SSRs are policy statements relating to the programs administered by SSA and published
under the authority of the Commissioner of Social Security. An SSR is a precedential decision made available to adjudicators and the public or provides an interpretation
of current policy. SSRs may be based on case decisions made at all administrative
levels of adjudication, federal court decisions, Commissioner's decisions, office
of general counsel (OGC ) opinions, and policy interpretations of the law and regulations.
Although SSRs do not have the same force and effect as the statute or regulations,
they are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration, in accordance
with 20 CFR 402.35(b), and are to be relied upon as precedents in adjudicating cases, unless superseded,
rescinded, or modified by another ruling.
SSRs are effective upon publication in the Federal Register , unless otherwise mentioned in the SSR.