There are two types of Rulings: Social Security Rulings and Acquiescence Rulings.
Social Security Rulings may be based on case decisions made at all administrative levels of adjudication, Federal court decisions, Commissioner's decisions, opinions of the Office of the General Counsel, and other policy interpretations of the law and regulations. Social Security Rulings are first published in the Federal Register. Social Security Rulings are effective upon publication, and the effective date is shown on the first page of each Ruling. Although Social Security Rulings do not have the force and effect of the law or regulations, they are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in accordance with section 402.35(b)(1) of the Social Security Administration Regulations (20 CFR Part 402), and are to be relied upon as precedents in adjudicating other cases.
Acquiescence Rulings explain how SSA will apply decisions of the United States Courts of Appeals that are at variance with SSA's national policies in adjudicating claims under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act and Part B of the Black Lung Benefits Act. Acquiescence Rulings are effective upon publication. Acquiescence Rulings do not have the force and effect of the law or regulations, however, they are binding on all components of SSA in accordance with section 402.35(b)(2) of the Social Security Administration Regulations (20 CFR Part 402).
Rulings may be superseded, modified, or rescinded by later legislation, regulations, court decisions, or Rulings.
Click on the links below to review Selected Social Security Rulings or Selected Acquiescence Rulings.
