Code of Federal Regulations Title 20 - Employees' Benefits
Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is a comprehensive collection of rules and regulations issued by various federal agencies concerning Employees' Benefits. This title is vast, covering a wide array of programs designed to provide support and compensation to workers in different circumstances.
Here's a breakdown of the key agencies and the types of benefits they regulate under Title 20:
Primary Agencies and Their Chapters:
Chapter I: Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor (Parts 1-199 and 700-799)
Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA): This is a significant part of this chapter (Subchapter B, Part 10). It governs workers' compensation for federal employees who suffer work-related injuries or diseases. Regulations cover claims procedures, medical benefits, compensation for disability and death, and appeals.
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA): This program (Part 30) provides compensation and medical benefits to workers (or their survivors) who became ill due to exposure to radiation, beryllium, or silica while working in the nuclear weapons industry.
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA): These regulations (Parts 701-704) cover compensation for maritime workers who are injured or killed on navigable waters of the United States or in adjoining areas.
Black Lung Benefits Act: These regulations (Parts 718-727) provide benefits to coal miners (or their survivors) who are totally disabled by pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
Chapter II: Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200-399)
This chapter contains regulations for the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. These acts provide retirement, survivor, disability, unemployment, and sickness benefits to railroad workers and their families, similar to Social Security and unemployment insurance for other industries, but tailored specifically for the railroad sector.
Chapter III: Social Security Administration (Parts 400-499)
This is another extremely significant portion of Title 20. It covers the regulations for major federal social insurance programs:
Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI): (Part 404) This includes rules for retirement, survivor, and disability benefits under Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled: (Part 416) This is a needs-based program providing financial assistance to individuals who meet specific age, blindness, or disability criteria and have limited income and resources.
Medicare Subsidies: (Part 418) Regulations related to assistance with Medicare costs for low-income beneficiaries.
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program: (Part 411) Regulations for this program designed to help Social Security beneficiaries return to work.
Chapter IV: Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of Labor (Parts 500-599)
This chapter outlines the procedures for appealing decisions made by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) under FECA.
Chapter V: Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor (Parts 600-699)
Unemployment Compensation: (Parts 601-640) Regulations for the federal-state unemployment compensation program.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): (Part 617) Rules for workers who lose their jobs or whose hours are reduced as a result of foreign trade.
Job Corps: (Parts 670-686) Regulations for the residential education and job training program for at-risk youth.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): (Parts 675-688) Rules implementing programs for workforce development, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation.
Foreign Labor Certification: (Parts 655-658) Regulations for employers seeking to employ foreign workers in various visa categories (e.g., H-1B, H-2A).
Chapter VII: Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 800-899)
This Board hears appeals from decisions of administrative law judges regarding claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and the Black Lung Benefits Act.
Chapter VIII: Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 900-999)
This Board sets forth the requirements for the enrollment of actuaries who perform actuarial services under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Chapter IX: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor (Parts 1000-1099)
Regulations focused on employment and training services for veterans, ensuring they receive priority and assistance in finding jobs.
Overall Purpose of Title 20 CFR:
Title 20 of the CFR serves to:
Implement Federal Statutes: Translate broad legislative mandates from acts of Congress (like the Social Security Act, FECA, ERISA, etc.) into detailed, enforceable regulations.
Define Eligibility and Benefits: Establish clear criteria for who is eligible for various employee benefits and how those benefits are calculated and administered.
Outline Application and Appeals Processes: Provide step-by-step procedures for individuals to apply for benefits and to appeal adverse decisions.
Ensure Fair Administration: Set standards for how federal agencies administer these programs, promoting consistency, transparency, and due process.
Protect Beneficiaries: Safeguard the rights of employees and their families seeking benefits.
Given the scope, any specific inquiry about "Employees' Benefits" would require narrowing down to the specific program or type of benefit in question to find the relevant chapters and parts within Title 20. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) on official government websites like ecfr.gov or govinfo.gov is recommended.
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