SSA Updates Hearing Appeals Records System for Clarity
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The Social Security Administration is updating its records system that tracks hearings and appeals to make it clearer and more accurate. This change affects anyone involved in Social Security hearings and appeals, with new rules kicking in on February 9, 2026. The public has until that date to share their thoughts, but no extra costs are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
New disclosures to many third parties
The SSA is adding 13 new routine uses that allow it to disclose hearings-and-appeals records to many outside parties. These include the Secretary of HHS, the Office of the President, Federal/State/local law enforcement and private security contractors, employers and private pension plans, representative payees, private medical and vocational consultants, contractors and awardees for research, State and local agencies for suspected abuse, and others. The new routine uses take effect February 9, 2026.
Case records will include names and SSNs
The modified system explicitly adds the name and Social Security number (SSN) of potential claimants and beneficiaries to the records tracked in the Hearings and Appeals Case Control System. SSA will maintain these records in paper and electronic form, including cloud-based storage and an additional backup location.
Proof rules to get or contest records
If you want to know whether SSA has a record about you or want access, you must request it in writing or in person and provide identity proof. By mail, you must include a notarized statement or a certified statement; in person, you must present an identity document (like a driver's license) or provide a written certification if you lack ID. These access and contesting procedures apply under the updated system notice.
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