The new regulations can be found on Social Security’s website, in their “Programs Manual Operations Sytems” (abbreviated POMS) at:  https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/public/reference.nsf/links/09192011023623PM.

The new Rules went into effect on September 20, 2011, and I have not had the chance to go through them all yet.  I am posting this to get the word out, so here is Social Security’s summary of the changes:

Summary of Changes

DI 25005.001 Determination of Capacity for Past Relevant Work (PRW) — Basics of Step 4 of the Sequential Evaluation Process

This section now contains information about the basic policies for step 4 of sequential evaluation.

DI 25005.015 Determination of Capacity for Past Work– Relevance Issues

This new section provides details on how to determine if past work is relevant, and lists examples of work that we may consider or will never consider relevant.

DI 25005.020 Past Relevant Work (PRW) as the Claimant Performed It

This new section discusses how to evaluate past relevant work (PRW) as the claimant performed it. The section includes information on how to evaluate composite jobs, work done in a foreign country, part time work, work with mandatory overtime, alternative work schedules, and work with employer accommodations.

DI 25005.025 Past Relevant Work (PRW) as Generally Performed in the National Economy

This new section addresses how to evaluate PRW as generally performed in the national economy. It includes tips on how to locate an occupation in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and gives examples of types of work that may not have a DOT occupational counterpart.

DI 25005.050 Making the Past Relevant Work (PRW) Determination

This new section details how to make the step 4 determination. This section also addresses how to evaluate a not severe impairment that prevents PRW because of its unique features.