SSA final rule strips "gender" terminology from regulations

Date: April 2, 2026
Actor: Social Security Administration
Type: Final rule
Section: 2026 DEVELOPMENTS SWEEP (JANUARY–AUGUST 2026)

Summary

SSA publishes "Incorrect Terminology in Regulatory Text; Technical Amendments" (doc. 2026-06454), a final rule replacing "gender" with "sex" throughout its regulatory text, including disability-evaluation standards, expressly to comply with EO 14168. Effective May 4, 2026. Issued as a technical amendment without notice and comment. (see also section 12)

Status

In effect.

As recorded in the data of November 3, 2026. Check the sources for anything newer.

Documents

Incorrect Terminology in Regulatory Text; Technical Amendments

Rule · April 2, 2026 · 91 FR 16548 · Document number 2026-06454 · 2 pages

Original: govinfo.gov(opens another site)PDF, external

Incorrect Terminology in Regulatory Text; Technical Amendments, 91 Fed. Reg. 16,548 (Apr. 2, 2026) (codified at 20 C.F.R. pt. 404).

Sources

federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/02/2026-06454/incorrect-terminology-in-re…(opens another site)

Cite this action

Incorrect Terminology in Regulatory Text; Technical Amendments, 91 Fed. Reg. 16,548 (Apr. 2, 2026) (codified at 20 C.F.R. pt. 404).

Short form: 91 Fed. Reg. at 16,548.