In January 2004, SSA began implementing an electronic disability claims process which
includes using an electronic disability folder to store case related data and images.
Initially, the paper Modular Disability Folder (MDF) will be the official Agency file
for disability cases. All paper evidence, forms and case processing documents will
continue to be filed in the applicable sections of the paper MDF following current
operating procedures. However, once SSA meets all of the requirements set forth by
the National Archive and Records Administration (NARA) for the retention and security
of the electronic records, the electronic folder (EF) will become the official file
and all information needed to document the disability case will be stored and maintained
in an electronic format.