in the 
Commissioner of Social Security (the Commissioner). Under section 
106(b) of SSIPIA, HHS regulations in effect immediately prior to March 
31, 1995, which relate to functions now vested in the Commissioner by 
reason of SSA's independence, continue to apply to SSA until such time 
as they are modified, suspended, terminated or repealed by the 
Commissioner. SSA is promulgating regulations at 20 CFR part 431 which 
are based in large measure upon the HHS regulations at 45 CFR parts 80, 
81, 84, 85, 90, and 91. These SSA regulations reflect changes necessary 
to adapt the HHS regulations to SSA procedures.
Upon SSA's rules becoming final regulations, the HHS regulations will 
cease to have application to SSA in accordance with section 106(b) of 
SSIPIA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

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-AE63
_______________________________________________________________________




3853.  AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC--
CHARGING FEES FOR PROVIDING PERSONAL INFORMATION (618P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

[[Page 22573]]

9701; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1306

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 402

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules will, in general, provide that SSA will 
not charge fees for personal information if it is to be used for a 
publicly administered program whose purpose is compatible with a Social 
Security Act 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-AE64
_______________________________________________________________________




3854.  REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND RELATED CRITERIA (620P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would eliminate ``Obesity'' from the 
Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 of subpart P of 20 CFR part 404. 
Current medical and vocational research demonstrates that obesity, 
viewed alone, is not determinative of an individual's inability to 
engage in any gainful activity. Instead, individuals with obesity would 
have their cases reviewed under the listing for (an) affected body 
system(s) or, on a case-by-case basis, at the remaining steps of the 
sequential evaluation process.

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-AE65
_______________________________________________________________________




3855.  SSI OVERPAYMENT RECOVERY BY OFFSET OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX 
REFUND (632I)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381; 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 
1382(c); 42 USC 1382(e); 31 USC 3720A

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.580 to 416.586; 20 CFR 416.1403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will govern use of the Federal income tax 
refund offset program established under section 2653 of the Deficit 
Reduction Act of 1984. They will permit the recovery of SSI 
overpayments through the withholding of amounts due to former SSI 
recipients as Federal income tax refunds. In these rules, we reflect 
the provisions of 31 USC 3720A and explain the procedures we will 
follow in referring SSI overpayments to the Department of the Treasury 
for income tax refund offset.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              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-AE67
_______________________________________________________________________




3856.  ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AMENDMENTS (640P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 552; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: P.L. 104-231, enacted 10/02/96, amended the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 USC 552). It has a two-fold purpose: to 
improve public access to Government information and records maintained 
in an electronic format by Federal agencies and to reduce delays in 
agency responses to FOIA requests.

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-AE68
_______________________________________________________________________




3857.  COVERAGE OF EMPLOYEES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; 
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CONTROL NUMBER (280F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 410; 42 USC 418; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1215; 20 CFR 404.1203; 20 CFR 404.1204; 20 
CFR 404.1214; 20 CFR 404.1216; 20 CFR 404.1220; 20 CFR 404.1225; 20 CFR 
404.1237; 20 CFR 404.1239; 20 CFR 404.1242; 20 CFR 404.1243; 20 CFR 
404.1247; 20 CFR 404.1249; 20 CFR 404.1251; 20 CFR 404.1265; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations supply the OMB control number for the 
information collection requirements in section 404.1215 of subpart M of 
our final regulations on coverage of employees of State and local 
governments. They also remove the Effective Date Note from 16 other 
sections in subpart M.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE69

[[Page 22574]]

_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3858. FEES FOR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS IN 
THE SSI PROGRAM; INTEREST CHARGING ON STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENT FUNDS 
(376F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.2010; 20 CFR 416.2090

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/03/97                      62 FR 309
Final Action Effective          02/03/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

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

RIN: 0960-AD75
_______________________________________________________________________




3859. 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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1160; 20 CFR 416.1204

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/31/95

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD84
_______________________________________________________________________




3860. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION; 
AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC (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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 402.5 to 402.205

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/29/97                     62 FR 4142
Final Action Effective          01/29/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE24
_______________________________________________________________________




3861. CYCLING PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS (558F)

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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 404.1805; 20 CFR 404.903

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/11/97                     62 FR 6114
Final Action Effective          05/01/97

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE31
_______________________________________________________________________




3862. HEARING PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY CASES (579F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 498.200 to 498.223

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/13/96                    61 FR 65467
Final Action Effective          01/13/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE41
_______________________________________________________________________




3863. ELIMINATION OF MANDATORY ANNUAL EARNINGS REPORTS (592F)

Priority:  Other Significant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.452

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/02/97                    62 FR 15607
Final Action Effective          04/02/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE44
_______________________________________________________________________




3864. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT IN AGENCY 
PROCEEDINGS (596F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 426.101ff

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/19/96

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE46
_______________________________________________________________________




3865.  REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION FOR DISABILITY 
EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR GROWTH IMPAIRMENT LISTING (627F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule extends until December 7, 1998, the date on 
which the growth impairment listings contained in Part B of the 
Listings of Impairments will no longer be effective.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/06/96                    61 FR 64615
Final Action Effective          12/06/96

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security

[[Page 22575]]

Administration, Division of Regulations and Rulings, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE60
[FR Doc. 97-5804 Filed 04-24-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F