Notice2021-13144
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request
Primary source
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Published
June 23, 2021
Issuing agencies
Social Security Administration
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 118 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33007-33011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13144]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No: SSA-2021-0020]
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 revisions of OMB-approved information 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,
Comments: <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Submit your
comments online referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2021-0020].
[[Page 33008]]
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#59160b770b3c29362b2d2a771a353c382b38373a3c192a2a38773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aee1fc80fccbdec1dcdadd80edc2cbcfdccfc0cdcbeeddddcf80c9c1d8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Or you may submit your comments online through <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>, referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-
2021-0020].
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
August 23, 2021. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection
instruments by writing to the above email address.
1. Continuation of Supplemental Security Income Payments for the
Temporarily Institutionalized--Certification of Period and Need to
Maintain Home--20 CFR 416.212(b)(1)--0960-0516. When Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) recipients: (1) Enter a public institution; or
(2) enter a private medical treatment facility with Medicaid paying
more than 50 percent of expenses, SSA reduces recipients' SSI payments
to a nominal sum. However, if this institutionalization is temporary
(defined as a maximum of three months), SSA may waive the reduction.
Before SSA can waive the SSI payment reduction, the agency must receive
the following documentation: (1) A physician's certification stating
the SSI recipient will only be institutionalized for a maximum of three
months; and (2) certification from the recipient, the recipient's
family, or friends, confirming the recipient needs SSI payments to
maintain the living arrangements to which the individual will return
post-institutionalization. To obtain this information, SSA employees
contact the recipient (or a knowledgeable source) to collect the
required physician's certification and the statement of need. SSA does
not require any specific format for these items, so long as we obtain
the necessary attestations. The respondents are SSI recipients, their
family or friends, as well as physicians or hospital staff members who
treat the SSI recipient.
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 burden per total annual hourly cost opportunity
respondents response response burden amount cost
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (dollars) **
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Statement from other Respondents........................ 26,793 1 5 2,233 * $10.95 ** $24,451
Physician's Certifications.............................. 26,793 1 5 2,233 * 41.30 ** 92,223
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Totals.............................................. 53,586 .............. .............. 4,466 .............. ** 116,674
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* We based these figures on the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf</a>), and the
average Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes290000.htm">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes290000.htm</a>).
** 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. Financial Disclosure for Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Debt--20
CFR 498--0960-0776. When SSA imposes a CMP on individuals for various
fraudulent conduct related to SSA-administrated programs, those
individuals may request to pay the CMP through benefit withholding, or
an installment agreement. To negotiate a monthly payment amount, fair
to both the individual and the agency, SSA needs financial information
from the individual. SSA uses Form SSA-640, to obtain the information
necessary to determine a monthly installment repayment rate for
individuals owing a CMP. The respondents are recipients of Social
Security benefits and non-entitled individuals who must repay a CMP to
the agency and choose to do so using an installment plan.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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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) ** ***
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SSA-640.......................... 10 1 120 20 * $19.01 ** 24 *** $456
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* We based this figure on averaging both the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf</a>), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/">https://www.bls.gov/oes/</a> current/
oes_nat.htm).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 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.
II. SSA submitted the information collections below to OMB for
clearance. Your comments regarding these information collections 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 July 23, 2021. Individuals can obtain copies of
these OMB clearance packages by writing to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#266974087443564954525508654a434754474845436655554708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fcb3aed2ae998c938e888fd2bf90999d8e9d929f99bc8f8f9dd29b938a">[email protected]</span></a>.
1. Application for Mother's or Father's Insurance Benefits--20 CFR
404.339-404.342, 20 CFR 404.601-404.603--0960-0003. Section 202(g) of
the Social Security Act (Act) provides for the payment of monthly
benefits to the widow or widower of an insured individual if the
surviving spouse is caring for the deceased worker's child (who is
entitled to Social Security
[[Page 33009]]
benefits). SSA uses the information on Form SSA-5-BK to determine an
individual's eligibility for mother's or father's insurance benefits.
The respondents are individuals caring for a child of the deceased
worker who is applying for mother's or father's insurance benefits
under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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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) ** ***
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SSA-5-BK (Paper)........................ 28 1 15 7 * $27.07 .............. *** $189
SSA-5 MCS Interview..................... 23,123 1 15 5,781 * 27.07 ** 24 *** 406,862
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Totals.............................. 23,151 .............. .............. 5,788 .............. .............. *** 407,051
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000</a>).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 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.
2. Claim for Amounts Due in the Case of a Deceased Beneficiary--20
CFR 404.503(b)--0960-0101. Section 204(d) of the Act provides that if
an individual dies before payment under Title II is complete, or before
a Medicare premium refund is due, SSA will pay the amount due
(including the amount of any check not negotiated) to people who meet
specified qualifications under an order of priority. When a Social
Security payment, or Medicare premium, was due to a deceased
beneficiary at the time of death, and there is insufficient information
in the file to identify the people entitled to the payment, or their
addresses, SSA asks the surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal
representative of the estate to complete Form SSA-1724. SSA collects
the information when a surviving child(ren), parent(s), or spouse is
not already entitled to a monthly benefit on the same earnings record,
or is not filing for a lump-sum death payment as a former spouse. SSA
uses the information Form SSA-1724 provides to ensure proper payment of
an underpayment due to a deceased beneficiary. The respondents are
applicants for Title II underpayments or Medicare premium refunds owed
to deceased beneficiaries.
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-1724......................... 250,000 1 10 41,667 * $27.07 ** 24 *** $3,834,926
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000</a>).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 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. Claimant's Recent Medical Treatment--20 CFR 404.1512 and
416.912--0960-0292. When Disability Determinations Services (DDS) deny
a claim at the reconsideration level, the claimant has a right to
request a hearing before a judge. For the hearing, SSA asks the
claimant to complete and return the HA-4631 if the claimant's file does
not reflect a current, complete medical history as the claimant
proceeds through the appeals process. A judge must obtain the
information to update and complete the record and to verify the
accuracy of the information. Through this process, the judge can
ascertain whether the claimant's situation has changed. The judge and
hearing office staff use the response to make arrangements for
consultative examination(s) and the attendance of an expert
witness(es), if appropriate. During the hearing, the judge offers any
completed questionnaires as exhibits and may use them to: (1) Refresh
the claimant's memory, and (2) shape their questions. The respondents
are claimant's requesting hearings on entitlement to OASDI benefits or
SSI payments.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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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) ** ***
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HA-4631--PDF/paper version.............. 53,200 1 10 8,867 * $10.95 ** 24 *** $330,110
Electronic Records Express Submissions.. 136,800 1 10 22,800 * 27.07 .............. *** 617,196
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Totals.............................. 190,000 .............. .............. 31,667 .............. .............. *** 947,306
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* We based these figures on the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf</a>), and the
average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000</a>).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 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 33010]]
4. Request for Reconsideration--Disability Cessation--20 CFR
404.909, 404.1597(b), 416.995, & 416.1409--0960-0349. When SSA
determines that claimants' disabilities medically improved; ceased; or
are no longer sufficiently disabling, these claimants may ask SSA to
reconsider that determination. SSA uses Form SSA-789 to arrange for a
hearing or to prepare a decision based on the evidence of record.
Specifically, claimants or their representatives use Form SSA-789 to:
(1) Ask SSA to reconsider a determination; (2) indicate if they wish to
appear at a disability hearing; (3) submit any additional information
or evidence for use in the reconsidered determination; and (4) indicate
if they will need an interpreter for the hearing. The respondents are
disability claimants for Social Security benefits or SSI payments who
wish to appeal an unfavorable disability cessation determination.
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) * **
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SSA-789........................................... 49,000 1 13 10,617 * $10.95 ** $116,256
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* We based this figure on average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf</a>).
** 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. Waiver of Right to Appear--Disability Hearing--20 CFR 404.913-
404.914, 404.916(b)(5), 416.1413-416.1414, 416.1416(b)(5)--0960-0534.
Claimants for Social Security disability payments or their
representatives can use Form SSA-773-U4 to waive their right to appear
at a disability hearing. The disability hearing officer uses the signed
form as a basis for not holding a hearing, and for preparing a written
decision on the claimant's request for disability payments based solely
on the evidence of record. The respondents are disability claimants for
Social Security benefits or SSI payments, or their representatives, who
wish to waive their right to appear at a disability hearing.
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-773-U4....................... 200 1 3 10 * $10.95 ** 24 *** $986
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* We based this figure on average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf</a>).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 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. Prohibition of Payment of SSI Benefits to Fugitive Felons and
Parole/Probation Violators--20 CFR 416.708(o)--0960-0617. Section
1611(e)(4) of the Act precludes eligibility for SSI payments for
certain fugitives and probation or parole violators. Our regulation at
20 CFR 416.708(o) requires individuals applying for or receiving SSI to
report to SSA that: (1) They are fleeing to avoid prosecution for a
crime; (2) they are fleeing to avoid custody or confinement after
conviction of a crime; or (3) they are violating a condition of
probation or parole. In addition, due to the implementation of the
Martinez v. Astrue and Clark v. Astrue cases, we changed our policy to
deny eligibility or suspend payments for three fleeing codes. We use
the information we receive to determine eligibility on an initial claim
for SSI payments or a redetermination of existing recipients. The
collection is mandatory to ensure that an applicant or recipient does
not have a warrant for one of the three fleeing codes. If the
respondent has a warrant for one of the three fleeing codes, SSA uses
this information to deny payments. The respondents are SSI applicants
and recipients, or their representative payees, who are reporting their
status as a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator.
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) * **
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Fugitive Felon and Parole or Probation Violation 1,000 1 1 17 * $27.07 ** $460
screens within the SSI Claims System.............
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000</a>).
** 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 33011]]
7. Social Security Number Verification Services--20 CFR 401.45--
0960-0660. Internal Revenue Service regulations require employers to
provide wage and tax data to SSA using Form W-2, or its electronic
equivalent. As part of this process, the employer must furnish the
employee's name and Social Security number (SSN). In addition, the
employee's name and SSN must match SSA's records for SSA to post
earnings to the employee's earnings record, which SSA maintains. SSA
offers the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS), which
allows employers to verify the reported names and SSNs of their
employees match those in SSA's records. SSNVS is a cost-free method for
employers to verify employee information via the internet. The
respondents are employers who need to verify SSN data using SSA's
records.
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 Number of per response annual burden hourly cost opportunity
respondents response responses (minutes) (hours) amount cost (dollars)
(dollars) * **
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SSNVS............................ 44,891 60 2,693,460 5 224,455 * $38.23 ** $8,580,915
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* We based this figure on the average hourly wage for Accountants and Auditors, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm</a>).
** 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.
Dated: June 17, 2021.
Naomi Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2021-13144 Filed 6-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P
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