# SSR 69-60: SSR 69-60: SECTION 210(j)(2). -- EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE -- SERVICES PERFORMED BY A HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUAL IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP

> Federal · Rulings · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SSA_SSR_OASI_SSR_69_60

## Section

- **Citation:** SSR 69-60
- **Heading:** SSR 69-60: SECTION 210(j)(2). -- EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE -- SERVICES PERFORMED BY A HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUAL IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Rulings
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Social Security Rulings / OASI / Definition of Employment/Employee / SSR 69-60

## Text

20 CFR 404.1004(c)

SSR 69-60

J performed services at a guidance center maintained by a State
association under a rehabilitation program for retarded and other
handicapped individuals. The center is supported by funds from Federal and
State appropriations, from voluntary organizations, and from work done by
participants in the program of the sheltered workshop. J's work included
food preparation, housework, assembly work and envelope stuffing.

J completed the rehabilitation program of the center which lasted for 42
weeks, divided as follows: (1) an 8-week diagnostic and evaluation period,
exploratory in nature, which enabled the supervisor to make a realistic
appraisal of J's capacity and gave J an opportunity to try out various
types of work within her abilities; (2) a 16-week personal adjustment
training period, which helped J develop proper work habits, and
interpersonal relationships, while improving her tolerance for work,
attention span and ability to carry out orders; and (3) an 18-week
vocational training period, which improved her ability to perform those
tasks in which she showed the greatest proficiency. Regular class hours
were followed and her work was done under close supervision of
instructors. She was paid a stipend of 11 cents an hour.

After completion of the above regimen the individuals enter regular
employment if they are able to perform a job available to them.
Individuals unable to secure regular employment because of the severity of
their impairments, or the unavailability of jobs, are known as "terminal
cases" and are retained in the sheltered workshop at the center
indefinitely or until placed in regular employment. Individuals performing
services are paid at the rate of approximately 10 percent of the statutory
minimum wage, based on a judgment that handicapped individuals work at
about 10 percent of the capacity of a worker in regular employment at the
minimum wage
own as "terminal
cases" and are retained in the sheltered workshop at the center
indefinitely or until placed in regular employment. Individuals performing
services are paid at the rate of approximately 10 percent of the statutory
minimum wage, based on a judgment that handicapped individuals work at
about 10 percent of the capacity of a worker in regular employment at the
minimum wage. The computation of payments on this basis is required by the
State Department of Labor. J remained in the center as a terminal case and
performed simple sewing tasks under close supervision. She continued to
receive instructions in her duties and had to follow a daily routine to
the extent her condition permitted. Her payments were based on her
productive capacity.

The issue to be resolved in this case is whether J's services at the
rehabilitation center were performed as an "employee" within the meaning
of section 210(j)(2) of the Social Security Act.

As defined in section 210(j)(2) of the Act the term "employee" means, as
pertinent here,

Whether an individual is an employee under these common law rules is
largely a question of fact to be determined from the facts and
circumstances in each individual case. The guides for determining when an
employer-employee relationship exists are set out in Social Security
Administration Regulations No. 4, § 404.1004( c ) (20 CR
404.1004(c)). Generally such a relationship exists when the person for
whom the services are performed has the right to control and direct the
individual who performs the services, not only as to the result to be
accomplished by the work, but also as to the detail and means by which
that result is accomplished
in Social Security
Administration Regulations No. 4, § 404.1004( c ) (20 CR
404.1004(c)). Generally such a relationship exists when the person for
whom the services are performed has the right to control and direct the
individual who performs the services, not only as to the result to be
accomplished by the work, but also as to the detail and means by which
that result is accomplished. Where, however, the intent of supervision and
control of the individual who performs services is to rehabilitate and
protect him, and to accustom him gradually to industrial working
conditions outside the sheltered workshop, there is not that degree or
kind of direction and control necessary to establish an employer-employee
relationship under these common law rules.

In the instant case the facts show that the services which J performed
during the 42-week guidance center program were purely those of a patient
or trainee, performed primarily for therapeutic and rehabilitative
purposes and the supervision and control exercised by the center was of a
protective nature as distinguished from the type of control envisioned in
section 210 of the Act. Although J did receive certain monetary allowances
in connection with her work, there was no agreement of any nature to form
an employment relationship under the usual common law rules. Once,
however, J had completed her rehabilitative training and was classified as
"terminal employee" by the center, an employment relationship was
intended. As a "terminal employee" J was expected to follow a daily
routine, within the limits of her impairment, and was instructed as to how
the work was to be done. In addition, the center exercised the right to
change the methods followed by J in the performance of her services. The
center set her hours of work and production schedules. She could quit just
like any regular employee, and she could be discharged.
loyee" J was expected to follow a daily
routine, within the limits of her impairment, and was instructed as to how
the work was to be done. In addition, the center exercised the right to
change the methods followed by J in the performance of her services. The
center set her hours of work and production schedules. She could quit just
like any regular employee, and she could be discharged.

Accordingly, it is held , no employer-employee relationship within
the meaning of section 210(j)(2) existed between J and the center during
the 8-week diagnostic and evaluation period, the 16-week personal
adjustment training period, or the 18-week vocational training period, all
of which were designed only for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes.
Further, it is held , an employer-employee relationship did exist
once the rehabilitation program was completed and J performed services as
a "terminal employee."

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SSA_SSR_OASI_SSR_69_60. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
