Effective Dates: 07/31/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 1 (07-24)

DI 39557.001 DDS Standards of Performance

A. Background

Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to establish by regulations, standards of performance and administrative requirements and procedures necessary to ensure effective and uniform administration of the disability programs.

The performance standards are used to:

• improve the disability determination process;

• ensure effective, timely and accurate service to the public.

B. Policy principle

SSA specifies the expected performance levels; however, the State is responsible for day-to-day management.

SSA has the responsibility to provide program standards and leadership and to monitor and evaluate State performance under the regulations.

SSA will provide funds and resources to the States for maintaining an effective system for processing claims, but will not get involved in the State's day-to-day management of the Disability Determination Services (DDS) operation as long as performance is adequate under the standards SSA has set.

C. Operating policy

1. SSA responsibilities

The Office of Disability Determinations (ODD) is responsible for the management of a national disability program.

  1. a. 

    ODD:

    • •

      monitors DDS performance to detect adverse performance trends, and

    • •

      recommends corrective actions to the regional offices (RO).

  2. b. 

    ODD works with the RO when DDSs fall below the initial performance accuracy threshold (90.6%) to determine:

    • •

      the reason(s) for the decline in accuracy, and

    • •

      corrective actions planned or underway.

  3. c. 

    ODD works with other SSA components to monitor and evaluate DDS performance.

    NOTE: See details DI 39557.005

2. SSA RO responsibilities

The RO has the primary responsibility for monitoring and evaluating DDS performance.

Regular program visits, good communications, and periodic reviews are essential to DDS performance management.

It is critical that problems be identified early so that corrective actions can be taken before performance deteriorates to unacceptable levels.

  1. a. 

    The RO monitors not only accuracy but other workload indicators that may offer signs of potential problems such as:

    • •

      processing time

    • •

      pending workloads

    • •

      aged cases

    • •

      staffing levels, and

    • •

      production per work year (PPWY)

  2. b. 

    The RO works with each DDS to develop an internal mechanism that allows management to assess the effectiveness of their operation.

  3. c. 

    The RO conducts periodic fiscal and administrative management reviews as resources permits, but also as a means of monitoring and evaluating performance.

  4. d. 

    The approach used by the RO staff to foster good performance management may differ from locale to locale, depending on State factors and other differences (e.g., geographical) that affect DDS internal operations.

3. State responsibilities

  1. a. 

    The State complies with Federal regulations, rulings, and SSA's other written guidelines.

  2. b. 

    The State is responsible for maintaining a level of performance that meets published standards, see DI 39557.003.

  3. c. 

    The State is responsible for providing:

    • •

      qualified management

    • •

      organizational structure

    • •

      adequate facilities

    • •

      qualified, well-trained personnel

    • •

      medical consultant services

NOTE: These performance standards apply to all sites including Federal adjudicating sites.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0439557001
DI 39557.001 - DDS Standards of Performance - 07/31/2024
Batch run: 07/31/2024
Rev:07/31/2024