The purpose of this subchapter is to assist the disability determination services (DDSs) in  planning and budgeting for their space needs to carry out responsibilities under section 221 of the Social Security Act, as amended.

Included in this subchapter are the space standards and guides DDSs are expected to adhere to in their space planning activities.

Subject to appropriate Federal funding, the State will provide adequate space  to facilitate making accurate and prompt disability determinations.

The DDS must adhere to State laws and regulations  governing leasing of space by State agencies.

SSA will fund costs for:

1. a. 

   Office space such as:

   • •

     rent, service, and maintenance costs in privately owned
     
     buildings, or

   • •

     charges based on the approval of the Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) in the Regional Administrative Support Center in publicly owned buildings.

2. b. 

   Repairs and alterations to either privately or publicly owned buildings.

See Repairs and Alterations, DI 39527.025.

Payment will be made only for periods of occupancy unless advance approval is received from the regional office (RO).