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MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Providing an Order of Succession Within the Social Security Administration

This memorandum establishes a new order of succession for the Social Security Administration, specifying which officials would act as Commissioner if both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner become unable to serve. It revokes the prior 2008 succession memorandum and lists five officials in priority order, with exceptions for acting officials and preservation of presidential discretion.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 63805

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession: Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Deputy Commissioner for Budget/Finance/Quality/Management, Deputy Commissioner for Systems, Regional Commissioner Atlanta, Regional Commissioner Dallas
  • Revoke 2008 memorandum
  • Exclude acting officials from succession by virtue of acting service
  • Require eligibility under Federal Vacancies Reform Act
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from memorandum
  • Publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • New order of succession takes effect upon signing
  • Prior 2008 memorandum revoked

Near term (90d)

  • Publication in Federal Register

Long term

  • Continuity of SSA operations in emergency or vacancy scenarios

Risks & tensions

  • Low-profile but important for government continuity; no explicit deadline for Federal Register publication creates minor uncertainty
Presidential Memorandum: Providing an Order of Succession Within the Social Security Administration · Executive Orders