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SSA RIN: 0960-AH71 Publication ID: Fall 2016 
Title: Ensuring Program Uniformity at the Hearing and Appeals Council Levels of the Administrative Review Process 
Abstract:

We propose to revise our rules so that more of our procedures at the administrative law judge (ALJ) and Appeals Council levels of our administrative review process are consistent nationwide. We propose revisions to:

1) the time-frame for notifying claimants of a hearing date;

2) the information in our hearing notices;

3) the period when we require claimants to inform us about or submit written evidence, written statements, objections to the issues, and subpoena requests;

4) what constitutes the official record; and

5) the manner in which the Appeals Council considers additional evidence.

We anticipate that these nationally consistent procedures will enable us to administer our disability programs more efficiently and better serve the public.

 
Agency: Social Security Administration(SSA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.935    20 CFR 404.938    20 CFR 404.939    20 CFR 944    20 CFR 404.949    20 CFR 404.950    20 CFR 404.951    20 CFR 404.970    20 CFR 976    20 CFR 405 RECINDED & RESERVED    20 CFR 416.1435    20 CFR 416.1438    20 CFR 416.1439    20 CFR 416.1444    20 CFR 416.1449    20 CFR 416.1450    20 CFR 416.1451    20 CFR 416.1470    20 CFR 416.1476    20 CFR 404.900    20 CFR 404.929    20 CFR 404.968    20 CFR 416.1400    20 CFR 416.1429    20 CFR 416.1468   
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 401(j)    42 U.S.C. 404(f)    42 U.S.C. 405(a) to 405(b)    42 U.S.C. 405(d) to 405(h)    42 U.S.C. 405(j)    42 U.S.C. 405(s)    42 U.S.C. 421    42 U.S.C. 421 note    42 U.S.C. 423(a) to 423(b)    42 U.S.C. 423(i)    42 U.S.C. 902(a)(5)    42 U.S.C. 902 note    42 U.S.C. 1381    42 U.S.C. 1381a    42 U.S.C. 1383    42 U.S.C. 1383b   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need:

We propose to revise parts 404 and 416 to make more of our procedures at the hearings and Appeals Council levels consistent nationwide. These changes would bring the vast majority of the part 405 procedures in line with the procedures in parts 404 and 416, so we propose to remove part 405 in its entirety. We anticipate that under nationally consistent procedures, we will be able to administer our disability programs more efficiently and better serve the public.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Administrative--not required by statute or court order.

Alternatives:

Based on our program experience, there are no alternatives at this time.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Undetermined.

Risks:

Undetermined.
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/12/2016  81 FR 45079   
NPRM Comment Period Extended  08/04/2016  81 FR 51412   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/11/2016 
NPRM Comment Period Extended End  08/26/2016 
Final Action  12/00/2016 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
William P. Gibson
Social Insurance Specialist, Regulations Writer
Social Security Administration
Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, 6401 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone:410 966-9039
Email: william.gibson@ssa.gov