The Social Security Administration (SSA) Revisits its Policy on “Administrative Finality”

The SSA is asking for public input regarding whether or not it should reopen the discussion about its “administrative finality” policies. “Administrative finality” refers to the limited circumstances under which the SSA can revisit and alter closed (final) disability determinations.

The SSA’s request for public input on its policies comes after a report by its Inspector General (IG) criticizing the Administration’s “administrative finality” regulations. The IG’s report suggests that the existing protocols do not allow the SSA sufficient latitude for reopening and correcting final disability decisions that may have resulted in – and continue to result in – improper payments (including underpayments).

In response to the IG’s criticism, the SSA stated that maintaining strict limits on the circumstances under which it would open and reassess final disability decisions was by design in order to promote public confidence in its decisions. However, the SSA has agreed to reexamine its “administrative finality” policies in light of the report, and now asks the public to offer feedback on those policies.