[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 XLIV





Social Security Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 22874]]



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 October 29, 
1997.

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 Georgia E. Myers, Acting Regulations Officer, 
Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235; telephone (410) 965-3632.

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. A number 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.

    One of our agenda items--Permit Department of State and the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service to Collect Information 
Needed to Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens--supports the 
President's Reiventing Government (REGO II) initiative to create a 
Federal Government that works better and costs less.

    Another of our agenda items provides for redeterminations of 
entitlement when there is reason to believe fraud was involved in 
the application for benefits. This initiative is in support of the 
Agency's goal of ``zero tolerance for fraud.''

    Also in this agenda are revisions to our rules on Plans to 
Achieve Self-Support, changes to the Representative Payment 
provisions of the title II and title XVI regulations, and 
regulations implementing several of the Administration's welfare 
reform initiatives.

    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 1998 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated: February 20, 1998.

Georgia E. Myers,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3929         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security                     
            Income, Medical and Other Evidence of Your Impairment(s) (469P).......................    0960-AD91 
3930         Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P)................    0960-AE17 
3931         Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain                 
            Grants and Agreements With States, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547P)........    0960-AE25 
3932         Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security                    
            Administration (601P).................................................................    0960-AE48 
3933         Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication                  
            Officers (616P).......................................................................    0960-AE55 
3934         Effective Date of Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits (642P).    0960-AE71 

[[Page 22875]]

                                                                                                                
3935         Determining Disability and Blindness; Providing For Use of a Single Decisionmaker To               
            Make Determinations of Disability Under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act                
            (668P)................................................................................    0960-AE73 
3936         Reflect a Requirement of the Social Security Act that the Commissioner Disregard                   
            Evidence in Certain Situations Involving Fraud or Similar Fault Under Titles II or XVI              
            of the Act (671P).....................................................................    0960-AE75 
3937         Denial of SSI Benefits for Fugitive Felons and Probation and Parole Violators (660P).    0960-AE77 
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                                                Final Rule Stage                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3938         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for                 
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................    0960-AB01 
3939         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income                      
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides                 
            (147F)................................................................................    0960-AB73 
3940         Standards of Conduct for Claimant Representatives (431F).............................    0960-AD73 
3941         Valuation of Certain In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Where There Is a Cost-of-               
            Living Adjustment in SSI Benefits (454F)..............................................    0960-AD82 
3942         Benefits for Spouses, Divorced Spouses, and Children (455F)..........................    0960-AD83 
3943         Application of State Law in Determining Child Relationship (557F)....................    0960-AE30 
3944         Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits                 
            (567F)................................................................................    0960-AE35 
3945         Permit Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service To Collect               
            Information Needed To Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens (569F).................    0960-AE36 
3946         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and                   
            Blindness; Revision to Medical-Vocational Guidelines (599F)...........................    0960-AE42 
3947         Identification and Referral of Cases for Quality Review Under the Appeals Council's                
            Authority To Review Cases on Its Own Motion (623F)....................................    0960-AE53 
3948         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income              
            for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Evaluating Opinion Evidence (624F)..................    0960-AE56 
3949         Supplemental Security Income; Determining Disability for a Child Under Age 18 (625F).    0960-AE57 
3950         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Deletion of Obesity Listing              
            (620P)................................................................................    0960-AE65 
3951         Listening-In to or Recording Telephone Conversations (626P)..........................    0960-AE66 
3952         Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments (640F)..............................    0960-AE68 
3953         Application of Circuit Court Law--Strengthening the Acquiescence Process and                       
            Furthering National Uniformity in Program Administration (669F).......................    0960-AE74 
3954         Charging Administration Fees for Making State Supplementary Payments (679F)..........    0960-AE82 
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                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3955         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating              
            Mental Disorders for Adults (222F)....................................................    0960-AC74 
3956         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the              
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment Under Title II & XVI of the Social                
            Security Act (295F)...................................................................    0960-AD22 
3957         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the              
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................    0960-AD23 
3958         Procedure To Review Complaints of Alleged Misconduct on the Part of Administrative                 
            Law Judges (341P).....................................................................    0960-AD54 
3959         Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced               
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)...........................................................    0960-AD56 
3960         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 
3961         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and                     
            Obesity and Related Criteria (436P)...................................................    0960-AD78 
3962         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support                    
            (475P)................................................................................    0960-AD92 
3963         Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P).............    0960-AD93 

[[Page 22876]]

                                                                                                                
3964         Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's                   
            Benefits (481P).......................................................................    0960-AD95 
3965         Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for                       
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F).....................    0960-AD96 
3966         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 
3967         SSI Eligibility for Students Temporarily Abroad (505P)...............................    0960-AE01 
3968         Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F).......................................    0960-AE02 
3969         Guaranteed Family Maximums (510F)....................................................    0960-AE03 
3970         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 
3971         Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and Related Rules (526P)..    0960-AE11 
3972         Misuse of Symbols, Emblems, or Names in Reference to the Social Security                           
            Administration (530P).................................................................    0960-AE15 
3973         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 
3974         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security                   
            Number Cards (543F)...................................................................    0960-AE18 
3975         Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide                        
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)..................................    0960-AE27 
3976         Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State                 
            and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)............................    0960-AE28 
3977         Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and                    
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).........................................................    0960-AE29 
3978         Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit              
            Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)..........................................    0960-AE40 
3979         Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful                    
            Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)............................................    0960-AE49 
3980         Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an Eligible              
            Child (606P)..........................................................................    0960-AE50 
3981         Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F).    0960-AE59 
3982         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 
3983         Availability of Information and Records to the Public--Charging Fees for Providing                 
            Personal Information (618P)...........................................................    0960-AE64 
3984         Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and Budget              
            (OMB) Control Number (280F)...........................................................    0960-AE69 
3985         Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability (661P)..................................    0960-AE78 
3986         Adding New SSI Income and Resource Exclusion (VA Payments to Certain Vietnam                       
            Veterans' Children with Spina Bifida) to Lists of Exclusions Provided by Other Federal              
            Statutes (664F).......................................................................    0960-AE79 
3987         Standards of Conduct 20 CFR Part 430--Personnel (672F)...............................    0960-AE81 
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                                                Completed Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3988         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 
3989         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Overpayment Debt Collection Procedures               
            (523F)................................................................................    0960-AE09 
3990         Payments for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (615P)...............................    0960-AE54 
3991         Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and                    
            Blindness; Extension of Expiration Date for the Cardiovascular Body System Listings                 
            (685F)................................................................................    0960-AE80 
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[[Page 22877]]

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



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3929. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, MEDICAL AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF YOUR 
IMPAIRMENT(S) (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 404.1512; 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 416.912; 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                            02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD91
_______________________________________________________________________




3930. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT 
(506P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Secuarity Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




3931. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS AND SUBAWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
EDUCATION; CERTAIN GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, LOCAL, AND INDIAN 
TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS (547P)

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

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




3932. 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                            10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




3933. 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)

[[Page 22878]]

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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0960-AE55
_______________________________________________________________________




3934. EFFECTIVE DATE OF APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME 
(SSI) BENEFITS (642P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1310(b); 42 USC 1381; 42 USC 
1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1382d(c); 42 USC 1382h(a); 42 
USC 1383; 42 USC 1383c; PL 93-66; PL 94-241; PL 99-643; 48 USC 1681 
note; 42 USC 1382(a) to 1382(c); ...

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.211; 20 CFR 416.305; 20 CFR 416.315; 20 CFR 
416.330; 20 CFR 416.335; 20 CFR 416.420; 20 CFR 416.421; 20 CFR 
416.501; 20 CFR 416.502; 20 CFR 416.520; 20 CFR 416.1801; 20 CFR 
416.200; 20 CFR 416.203; 20 CFR 416.1335; 20 CFR 416.1902; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations reflect and implement section 204 
of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 
of 1996. Section 204 changed the date a supplemental security income 
(SSI) application is effective so that the earliest month for which 
benefits can be paid is the month following the month in which the 
application is filed. Section 204 also made related changes concerning 
emergency advance payments (EAP), interim assistance reimbursements 
(IAR) and in the definition of ``eligible spouse''.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Loretta Tabacca, Program Policy Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE71
_______________________________________________________________________




3935. DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; PROVIDING FOR USE OF A 
SINGLE DECISIONMAKER TO MAKE DETERMINATIONS OF DISABILITY UNDER TITLES 
II AND XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (668P)

Priority:  Other 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.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 421; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 
902(a); 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1383b

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1546; 20 CFR 404.1615; 20 CFR 416.946; 20 CFR 
416.1015

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend our rules to provide for a single 
decisionmaker who will make determinations of disability under title II 
and title XVI of the act after consultation with a medical or 
psychological consultant, as appropriate. The decisionmaker would have 
the authority to request, review, and evaluate evidence and make the 
disability determination without having the medical consultant sign the 
disability determination forms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE73
_______________________________________________________________________




3936. REFLECT A REQUIREMENT OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT THAT THE 
COMMISSIONER DISREGARD EVIDENCE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS INVOLVING FRAUD OR 
SIMILAR FAULT UNDER TITLES II OR XVI OF THE ACT (671P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation would reflect amendments to the Social 
Security Act by P.L. 103-296 concerning program fraud. Those amendments 
specify that SSA, when redetermining the entitlement, or making an 
initial determination of entitlement of an individual, will disregard 
evidence if there is reason to believe that fraud or similar fault was 
involved in the providing of such evidence. The regulation will include 
definitions of key terms to be used by SSA or the State disability 
determination services in making a fraud or similar fault finding.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
Final Action                    10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and

[[Page 22879]]

Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE75
_______________________________________________________________________




3937. DENIAL OF SSI BENEFITS FOR FUGITIVE FELONS AND PROBATION AND 
PAROLE VIOLATORS (660P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.202; 20 CFR 416.708; 20 CFR 416.1331

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations, carry out section 202(a) of P.L. 
104-193 which prohibits payment of SSI benefits to individuals who are 
fleeing to avoid prosecution for a crime which is a felony; or fleeing 
to avoid custody or confinement after conviction for a crime which is a 
felony; or violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under 
Federal or State law.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212334
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE77
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3938. 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: Listings 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, for an individual 
under age 18 under the SSI program, an impairment(s) causing ``marked 
and severe functional limitations.'' Comprehensive revisions to these 
listings 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                    03/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




3939. 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; 
42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404; 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/95                    60 FR 12166
NPRM Comment Period End         05/15/95
Final Action                    03/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




3940. 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.

[[Page 22880]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/97                      62 FR 352
NPRM Comment Period End         03/04/97
Final Action                    05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD73
_______________________________________________________________________




3941. 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                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AD82
_______________________________________________________________________




3942. BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES, DIVORCED SPOUSES, AND CHILDREN (455F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 404.332; 20 CFR 404.341; 20 CFR 404.357; 20 CFR 
404.361; 20 CFR 404.366

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations make several clarifying technical 
changes to correct language incorporated into the regulations when they 
were recodified on June 15, 1979, which could potentially result in the 
regulations being interpreted incorrectly. They also make a technical 
change to one section of the regulations to conform to a change in the 
statute, and to another section to reflect a longstanding SSA policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD83
_______________________________________________________________________




3943. APPLICATION OF STATE LAW IN DETERMINING CHILD RELATIONSHIP (557F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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: These final regulations revise our rules on determining 
whether a natural child has inheritance rights under appropriate State 
law and therefore may be entitled to Social Security benefits as the 
child of an insured worker. Specifically, they revise our rules to 
explain which version of State law we will apply, 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. They also 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                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE30
_______________________________________________________________________




3944. REDUCTION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS--WORKERS' COMPENSATION/PUBLIC 
DISABILITY BENEFITS (567F)

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 and payments 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 for proration of workers' compensation and public 
disability benefit/payment settlements. In addition, we propose to 
incorporate into our rules certain policy interpretations established 
previously

[[Page 22881]]

in relevant Social Security Rulings (SSRs). Finally, we propose to 
update provisions that have not been changed since 1984.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/04/97                    62 FR 46682
Extension of Public Comment 
Period                          11/10/97                    62 FR 60672
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/98
Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE35
_______________________________________________________________________




3945. PERMIT DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION 
SERVICE TO COLLECT INFORMATION NEEDED TO ASSIGN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS 
TO ALIENS (569F)

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 422.106; 20 CFR 422.107; 20 CFR 
422.110

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/97                    62 FR 63681
NPRM Comment Period End         02/02/98
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE36
_______________________________________________________________________




3946. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; DETERMINING 
DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; REVISION TO MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES 
(599F)

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 clarifications 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/23/97                    62 FR 49636
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/97
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




3947. IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL OF CASES FOR QUALITY REVIEW UNDER THE 
APPEALS COUNCIL'S AUTHORITY TO REVIEW CASES ON ITS OWN MOTION (623F)

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/25/97                    62 FR 50266
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/97
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE53

[[Page 22882]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3948. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED; 
EVALUATING OPINION EVIDENCE (624F)

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 are revising 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/25/97                    62 FR 50270
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/97
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




3949. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; DETERMINING DISABILITY FOR A CHILD 
UNDER AGE 18 (625F)

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 regulations will implement provisions of P.L. 104-193, 
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 
1996 (Welfare Reform), which eliminates the comparable severity 
standard for children and provides instead that a child under age 18 be 
considered under a disability if he/she has a medically determinable 
impairment which results in marked and severe functional limitations 
and which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can 
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 
These new childhood disability eligibility criteria are applicable to 
individuals whose claims for child's disability benefits are filed on 
or after August 22, 1996, and those whose claims were not ``finally 
adjudicated'' as of August 21, 1996. In addition, these new eligibility 
criteria will also apply when redetermining a child's continuing 
eligibility for benefits.

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                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE57
_______________________________________________________________________




3950. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, DELETION 
OF OBESITY LISTING (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                            03/11/98                    63 FR 11854
Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE65
_______________________________________________________________________




3951. LISTENING-IN TO OR RECORDING TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS (626P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.701 (New); 20 CFR 422.705 (New); 20 CFR 
422.710 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to add a new subpart H to part 422 of our 
rules which will contain regulations relating to the use of SSA's 
telephone lines. In the new subpart H, we propose to describe the 
limited circumstances under which SSA employees may listen-in to or 
record telephone conversations and the procedures we will follow in 
connection with this activity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/11/98                    63 FR 11856
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security

[[Page 22883]]

Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE66
_______________________________________________________________________




3952. ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AMENDMENTS (640F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 402.30; 20 CFR 402.35; 20 CFR 402.40; 20 CFR 
402.45; 20 CFR 402.100; 20 CFR 402.130; 20 CFR 402.140; 20 CFR 402.145; 
20 CFR 402.150; 20 CFR 402.160

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                            08/14/97                    62 FR 43489
NPRM Comment Period End         09/15/97
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE68
_______________________________________________________________________




3953. APPLICATION OF CIRCUIT COURT LAW--STRENGTHENING THE ACQUIESCENCE 
PROCESS AND FURTHERING NATIONAL UNIFORMITY IN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 
(669F)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.985; 20 CFR 416.1485

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise our regulations to strengthen 
SSA's acquiescence process and to ensure to the extent possible 
national uniformity in the administration of its programs. These rules 
would apply to circuit court decisions which contain a holding which 
SSA determines conflicts with its interpretation of a provision of the 
Social Security Act or regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/18/97                    62 FR 48963
NPRM Comment Period End         11/17/97
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE74
_______________________________________________________________________




3954.  CHARGING ADMINISTRATION FEES FOR MAKING STATE 
SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS (679F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 105-33, sec 5102

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.2010

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are revising our rules to bring them into accord with 
legislation that requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to 
increase the administration fee it charges States for making 
supplementary payments on behalf of States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Gareth Dence, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-9872

RIN: 0960-AE82
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3955. 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; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and

[[Page 22884]]

Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________




3956. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE 
PAYMENT UNDER TITLE II & XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (295F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 101-508, sec 5105

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.902; 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 416.611; 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 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: Craig Street, Program Policy Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-9793

RIN: 0960-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________




3957. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; FEES FOR 
REPRESENTATION OF CLAIMANTS (296P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  PL 101-508, Sec 5106

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




3958. 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 422.700 to 713 (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                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Office of Process 
and Innovation Management, Social Security Administration, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




3959. 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, Office of Process 
and

[[Page 22885]]

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

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




3960. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




3961. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




3962. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD92
_______________________________________________________________________




3963. 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

[[Page 22886]]

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 the 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AD93
_______________________________________________________________________




3964. 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.

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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD95
_______________________________________________________________________




3965. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AD96

[[Page 22887]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3966. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD98
_______________________________________________________________________




3967. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1762

RIN: 0960-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________




3968. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




3969. 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 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: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE03

[[Page 22888]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3970. 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, will be 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE08
_______________________________________________________________________




3971. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; ADMINISTRATIVE RES JUDICATA AND 
RELATED RULES (526P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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); 42 USC 404(f)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.903a (New); 20 CFR 404.903b (New); 20 CFR 
404.950; 20 CFR 404.957; 20 CFR 404.967; 20 CFR 416.1403a (New); 20 CFR 
416.1403b (New); 20 CFR 416.1450; 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)(i) 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: Stan Axel, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program and Benefits Policy, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-7927

RIN: 0960-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




3972. MISUSE OF SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, OR NAMES IN REFERENCE TO THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (530P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  PL 103-296, sec 312

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.527

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE15

[[Page 22889]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3973. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1794

RIN: 0960-AE16
_______________________________________________________________________




3974. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS; REPLACING 
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CARDS (543F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.103

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE18
_______________________________________________________________________




3975. 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                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE27
_______________________________________________________________________




3976. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 
(555F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 437.000

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




3977. 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                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE29
_______________________________________________________________________




3978. 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

[[Page 22890]]

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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1759

RIN: 0960-AE40
_______________________________________________________________________




3979. 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); 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

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                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AE49
_______________________________________________________________________




3980. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




3981. 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, Office of Process and

[[Page 22891]]

Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




3982. 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE63
_______________________________________________________________________




3983. 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 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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE64
_______________________________________________________________________




3984. COVERAGE OF EMPLOYEES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; OFFICE OF 
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CONTROL NUMBER (280F)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

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

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: SSA regulations providing Social Security coverage for the 
services of employees of State and local governments and interstate 
instrumentalities, were published in the Federal Register on August 29, 
1988 (53 FR 32972). Those regulations included sections which contained 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements which were not 
effective until they were approved by OMB. This document notifies the 
public that the information collection and recordkeeping requirements 
were approved by OMB and provides the OMB control number. This document 
also adds an OMB approval number to section 404.1215.

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, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE69
_______________________________________________________________________




3985. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY (661P)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1302; PL 103-296

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 431.100; 20 CFR 431.105; 20 CFR 431.110; 20 CFR 
431.115; 20 CFR 431.120; 20 CFR 431.125; 20 CFR 431.200; 20 CFR 
431.205; 20 CFR 431.210; 20 CFR 431.215; 20 CFR 431.220; 20 CFR 
431.225; 20 CFR 431.230; 20 CFR 431.235; 20 CFR 431.240; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations are intended to ensure that 
individuals are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of 
disability, race, color, national origin, sex, age, or religion in any 
program or activity conducted by SSA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

[[Page 22892]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




3986. ADDING NEW SSI INCOME AND RESOURCE EXCLUSION (VA PAYMENTS TO 
CERTAIN VIETNAM VETERANS' CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA) TO LISTS OF 
EXCLUSIONS PROVIDED BY OTHER FEDERAL STATUTES (664F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  38 USC 1805(d)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.1182, app; 20 CFR 416.1236

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: P.L. 104-204 provides that a Department of Veterans Affairs 
monthly allowance paid to children of Vietnam veterans for disabilities 
resulting from spina bifida will not be considered income or resources 
in determining eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any 
Federal or federally assisted program. These regulations update the 
lists of exclusions from income and resources under the SSI program 
that are in statutes other than the Social Security Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212335
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




3987.  STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 20 CFR PART 430--PERSONNEL (672F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1302

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 430.201; 20 CFR 430.202; 45 CFR 73

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules establish policy for standards of conduct 
for SSA employees. They adopt, with certain minor changes, the same 
policy prescribed in 45 CFR part 73, sections 73.735-301, 73.735-302, 
73.735-305, 73.735-306, 73.735-802, 73.735-805, 73.735-1201 and 73.735-
1301 through 73.735-1304 that was applicable to SSA when it was a 
component of HHS and that has remained applicable to SSA since March 
31, 1995 by virtue of section 106(b) of the SSIPIA that continues 
certain HHS regulations in effect for SSA until such time as they are 
set aside. These are the provisions that were not superceded by the 
Office of Government Ethics Standards of Ethical Conduct for employees 
of the Executive Branch.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE81
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3988. 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

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/05/97                    62 FR 59812
Final Action Effective          12/05/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE05
_______________________________________________________________________




3989. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; OVERPAYMENT DEBT 
COLLECTION PROCEDURES (523F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.520 to 523; 20 CFR 404.525 to 527; 20 CFR 
404.903; 20 CFR 422.301 to 317 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/05/97                    62 FR 64274
Final Action Effective          01/05/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE09
_______________________________________________________________________




3990. 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.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Discontinued                    02/19/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22893]]

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

RIN: 0960-AE54
_______________________________________________________________________




3991.  FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; 
DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR 
THE CARDIOVASCULAR BODY SYSTEM LISTINGS (685F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA) adjudicates claims 
at the third step of its sequential process for evaluating disability 
using the Listing of Impairments (the listings) under the Social 
Security and supplemental security income (SSI) programs. This rule 
extends the date on which the cardiovascular body system listings will 
no longer be effective. We have made no revisions to the medical 
criteria in these listings; they remain the same as they now appear in 
the Code of Federal Regulations. This extension will ensure that we 
continue to have medical evaluation criteria in the listings to 
adjudicate claims for disability based on impairments in the 
cardiovascular body system at step three of our sequential evaluation 
process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/30/98                     63 FR 4570
Final Action Effective          01/30/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AE80
[FR Doc. 98-5164 Filed 04-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F