The Social Security Administration (SSA) updated its Program Operations Manual System (POMS) on July 30, 2026, to enhance clarity and consistency in processing disability claims, incorporating recommendations from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and addressing internal feedback.
Key revisions include specific instructions for SSA employees to verify, document, and apply correct subsidy amounts in employment summaries, a direct response to an OIG audit. Additionally, medical evaluation summaries (DI 24510 TN 33) were updated for consistency with the Disability Case Processing System (DCPS) and new reconsideration guidance.
Guidance for Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) summaries (DI 24510 TN 71) was clarified regarding partial completion in fully favorable determinations and adopting initial RFCs. A new POMS section (DI 27001 TN 11) was introduced by Disability Policy to standardize reconsideration claim adjudication, aiming to resolve inconsistencies identified by Disability Determination Services (DDS) and ensure accurate, complete determinations.