TN 4 (12-09)

A. Disability Determination Services jurisdiction based on residence

DDS jurisdiction is determined by the claimant's residence at the time an initial transmittal is made to a DDS. An absence expected to last 60 days or less is considered temporary and jurisdiction does not change. For further instructions, see Disability Determination Services (DDS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) Jurisdiction–Claimant Moves, DI 20101.035.

EXAMPLES:

• The claimant's permanent residence is Illinois, but he or she is temporarily hospitalized in Texas at the time of the initial transmittal. The Illinois DDS has jurisdiction of the claim.

• The claimant lives in California but the servicing post office is in Nevada. The California DDS has jurisdiction of the claim.

• The claimant resides in Indiana, but the person filing on his or her behalf lives in Kentucky. The Indiana DDS has jurisdiction of the claim.

• The child is a ward of one State, but placed in foster care in another State. The State where the child is placed in foster care has jurisdiction if the placement is expected to last longer than 60 days.

NOTE: If the claimant changes his or her permanent State of residence, jurisdiction may be transferred to the DDS in the claimant’s new State of permanent residence. However, the case may be retained if a determination can be made without further claimant contact. These instructions may apply to many Military Casualty/Wounded Warrior cases and likewise, the DDS may retain jurisdiction even if the claimant moves to a foreign country.

B. SSA jurisdiction for foreign claims

SSA has jurisdiction for Title II disability claims filed by, or on behalf of, claimants living outside of the 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. SSA’s Office of International Operations (OIO) processes these claims.

C. SSA jurisdiction for claimants in U.S. possessions

SSA has jurisdiction for Title II disability claims filed by, or on behalf of, a claimant living in the U.S. Virgin Islands or American Samoa.

D. SSA jurisdiction for disability claims from Northern Mariana Islands

Title XVI payments were extended to the Northern Mariana Islands effective January 9, 1978. Title II “coverage” of wages, etc., does not currently exist, however, there may be instances where claimants have acquired status elsewhere or may be entitled as a dependent of a number holder, e.g., disabled adult child. The Federal Disability Examiner stationed in the Agana, Guam, field office has jurisdiction for preparing the determination in Title II, Title XVI-only, and concurrent Title II-Title XVI disability claims.