SSA’s Q&As on Children’s Disability Determinations

April 30, 2010

These documents include training materials that SSA developed for its adjudicators.  The 2001 Q&A Compendium addresses policies implementing the Commissioner's Report on Children's SSI Re-determinations.  It also includes useful guidance for determining functional equivalence.  Although much of the content has been incorporated into the 2009 Social Security Ruling (SSRs) for evaluating functional equivalence in childhood claims, the Q&As have not been specifically rescinded by the SSRs, and in some instances provide more in depth instructions than found in the SSRs.

SSA Pub. 64-076 at Tab B  relates to mental retardation.  A discussion of IQ scores, definitions, diagnoses, and treatment methodology is examined. Tab F includes information regarding maladaptive behavior, including training tips, definitions of what "maladaptive behavior" consists of, mental disorders indicative of maladaptive behavior, lists of applicable medications and case adjudication issues.  Note that these training materials (variously referred to the "Headless Child Instruction" or "Pink Cover" manual) were issued prior to the promulgation of the final childhood regulations in January 2001, which changed the way that functional equivalency is assessed. To the extent that these materials address ways in which to meet a listing, however, they are still relevant. They are specifically incorporated into SSA's 2001 compendium of Q&As at Section II-1, issued following publication of the final regulations in 2001. Nor were they rescinded with the publication of the 2009 SSRs.

Empire Justice Center has posted these materials because, while never rescinded or replaced by SSA, they have never been accessible through the SSA website.

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