Effective Dates: 05/27/2026 - Present Previous | Next

TN 16 (05-26)

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.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203330010
GN 03330.010 - Receipt and Jurisdiction of Court Order or Subpoena - 05/27/2026
Batch run: 05/27/2026
Rev:05/27/2026