Service of Process

The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 (SSIPIA), established the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an independent agency in the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government effective March 31, 1995. The Social Security Administration will continue to be responsible for the administration of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The SSA is also required to continue to assist in the administration of the Medicare program, the Black Lung program, and the Coal Industry Retirees Health Benefits Act. Prior to March 31, 1995, SSA was an operating component of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These final rules generally adopt as SSA rules the same procedures and practices on service of legal process applicable to DHHS. These final rules also remove ``Department of Health and Human Services'' from the heading of Chapter III of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.