Notice2023-19371
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 8, 2023
Issuing agencies
Social Security Administration
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 173 (Friday, September 8, 2023)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 173 (Friday, September 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62136-62140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19371]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No: SSA-2023-0035]
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,
Fax: 202-395-6974, Email address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dc2c4dfccd2def8efe0e4fefee4e2e3cde2e0efa3e8e2fda3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c23253e2d333f190e01051f1f0503022c03010e4209031c420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Submit your comments online referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2023-
0035].
(SSA) Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance
Director, Mail Stop 3253 Altmeyer, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD
21235, Fax: 833-410-1631, Email address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c18e93ef93a4b1aeb3b5b2ef82ada4a0b3a0afa2a481b2b2a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ce819ce09cabbea1bcbabde08da2abafbcafa0adab8ebdbdafe0a9a1b8">[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-
2023-0035].
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
November 7, 2023. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection
instruments by writing to the above email address.
1. Agreement to Sell Property--20 CFR 416.1240--1245--0960--0127.
Individuals or couples who are otherwise eligible for Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) payments, but whose resources exceed the
allowable limit, may receive conditional payments if they agree to
dispose of the excess non-liquid resources and make repayments. SSA
uses Form SSA-8060-U3 to document this agreement, and to ensure the
individuals understand their obligations. Respondents are applicants
for and recipients of SSI payments who will be disposing of excess non-
liquid resources.
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 cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-8060-U3.................................... 20,000 1 20 6,667 * $29.76 ** $198,410
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figures on average U.S. citizen's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.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. Work Activity Report (Self-Employment)--20 CFR 404.1520(b),
404.1571--404.1576, 404.1584--404.1593, and 416.971--416.976--0960-
0598. SSA uses Form SSA-820-BK to determine initial or continuing
eligibility for: (1) Title II Social Security disability benefits
(SSDI); or (2) Title XVI SSI payments. Under Titles II and XVI of the
Social Security Act, recipients receive disability benefits and SSI
payments based on their inability to engage in substantial gainful
activity (SGA) due to a physical or mental condition. Therefore, when
the recipients resume work, they must report their work so SSA can
evaluate and determine by law whether they continue to meet the
disability requirements. SSA uses Form SSA-820-BK to obtain information
on self-employment activities of Social Security Title II and XVI
disability applicants and recipients. We use the data we obtain to
evaluate disability claims, and to help us determine if the claimant
meets current disability provisions under Titles II and XVI. Since
applicants for disability benefits or payments must prove an inability
to perform any kind of SGA generally available in the national economy
for which we expect them to qualify based on age, education, and work
experience, any work an applicant performed until, or subsequent to,
the date the disability allegedly began, affects our disability
determination. The respondents are
[[Page 62137]]
applicants and claimants for SSI payments or SSDI benefits.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average wait
Average Estimated Average time in field
Number of Frequency of burden per total annual theoretical office or for Total annual
Modality of completion respondents response response burden hourly cost teleservice opportunity cost
(minutes) (hours) amount centers (dollars) **
(dollars) * (minutes) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-820-BK (in Office)............... 12,144 1 30 6,072 * $12.81 ** 24 *** $140.013
SSA-820-BK (phone)................... 36,428 1 30 18,214 * 12.81 ** 19 *** 381,085
SSA-820-BK (paper)................... 48,571 1 30 24,286 *1 2.81 0 *** 311,104
SSA-820-APP (online submission)...... 2,857 1 30 1,429 * 12.81 0 *** 18,305
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average DI payments, as reported in SSA's disability insurance payment data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2023factsheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2023factsheet.pdf</a>).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2022 wait times for field offices and teleservice centers, 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. Social Security's Public Credentialing and Authentication
Process--20 CFR 401.45 and 402--0960-0789.
Background
Authentication is the foundation for secure, online transactions.
Identity authentication is the process of determining, with confidence,
that someone is who he or she claims to be during a remote, automated
session. It comprises three distinct factors: something you know;
something you have; and something you are. Single-factor authentication
uses one of the factors, and multi-factor authentication uses two or
more of the factors.
SSA's Public Credentialing and Authentication Process
SSA offers consistent authentication across SSA's secured online
services. We allow our users to request and maintain only one User ID,
consisting of a self-selected username and password, to access multiple
Social Security electronic services. Designed in accordance with the
OMB Memorandum M-04-04 and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63, this process provides the
means of authenticating users of our secured electronic services and
streamlines access to those services.
SSA's public credentialing and authentication process:
<bullet> Issues a single User ID to anyone who wants to do business
with the agency and meets the eligibility criteria;
<bullet> Partners with an external Identity Services Provider (ISP)
to help us verify the identity of our online customers;
<bullet> Complies with relevant standards;
<bullet> Offers access to some of SSA's workloads online, while
providing a high level of confidence in the identity of the person
requesting access to these services;
<bullet> Offers an in-person process for those who are
uncomfortable with or unable to use the internet process;
<bullet> Balances security with ease of use; and
<bullet> Provides a user-friendly way for the public to conduct
extended business with us online instead of visiting local servicing
offices or requesting information over the phone. Individuals have
real-time access to their Social Security information in a safe and
secure web environment.
Public Credentialing and Authentication Process Features
We collect and maintain the users' personally identifiable
information (PII) in our Central Repository of Electronic
Authentication Data Master File Privacy Act system of records, which we
published in the Federal Register (75 FR 79065). The PII may include
the users' name; address; date of birth; Social Security number (SSN);
phone number; and other types of identity information [e.g., address
information of persons from the W-2 and Schedule Self Employed forms we
receive electronically for our programmatic purposes as permitted by 26
U.S.C. 6103(l)(1)(A)]. We may also collect knowledge-based
authentication data, which is information users establish with us or
that we already maintain in our existing Privacy Act systems of
records.
We retain the data necessary to administer and maintain our e-
Authentication infrastructure. This includes management and profile
information, such as blocked accounts; failed access data; effective
date of passwords; and other data allowing us to evaluate the system's
effectiveness. The data we maintain also may include archived
transaction data and historical data.
We use the information from this collection to identity proof and
authenticate our users online, and to allow them access to their
personal information from our records. We also use this information to
provide second factor authentication. We are committed to expanding and
improving this process so we can grant access to additional online
services in the future.
Offering online services is not only an important part of meeting
SSA's goals, but is vital to good public service. In increasing
numbers, the public expects to conduct complex business over the
internet. Ensuring SSA's online services are both secure and user-
friendly is a high priority.
We awarded a competitively bid contract to an ISP, Equifax,\1\ to
help us verify the identity of our online customers. We use this ISP,
in addition to our other authentication methods, to help us prove, or
verify, the identity of our customers when they are completing online
or electronic transactions with us.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Equifax is a global information solutions provider.
Equifax's solutions help Social Security to manage risk and mitigate
fraud.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security's Authentication Strategy
We remain committed to enhancing our online services using
authentication processes that balance usability and security. We will
continue to research and develop new authentication tools while
monitoring the emerging threats.
The following are key components of our authentication strategy:
<bullet> Enrollment and Identity Verification--Individuals who meet
the following eligibility requirements may enroll:
[cir] Must have a valid email address;
[cir] Must have a valid Social Security number (SSN);
[cir] Must have a domestic address of record (includes military
addresses); and
[cir] Must be at least 18 years of age.
We collect identifying data and use SSA and ISP records to verify
an
[[Page 62138]]
individual's identity. Individuals have the option of obtaining an
enhanced, stronger, User ID by providing certain financial information
(e.g., Medicare wages, self-employed earnings, or the last eight digits
of a credit card number) for verification. We also ask individuals to
answer out-of-wallet questions so we can further verify their
identities. Individuals who are unable to complete the process online
can present identification at a field office to obtain a User ID.
<bullet> Establishing the User Profile--The individual self-selects
a username and password, both of which can be of variable length and
alphanumeric. We provide a password strength indicator to help the
individual select a strong password. We also ask the individual to
choose challenge questions for use in restoring a lost or forgotten
username or password.
<bullet> Provide a Second Factor--We ask the individual to provide
a text message enabled cell phone number or an email address. We
consider the cell phone number or email address the second factor of
authentication. We send a security code to the individual's selected
second factor. We require the individual to confirm its receipt by
entering the security code online. Subsequently, each time the
individual attempts to sign in to his or her online account, we will
also send a message with a one-time security code to the individual's
selected second factor. The individual must enter the security code
along with his or her username and password. The code is valid for only
10 minutes. If the individual does not enter the code within 10
minutes, the code expires, and the individual must request another
code.
<bullet> Enhancing the User ID--If individuals opt to enhance or
upgrade their User IDs, they must provide certain financial information
for verification. We mail a one-time-use upgrade code to the
individual's verified residential address. When the individual receives
the upgrade code in the mail, he or she can enter this code online to
enhance the security of the account. With extra security, we continue
to require the individuals to sign in using their username, password,
and a one-time security code we send to their second factor email
address or cell phone number (whichever the users listed in their
account).
<bullet> Sign in and Use--Our authentication process provides an
individual with a User ID for access to our sensitive online Social
Security services. Second factor authentication requires the individual
to sign in with a username, password, and a one-time security code sent
to the individual's selected second factor. SSA expanded its existing
capabilities to require second factor authentication for every online
sign in. We also allow for maintenance of the second factor options. An
individual who forgets the password can reset it automatically without
contacting SSA.
Social Security's Enrollment Process
The enrollment process is a one-time only activity. SSA requires
the individuals to agree to the ``Terms of Service'' detailed on our
website before we allow them to begin the enrollment process. The
``Terms of Service'' inform the individuals what we will and will not
do with their personal information, and the privacy and security
protections we provide on all data we collect. These terms also detail
the consequences of misusing this service.
To verify the individual's identity, we ask the individual to give
us minimal personal information, which may include:
<bullet> Name;
<bullet> SSN;
<bullet> Date of birth;
<bullet> Address--mailing and residential;
<bullet> Telephone number;
<bullet> Email address;
<bullet> Financial information;
<bullet> Cell phone number; and
<bullet> Selecting and answering password reset questions.
We send a subset of this information to the ISP, who then generates
a series of out-of-wallet questions back to the individual. The
individual must answer all or most of the questions correctly before
continuing in the process. The exact questions generated are unique to
each individual.
This collection of information, or a subset of it, is mandatory for
respondents who want to do business with SSA via the internet. We
collect this information via the internet, on SSA's public-facing
website. We also offer an in-person identification verification process
for individuals who cannot, or are not willing, to register online. For
this process, the individual must go to a local SSA field office and
provide identifying information. We do not ask for financial
information with the in-person process.
We only collect the identity verification information one time,
when the individual registers for a credential. We ask for the User ID
(username and password) every time an individual signs in to our
automated services. If individuals opt for the enhanced or upgraded
account, they also either receive an email message or a text message on
their cell phones (this serves as the second factor for authentication)
each time they sign in.
The respondents are individuals who choose to use the internet or
Automated Telephone Response System to conduct business with SSA.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 cost
respondents response response burden amount office (dollars) **
(minutes) (hours) (dollars) * (minutes) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Registrations............... 11,788,914 1 8 1,571,855 * $29.76 .............. *** $46,778,405
Internet Sign-Ins.................... 124,989,089 1 1 2,083,151 * 29.76 .............. *** 6,194,574
Intranet Registration (RCS).......... 54,908 1 8 7,321 * 29.76 ** 24 *** 871,492
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals........................... 136,832,911 .............. .............. 3,662,327 .............. .............. ** 53,844,471
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average U.S. citizen's hourly salary, 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 these figures on the average FY 2022 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 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 October 10, 2023. Individuals can obtain
[[Page 62139]]
copies of this OMB clearance package by writing to the
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e0afb2ceb285908f929493cea38c858192818e8385a0939381ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cb8499e599aebba4b9bfb8e588a7aeaab9aaa5a8ae8bb8b8aae5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>.
1. Authorization for the Social Security Administration to Obtain
Wage and Employment Information from Payroll Data Providers--0960-0807.
Section 824 of the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2015, Public Law 114-
74, authorizes SSA to enter into information exchanges with payroll
data providers for the purposes of improving program administration and
preventing improper payments in the SSDI and SSI programs. SSA uses
Form SSA-8240, ``Authorization for the Social Security Administration
to Obtain Wage and Employment Information from Payroll Data
Providers,'' to secure the authorization needed from the relevant
members of the public to obtain their wage and employment information
from payroll data providers. Ultimately, SSA uses this wage and
employment information to help determine program eligibility and
payment amounts.
The public can complete Form SSA-8240 using the following
modalities: a paper form; the internet; and an in-office or telephone
interview, during which an SSA employee documents the wage and
employment information authorization information on one of SSA's
internal systems (the Modernized Claims System (MCS); the SSI Claims
System; eWork; or iMain). The individual's authorization will remain
effective until one of the following four events occurs:
<bullet> SSA makes a final adverse decision on the application for
benefits, and the applicant has filed no other claims or appeals under
the Title for which SSA obtained the authorization;
<bullet> the individual's eligibility for payments ends, and the
individual has not filed other claims or appeals under the Title for
which SSA obtained the authorization;
<bullet> the individual revokes the authorization verbally or in
writing; or
<bullet> the deeming relationship ends (for SSI purposes only).
SSA requests authorization on an as-needed basis as part of the
following processes: (a) SSDI and SSI initial claims; (b) SSI
redeterminations; and (c) SSDI Work Continuing Disability Reviews. The
respondents are individuals who file for, or are currently receiving,
SSDI or SSI payments, and any person whose income and resources SSA
counts when determining an individual's SSI eligibility or payment
amount.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average wait
Average Estimated Average time in field
Number of Frequency of burden per total annual theoretical office or for Total annual
Modality of completion respondents response response burden hourly cost teleservice opportunity cost
(minutes) (hours) amount centers (dollars) **
(dollars) * (minutes) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-8240 (paper)..................... 150,000 1 8 20,000 * $12.81 .............. *** $256,200
Web Title II & Title XVI Electronic 697,580 1 3 34,879 * 12.81 * 21 *** 3,574,400
(MCS, MSSICS, and eWork)............
Internet............................. 147,820 1 3 7,391 * 12.81 0 *** 94,679
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals........................... 995,400 .............. .............. 62,270 .............. .............. *** 3,925,279
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2023 data (<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2023factsheet.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2023factsheet.pdf</a>).
** We based this figure by averaging the average FY 2023 wait times for field offices and teleservice centers, 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. Notice to Electronic Information Exchange Partners to Provide
Contractor List--0960-0820. The Federal standards Privacy Act of 1974;
E-Government act of 2002; and the National Institute of Standard
Special Publications 800-53-4, requires 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
all agencies using SSA data ensure SSA information is not processed;
maintained; transmitted; or stored in; or by means of data
communications channel; 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. The respondents are Federal agencies; State, local, or tribal
agencies; who exchange electronic information with SSA.
Type of Request: Revision to 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 cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-731........................................ 300 1 20 100 * $29.76 ** $2,976
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average State, local and tribal government worker's salaries (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm">https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm</a>).
[[Page 62140]]
** 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: September 1, 2023.
Naomi Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-19371 Filed 9-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 8, 2023.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.