Effective Dates: 5/27/2026 - Present

Identification Number:
GN 03330 TN 16
Intended Audience:See Transmittal Sheet
Originating Office:LP
Title:Subpoenas and Court Orders - Disclosure
Type:POMS Full Transmittals
Program:All Programs
Link To Reference:
 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEM
Part GN – General
Chapter 033 – Disclosure/Confidentiality of Information
Subchapter 30 – Subpoenas and Court Orders - Disclosure
Transmittal No. 16, 05/27/2026

Audience

PSC: CA, CS, DE, DEC, DS, ICDS, IES, ISRA, PETE, RECONR, SCPS, TSA, TST;
OCO-OEIO: BIES, BTE, CR, CTE, EIE, FCR, FDE, LC, PETL, RECONE, RECONR, RECOVR;
OCO-ODO: BET, BTE, CCE, CR, CST, CTE, DE, DEC, DES, DS, PAS, PETE, PETL, RCOVTA, RECONE, RECOVR;
OEO: DOSPA, OSSPA, WBDOCPA;
ODD-DDS: DHU;
FO/TSC: CS, CS TII, CS TXVI, CSR, CTE, FR, OS, RR, TA, TSC-CSR;

Originating Component

OPD

Effective Date

Upon Receipt

Background

SSA updated its procedures for processing subpoenas due to agency reorganization. We are clarifying existing policies and procedures to reflect current agency business processes.

Summary of Changes

GN 03330.010 Receipt and Jurisdiction of Court Order or Subpoena

Under subsection B, we deleted the following bullets, as they are no longer applicable:

  • •

    #1 - Recipient not Specified

  • •

    #4 - Records in Another Office

  • •

    #5 - Receipt by a Teleservice Center (TSC)

  • •

    #8 - Disability Determination Service (DDS) Jurisdiction

We also clarified existing policy under the following bullets:

  • •

    #2 (Subpoena or Court Order Directed to HHS, SSA, etc.) - We updated office names and deleted references to HHS, as SSA has been an independent agency since 1994.

  • •

    #3 (Receipt by Mail) - We clarified that all subpoenas and court orders received by mail should be sent to Program, Fiscal, and Disclosure Law (PFDL).

  • •

    #6 (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Jurisdiction) - We clarified that CMS should be consulted for advice regarding the acceptance of a subpoena or court order concerning Medicare information.

  • •

    #7 (Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) Jurisdiction) - We updated office names and clarified that PFDL should be consulted for any matters under DDS jurisdiction and in all other cases that are not at the ALJ level.

  • •

    #9 (Personnel Information) - We updated office names and clarified that the HR Front Office should be consulted for advice regarding personnel information.

GN 03330.010 Receipt and Jurisdiction of Court Order or Subpoena

A. Introduction

The procedure to follow for receipt of a court order or subpoena is listed in this section.

B. Procedure

1. Subpoena or Court Order Directed to SSA

Do not accept a subpoena or other compulsory process requiring disclosure of information if the document is directed to SSA, the Commissioner or any Headquarters official.

If an officer of the law attempts to serve such a document, inform the officer that you lack authority to accept the document. Consult Program, Fiscal, and Disclosure Law (PFDL) if the officer persists.

2. Receipt by Mail

Forward all subpoenas and court orders received by mail to PFDL.

3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Jurisdiction

Consult CMS for advice on acceptance of a subpoena or court order concerning Medicare information.

NOTE: Subpoenas for Medicare information should properly be directed to CMS or the CMS agent (e.g., carrier) that has the records.

4. Disability Adjudication (DA) Jurisdiction

Consult DA if you receive a subpoena or court order in the FO for a case that is under DA jurisdiction. See GN 03103.190 through GN 03103.200.

Consult the Chief Judge for advice if the case is at the ALJ level. Consult PFDL for advice in all other cases and for any matters under Disability Determination Services (DDS) jurisdiction.

5. Human Resources (HR) Jurisdiction

Consult the HR Front Office for advice regarding personnel information.

NOTE: Subpoenas for personnel data (e.g., employee payroll or medical data or accident reports) should be directed to the HR Front Office.


GN 03330 TN 16 - Subpoenas and Court Orders - Disclosure - 5/27/2026