The main laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures that govern our work.
Federal Laws
- Federal Social Security Act
A compilation of Social Security laws related to disability determinations.
Federal Policies & Procedures
- Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
The POMS is the primary source of information used by Social Security and Disability Determination Services employees nationwide to process claims for Social Security benefits. It is a more detailed set of policies and procedures derived from information outlined in the regulations and rulings.
- Medical Listings (also known as the “Blue Book”)
The Listing of Impairments, which includes listings for both adults and children, also appears in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The listings describe the medical criteria that apply for each major body system and the impairments that are considered severe enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful work activity (or in the case of children under 18 applying for SSI, severe enough to cause marked and severe functional limitations).
Federal Regulations
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for Title II (Social Security Disability)
Title 20, Chapter 3, Part 404 of the CFR outlines the regulations relating to the provisions of Title II of the Social Security Act. Subparts P and Q are specific to disability determination.
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income – SSI)
Title 20, Chapter 3, Part 416 of the CFR outlines the regulations relating to the provisions of Title XVI of the Social Security Act. Subparts I and J are specific to disability determination.
Federal Rules
- Social Security Rulings (SSRs)
The SSRs cover the medical, vocational and technical rules related to the SSDI and SSI programs.