[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 146 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45723-45731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16361]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No: SSA-2020-0033]
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and
Comment Request
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of
information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 104-13, the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice
includes extensions and revisions of OMB-approved information
collections, as well as two new collections.
SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden
estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to
enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize burden
on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your
comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the
OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following
addresses or fax numbers.
(OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax:
202-395-6974, Email address: [email protected]
(SSA) Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance
Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD
21235, Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: [email protected]
Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov,
referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2020-0033].
I. The information collections below are pending at SSA. SSA will
submit them to OMB within 60 days from the date of this notice. To be
sure we consider your comments, we must receive them no later than
September 28, 2020. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection
instruments by writing to the above email address.
1. Online Request for Correction of Earnings Record--0960-NEW. We
are offering an alternative to the paper process of requesting a
correction to an
[[Page 45724]]
earnings record, and launching a new service that enables our users to
make these same requests electronically via the online my Social
Security portal. Information collected from the public will not exceed
that which is requested by paper Form SSA-7008, OMB No. 0960-0029,
Request for Correction of Earnings Record. The information we collect
includes that which supports an earnings correction action, such as
employer names, addresses, wage amounts, and pertinent details about
the nature of employment. The respondents are authorized, authenticated
individuals accessing the earnings correction process from their
personal my Social Security portal.
Type of Request: Request for a new information collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Online Request for Correction of Earnings Record.. 76,047 1 15 19,012 * $25.72 ** $488,989
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* We based this figure on average U.S. citizen's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
2. Statement of Death by Funeral Director--20 CFR 404.715 and
404.720--0960-0142. When an SSA-insured worker dies, the funeral
director or funeral home responsible for the worker's burial or
cremation completes Form SSA-721 and sends it to SSA. SSA uses this
information for three purposes: (1) To establish proof of death for the
insured worker; (2) to determine if the insured individual was
receiving any pre-death benefits SSA needs to terminate; and (3) to
ascertain which surviving family member is eligible for the lump-sum
death payment or for other death benefits. The respondents are funeral
directors who handled death arrangements for the insured individuals.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-721........................................... 544,233 1 4 36,282 * 28.06 ** $1,018,073
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* We based this figure on average funeral arranger's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes394031.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
3. Government Pension Questionnaire--20 CFR 404.408a--0960-0160.
The basic Social Security benefits application (OMB No. 0960-0618)
contains a lead question asking if applicants are qualified (or will
qualify) to receive a government pension. If the respondent is
qualified, or will qualify, to receive a government pension, the
applicant completes Form SSA-3885 either on paper or through a personal
interview with an SSA claims representative. If applicants are not
entitled to receive a government pension at the time they apply for
Social Security benefits, SSA requires them to provide the government
pension information as beneficiaries when they become eligible to
receive their pensions. Regardless of the timing, at some point the
applicants or beneficiaries must complete and sign Form SSA-3885 to
report information about their government pensions before the pensions
begin. SSA uses the information to: (1) Determine whether the
Government Pension Offset provision applies; (2) identify exceptions as
stated in 20 CFR 404.408a; and (3) determine the benefit reduction
amount and effective date. If the applicants and beneficiaries do not
respond using this questionnaire, SSA offsets their entire benefit
amount. The respondents are applicants or recipients of spousal
benefits who are eligible for or already receiving a Government
pension.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount office cost (dollars)
(dollars) * (minutes) ** ***
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SSA-3885......................... 6,495 1 13 1,407 * $25.72 ** 24 *** $103,009
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* We based this figure on average U.S. citizen's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
[[Page 45725]]
4. Application for Benefits under a U.S. International Social
Security Agreement--20 CFR 404.1925--0960-0448. Section 233(a) of the
Social Security Act (Act) authorizes the President to enter into
international Social Security agreements (Totalization Agreements)
between the United States and foreign countries. SSA collects
information using Form SSA-2490-BK to determine entitlement to Social
Security benefits from the United States, or from a country that enters
into a Totalization Agreement with the United States. The respondents
are individuals applying for Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance
(OASDI) benefits from the United States, or from a Totalization
Agreement country.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount office cost (dollars)
(dollars) * (minutes) ** ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-2490-BK (MCS)....................... 16,195 1 30 8,098 * $10.73 ** 24 *** $156,401
SSA-2490-BK (Paper)..................... 2,120 1 30 1,060 * 10.73 ** 24 *** 20,473
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Totals.............................. 18,315 .............. .............. 9,158 .............. .............. *** 176,874
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* We based this figure on average DI payments, as reported in SSA's disability insurance payment data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2020Fact%20Sheet.pdf).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
5. Employee Identification Statement--20 CFR 404.702--0960-0473.
When two or more individuals report earnings under the same Social
Security Number (SSN), SSA collects information on Form SSA-4156 to
credit the earnings to the correct individual and SSN. We send SSA-4156
to the employer to: (1) Identify the employees involved; (2) resolve
the discrepancy; and (3) credit the earnings to the correct SSN. The
respondents are employers involved in erroneous wage reporting for an
employee.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount office cost (dollars)
(dollars) * (minutes) ** ***
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SSA-4156......................... 3,600 1 10 600 * $25.72 ** 24 *** $52,469
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
6. Public Information Campaign--0960-0544. Periodically, SSA sends
various public information materials, including public service
announcements, news releases, and educational tapes to public
broadcasting systems so they can inform the public about various
programs and activities SSA conducts. SSA frequently sends follow-up
business reply cards for these public information materials to obtain
suggestions for improving them. The respondents are broadcast sources.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Announcement................................ 5,000 2 1 167 * $25.76 ** $4,302
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* We based this figure on average Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockey's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273011.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
7. SSI Notice of Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR)--0960-0546.
Section 1631(g) of the Act authorizes SSA to reimburse an IAR agency
from an individual's retroactive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
payment for assistance the IAR agency gave the individual for meeting
basic needs while an SSI claim was pending or SSI payments were
suspended or terminated. The State or local agency needs an IAR
agreement with SSA to participate in the IAR program. The individual
receiving the IAR payment signs an authorization form with an IAR
agency to allow SSA to repay the IAR agency for funds paid in advance
prior to SSA's determination on the
[[Page 45726]]
individual's claim. The authorization represents the individual's
intent to file for SSI, if the individual did not file an application
before SSA received the authorization. Agencies who wish to enter into
an IAR agreement with SSA need to meet the following requirements:
Reporting Requirements--Each IAR agency agrees to:
(a) Notify SSA of receipt of an authorization for initial claims or
cases the agency is appealing;
(b) submit a copy of that authorization either through a manual or
electronic process;
(c) inform SSA of the amount of reimbursement;
(d) submit a written request for dispute resolution on a
determination;
(e) notify SSA of interim assistance paid (using the SSA-8125 or
the SSA-L8125-F6);
(f) inform SSA of any deceased claimants who participate in the IAR
program;
(g) review and sign an agreement with SSA.
Recordkeeping Requirements (h & i)--the IAR agencies agree
to retain all notices, agreement, authorizations, and accounting forms
for the period defined in the IAR agreement so SSA may verify
transactions covered under the agreement.
Third Party Disclosure Requirements (j)--each
participating IAR agency agrees to send written notices from the IAR
agency to the recipient regarding payment amounts and appeal rights.
Periodic Review of Agency Accounting Process (k-m)--the
IAR agency makes the IAR accounting records of paid cases available for
SSA review and verification. SSA conducts reviews either onsite or
through the mail of the authorization forms, notices to the claimant
and accounting forms. Upon completion of the review, SSA provides a
written report of findings to the IAR agency director.
The respondents are State IAR officers.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Number of Average Estimated theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion respondents Frequency of Number of burden per total annual hourly cost opportunity
(States) response responses response burden hours amount cost
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (dollars) **
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Reporting Requirements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) State notification of receipt of 11 6,973 76,703 1 1,278 * $19.58 ** $25,023
authorization (Electronic Process).....
(b) State submission of copy of 27 1,894 51,138 3 2,557 * 19.58 ** 50,066
authorization (Manual Process).........
(c) State submission of amount of IA 38 1,346 51,148 8 6,820 * 19.58 ** 133,536
paid to recipients (using eIAR)........
(d) State request for determination-- (\1\) 1 2 30 1 * 19.58 ** 20
dispute resolution.....................
(e) State computation of reimbursement 38 1 38 30 4 * 19.58 ** 78
due form SSA using paper Form SSA-L8125-
F6.....................................
(f) State notification to SSA of 20 2 40 15 10 * 19.58 ** 196
deceased claimant......................
(g) State reviewing/signing of IAR 38 1 38 \2\ 12 456 * 19.58 ** 8,928
Agreement..............................
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Recordkeeping Requirements
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(h) Maintenance of authorization forms.. 38 3,364 \3\ 127,832 3 6,392 * 21.09 ** 134,807
(i) Maintenance of accounting forms and 38 1,346 51,148 3 2,557 * 21.09 ** 53,927
notices................................
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Third Party Disclosure Requirements
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(j) Written notice from State to 38 2668 101,384 7 11,828 * 19.58 ** 231,592
recipient regarding amount of payment..
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Periodic Review of Agency Accounting Process
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(k) Retrieve and consolidate 12 1 12 3 36 * 21.09 ** 759
authorization and accounting forms.....
[[Page 45727]]
(l) Participate in periodic review...... 12 1 12 16 192 * 21.09 ** 4,049
(m) Correct administrative and 6 1 6 4 24 * 21.09 ** 506
accounting discrepancies...............
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Total Administrative Burden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................... 38 .............. 408,353 .............. 32,155 .............. ** 643,487
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\1\ Average of about 2 States per year.
\2\ Hours.
\3\ Includes both denied and approved SSI claims.
* We based this figure on average Social and Human Services Assistants (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211093.htm), and Information and Records
Clerks (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes434199.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
8. Appeal of Determination for Extra Help with Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan Costs--0960-0695. Public Law 108-173, the
Medicare Perscription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003,
established the Medicare Part D program for voluntary prescription drug
coverage for certain low-income individuals. The law provides for
subsidies for individuals who are eligible for the program and who meet
eligibility criteria for help with premium, deductible, and co-payment
costs. SSA uses Form SSA-1021, Appeal of Determination for Extra Help
With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, to obtain information from
individuals who appeal SSA's decisions regarding eligibility or
continuing eligibility for a Medicare Part D subsidy. The respondents
are Medicare beneficiaries, or representative payee applicants acting
on behalf of a Medicare beneficiary, who do not agree with the outcome
of an SSA subsidy eligibility determination, and are filing an appeal.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of burden per total annual hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response response burden amount office cost
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (minutes) ** (dollars) ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-1021 (Paper version)................ 2,872 1 10 479 * $25.72 0 *** $12,320
SSA-1021 (Intranet version: MAPS)....... 9,691 1 10 1,615 * 25.72 ** 24 *** 141,229
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Totals.............................. 12,563 .............. .............. 2,094 .............. .............. *** 153,549
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
9. Request for Medical Treatment in an SSA Employee Health
Facility: Patient Self-Administered or Staff Administered Care--0960-
0772. SSA operates onsite Employee Health Clinics (EHC) in eight
different States. These clinics provide health care for all SSA
employees including treatments of personal medical conditions when
authorized through a physician. Form SSA-5072 is the employee's
personal physician's order form. The information we collect on Form
SSA-5072 gives the EHC nurses the guidance they need to perform certain
medical procedures and to administer prescription medications such as
allergy immunotherapy. In addition, the information allows the SSA
medical officer to determine whether the nurses can administer
treatment safely and appropriately in the SSA EHCs. Respondents are
physicians of SSA employees who need to have medical treatment in an
SSA EHC.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average Estimated theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of Number of burden per total annual hourly cost opportunity
respondents response responses response burden amount cost
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (dollars) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-5072 Annually....................... 25 1 25 5 2 * $96.85 ** $194
SSA-5072 Bi-Annually.................... 75 2 150 5 13 * 96.85 ** 1,259
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[[Page 45728]]
Totals.............................. 100 .............. .............. .............. 15 .............. ** 1,453
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* We based this figure on average physician's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291216.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
10. Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount--Life-
Changing Event Form--0960-0784. Federally mandated reductions in the
Federal Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage subsidies result
in selected Medicare recipients paying higher premiums due to income
above a specific threshold. The amount of the premium subsidy reduction
is an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). The Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) transmits income tax return data to SSA for SSA
to determine the IRMAA. SSA uses the Form SSA-44 to determine if a
recipient qualifies for a reduction in the IRMAA. If affected Medicare
recipients believe SSA should use more recent tax data because of a
life-changing event that significantly reduces their income, they can
report these changes to SSA and ask for a new initial determination of
their IRMAA. The respondents are Medicare Part B and prescription drug
coverage Retirement Insurance recipients and enrollees with modified
adjusted gross income over a high-income threshold who experience one
of eight significant life-changing event.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of burden per total annual hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response response burden amount office cost
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (minutes) ** (dollars) ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Interview (SSA field office)... 178,840 1 30 89,420 * $25.72 ** 24 *** $4,139,788
SSA-44.................................. 76,645 1 45 57,484 * 25.72 0 *** 1,478,488
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Totals.............................. 255,485 .............. .............. 146,904 .............. .............. *** 5,618,276
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
11. Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on
Agency Service Delivery--0960-0788. SSA, as part of our continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general
public to take this opportunity to comment on the ``Generic Clearance
for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery
'' for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.). We developed this collection as part of a Federal Government-
wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the
public on service delivery.
Under the auspices of Executive Order 12862, Setting Customer
Service Standards, SSA conducts multiple satisfaction surveys each
year. This proposed information collection activity provides a means to
garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient,
timely manner, in accordance with SSA's commitment to improving service
delivery. By qualitative feedback we mean information that provides
useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but are not statistical
surveys that yield quantitative results that can be generalized to the
population of study. This feedback will provide insights into customer
or stakeholder perceptions, experiences and expectations, provide an
early warning of issues with service, or focus attention on areas where
communication, training or changes in operations might improve delivery
of products or services. These collections will allow for ongoing,
collaborative, and actionable communications between SSA and our
customers and stakeholders.
The solicitation of feedback will target areas such as: Timeliness;
appropriateness; accuracy of information; courtesy; efficiency of
service delivery; and resolution of issues with service delivery. We
will assess responses to plan and inform efforts to improve or maintain
the quality of service offered to the public. If we do not collect this
information, we would not have access to vital feedback from customers
and stakeholders on SSA's services.
We will only submit a collection for approval under this generic
clearance if it meets the following conditions: (1) The collections are
voluntary; (2) the collections are low-burden for respondents (based on
considerations of total burden hours, total number of respondents, or
burden-hours per respondent) and are low-cost for both the respondents
and the Federal Government; (3) the collections are non-controversial
and do not raise issues of concern to other Federal agencies; (4) any
collection targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents
who have experience with the program or may have experience with the
program in the near future; (5) we collect personally identifiable
information (PII) only to the extent necessary and we do not retain it;
(6) we will use information gathered only internally for general
service improvement and program management
[[Page 45729]]
purposes and we will not release it outside of the agency; (7) we will
not use information we gather for the purpose of substantially
informing influential policy decisions; and (8) information we gather
will yield qualitative information; the collections will not be
designed or expected to yield statistically reliable results or used as
though the results are generalizable to the population of study.
Feedback collected under this generic clearance provides useful
information, but it does not yield data that can be generalized to the
overall population. This type of generic clearance for qualitative
information will not be used for quantitative information collections
that are designed to yield reliably actionable results, such as
monitoring trends over time or documenting program performance. Such
data uses require more rigorous designs that address the target
population to which generalizations will be made, the sampling frame,
the sample design (including stratification and clustering), the
precision requirements or power calculations that justify the proposed
sample size, the expected response rate, methods for assessing
potential non-response bias, the protocols for data collection, and any
testing procedures that were or will be undertaken prior to fielding
the study. Depending on the degree of influence the results are likely
to have, such collections may still be eligible for submission for
other generic mechanisms that are designed to yield quantitative
results.
As a general matter, information collections will not result in any
new system of records containing privacy information and will not ask
questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes,
religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private.
The respondents are recipients of SSA services (including most
members of the public), professionals, and individuals who work on
behalf of SSA beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
Affected Public: Individuals and households, businesses and
organizations, State, Local or Tribal government.
Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,454,212.
Below we provide projected average estimates for the next three
years:
Annual Respondents: 1,818,404.
Annual Responses: 1,818,404.
Frequency of Response: Once per request.
Average Minutes per Response: 13 minutes (12.6912).
Estimated Annual Burden: 384,629 hours.
II. SSA submitted the information collection below to OMB for
clearance. Your comments regarding this information collection would be
most useful if OMB and SSA receive them 30 days from the date of this
publication. To be sure we consider your comments, we must receive them
no later than August 28, 2020. Individuals can obtain copies of the OMB
clearance package by writing to [email protected].
1. Notice to Electronic Information Exchange Partners to Provide
Contractor List--0960-NEW. The Privacy Act of 1974, E-Government Act of
2002, and the National Institute of Standard Special Publications 800-
53-4 require the SSA to maintain oversight of the information it
provides to Electronic Information Exchange Partners (EIEPs). EIEPs
obtain SSA data for the administration of federally funded and state-
administered programs. SSA has a responsibility to monitor and protect
the personally identifiable information SSA shares with other Federal
and State agencies, and private organizations through the Computer
Matching and Privacy Protection Act, and the Information Exchange
Agreements (IEA). Under the terms of the State Transmission Component
IEA, and agency IEA, EIEPs agree to comply with Electronic Information
Exchange security requirements and procedures for State and local
agencies exchanging electronic information with SSA. SSA's Technical
Systems Security Requirements document provides that all agencies using
SSA data ensure that SSA information is not processed, maintained,
transmitted, or stored in (including by means of data communications
channel) any electronic devices, computers, or computer networks
located in geographic or virtual areas not subject to U.S. law. SSA
conducts tri-annual compliance reviews of all State and local agencies,
and Tribes with whom we have an IEA, to verify appropriate security
safeguards remain in place to protect the confidentiality of
information SSA supplies. SSA requires any organization with an
electronic data exchange agreement, to provide the SSA Regional Office
contact a current list of contractors, or agents who have access to SSA
data upon request. SSA uses Form SSA-731, Notice to Electronic
Information Exchange Partners to Provide Contractor List, to collect
this information. The respondents are Federal agencies; State, local,
or tribal agencies; who exchange electronic information with SSA.
Type of Request: Request for a new information collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-731........................................... 300 1 20 100 * $18.00 ** $3,960
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average State, local and tribal government worker's salaries (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes434199.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
2. Application for Survivor's Benefits--20 CFR 404.611(a) and (c)--
0960-0062. Surviving family members of armed services personnel can
file for Social Security and veterans' benefits with SSA or at the
Veterans Administration (VA). Applicants filing for Title II survivor
benefits at the VA complete Form SSA-24, which the VA forwards to SSA
for processing. SSA uses the information to determine eligibility for
benefits. The respondents are survivors of deceased armed services
personnel who are applying for benefits at the VA.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
[[Page 45730]]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount office cost (dollars)
(dollars) * (minutes) ** ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-8060-U3...................... 3,200 1 15 800 * $25.72 ** 24 *** $53,498
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
3. Railroad Employment Questionnaire--20 CFR 404.1401, 404.1406-
404.1408--0960-0078. Railroad workers, their dependents, or survivors
can concurrently apply for railroad retirement and Social Security
benefits at SSA if the number holder, or claimant on the number
holder's Social Security Number, worked in the railroad industry. SSA
uses Form SSA-671 to coordinate Social Security claims processing with
the Railroad Retirement Board and to determine benefit entitlement and
amount. The respondents are Social Security benefit applicants
previously employed by a railroad or dependents of railroad workers.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost time in field opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount office cost (dollars)
(dollars) * (minutes) ** ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-671.......................... 125,000 1 5 10,417 * $25.72 ** 24 *** $1,553,925
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
4. Modified Benefit Formula Questionnaire-Employer--20 CFR 404.213
and 404.243--0960-0477. Sections 215(a)(7) and 215(d)(3) of the Social
Security Act requires SSA to use a modified benefit formula to compute
Social Security retirement or disability benefits for persons first
eligible (after 1985) for both a Social Security benefit and a pension
or annuity, based on employment not covered by Social Security. This
method is the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). SSA makes a
determination regarding whether the WEP applies, and when to apply it
to a person's benefit. SSA uses Form SSA-58 to verify the claimant's
allegations on Form SSA-150 (OMB No. 0906-0395, Modified Benefits
Formula Questionnaire). SSA also uses Form SSA-58 to determine if the
modified benefit formula applies, and when to apply it to a person's
benefits. SSA sends Form SSA-58 to an employer for pension related
information, if the claimant is unable to provide it. The respondents
are employers of people who are eligible after 1985 for both Social
Security benefits and a pension based on work not covered by SSA.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-58............................................ 26,925 1 3 1,346 * $20.39 ** $27,445
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average Information and Records Clerks (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes434199.htm).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
5. myWageReport--20 CFR 404.1520(b), 404.1571-404.1576, & 404.1584-
404.1593--0960-0808. The myWageReport application will enable Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, and representative
payees to report earnings electronically. It will also generate a
receipt for the beneficiary or representative payee, providing
confirmation that SSA has received the earnings report. SSA will screen
the information submitted through the myWageReport application and will
determine if we need additional employment information. If so, agency
personnel will reach out to beneficiaries, or their representative
payees and will use Form SSA-821, Work Activity Report (0960-0059), to
collect the additional required information. The respondents for this
collection are SSDI recipients or their representative payees.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB approved information
collection.
[[Page 45731]]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total annual
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
myWageReporting................................... 88,000 1 7 10,267 * $10.73 ** $110,165
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average DI payments, as reported in SSA's disability insurance payment data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2020Fact%20Sheet.pdf).
** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
respondents to complete the application.
Date: July 23, 2020.
Naomi Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2020-16361 Filed 7-28-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P