Notice2026-10316
Agency Information Collection Activities: 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
May 22, 2026
Issuing agencies
Social Security Administration
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 99 (Friday, May 22, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30360-30364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10316]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No: SSA-2026-0496]
Agency Information Collection Activities: 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
(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#216e730f7344514e5355520f624d444053404f4244615252400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e514c304c7b6e716c6a6d305d727b7f6c7f707d7b5e6d6d7f30797168">[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> by clicking on Currently under
Review--Open for Public Comments and choosing to click on one of SSA's
published items. Please reference Docket ID Number [SSA-2026-0496] in
your submitted response.
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 June 22, 2026. Individuals can obtain copies of this
OMB clearance package by writing to the <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#713e235f2314011e0305025f321d141003101f1214310202105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="044b562a5661746b7670772a4768616576656a6761447777652a636b72">[email protected]</span></a>.
1. Request for Corrections of Earnings Record--20 CFR 404.820 and
20 CFR 422.125--0960-0029. Individuals alleging that SSA's files
contain inaccurate earnings records for them use paper Form SSA-7008,
or a personal interview with SSA employees during which SSA employees
key their answers into our electronic Earnings Modernization Item
Correction system, to address the situation. Using these modalities the
individuals whose records are in question provide the information SSA
needs to check earnings posted, and, as necessary, initiate development
to resolve any inaccuracies. The respondents are individuals who
request correction of earnings posted to their Social Security earnings
records.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average wait
Average time in field
Number of Frequency of Average burden Estimated theoretical office or Total annual
Method of completion respondents response per response total annual hourly cost telephone wait opportunity cost
(minutes) burden (hours) amount time (minutes) (dollars) ***
(dollars) * **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-7008............................. 9,766 1 30 4,883 * $32.66 .............. *** $159,479
In-person or telephone interview..... 112,312 1 30 56,156 * 32.66 ** 35 *** 3,973,775
mySSA Earnings Correction Screen..... 14,194 1 30 7,097 * 32.66 .............. *** 231,788
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals........................... 136,272 .............. .............. 68,136 .............. .............. *** 4,365,042
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* We based this figure on the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage
Statistics)
** We based this figure on the average combined FY 2026 wait times for field offices (22 minutes) and for teleservice centers (48 minutes which includes
the average speed of answer of 7 minutes as well as the average 41-minute wait time for a call back from an SSA technician), based on SSA's current
management information data. This figure reflects both data from our systems and the data posted on our public facing website (Social Security
performance [verbar] SSA) on the date we drafted this document. As the figures fluctuate daily, the wait times may be different on the website than
they appear here. We continue to monitor our website and management information data on call back times to ensure we report updated figures when
possible.
*** 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 Supplemental Security Income (Deferred or
Abbreviated)--20 CFR 416.305-416.335, Subpart C--0960-0444. SSA
provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to members of the
public who meet the required eligibility criteria and who file the
prescribed application. SSA uses Form SSA-8001-BK, Application for SSI
(Deferred or Abbreviated), to collect information from respondents to
either: (1) provide a formal determination of ineligibility based on
non-medical reasons only, or (2) document allegations of potential
eligibility prior to requesting a medical determination from the state
disability determination services (DDS) while deferring the collection
of additional information until after the DDS approves a medical
determination. Respondents apply for SSI using the deferred application
through one of three modalities: (1) a paper application for both adult
and child claims (Form SSA-8001), which the public can access as a
fillable PDF from our website and submit through SSA's Upload Documents
Portal (OMB Control No. 0960-0830); (2) a field office interview (in
person or over the phone), during which an SSA employee enters
applicant data directly into the Consolidated Claim Experience (CCE)
and Intranet SSI Claims System screens; or (3) the iSSI internet
application, basic eligibility questions (within the internet Claims
(iClaim site)). SSI applicants can also use a simplified online hybrid
approach that streamlines and simplifies the online application form
and the modalities we offer across other service channels (i.e., phone
and in-person interviews). In this hybrid approach, we (1) capture the
claimant's basic eligibility with a simplified application, and (2) use
a technician-supported experience to develop additional information as
necessary to make an initial determination. This second step only
happens after we provide medical approval and identify the specific
additional information needed. This approach strikes a balance
[[Page 30361]]
between improving the applicant's filing experience and collecting all
necessary information to make eligibility determinations. SSA uses the
information we gather on the SSA-8001, deferred SSI Application, to:
(1) formally deny SSI for nonmedical reasons when information the
applicant provides results in ineligibility; or (2) establish a
disability claim but defer the evidence development of non-medical
issues until SSA approves the disability. The respondents are
individuals who are applying for SSI and are either clearly ineligible
or, disabled or blind, or are the third parties who aid these
individuals in applying for SSI.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average wait
Average time in field
Number of Frequency of Average burden Estimated theoretical office or Total annual
Method of completion respondents response per response total annual cost amount teleservice opportunity cost
(minutes) burden (hours) (dollars) * centers (dollars) ***
(minutes) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intranet CCE or SSI Claims System.... 596,633 1 28 278,429 * $23.47 ** 35 *** $14,703,134
Internet Claim System (iSSI)......... 167,331 1 6 16,733 * 23.47 .............. *** 392,724
SSA-8001 (Paper Version)............. 371,585 1 15 92,896 * 23.47 ** 35 *** 7,703,629
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Total............................ 1,135,579 .............. .............. 388,058 .............. .............. *** 7,267,579
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure by averaging both the average disability payments based on SSA's current FY 2026 data (Effect of COLA on Average Social Security
Benefits), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** We based this figure on the average combined FY 2026 wait times for field offices (22 minutes) and for teleservice centers (48 minutes which includes
the average speed of answer of 7 minutes as well as the average 41-minute wait time for a call back from an SSA technician), based on SSA's current
management information data.. This figure reflects both data from our systems and the data posted on our public facing website (Social Security
performance [verbar] SSA) on the date we drafted this document. As the figures fluctuate daily, the wait times may be different on the website than
they appear here. We continue to monitor our website and management information data on call back times to ensure we report updated figures when
possible.
*** 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. Authorization to Obtain Earnings Data From the Social Security
Administration--0960-0602. On occasion, public and private
organizations and agencies need to obtain detailed earnings information
about specific Social Security number (SSN) holding wage earners for
business purposes (e.g. pension funds and State agencies, etc.).
Respondents use Form SSA-581 to identify the SSN holder whose
information they are requesting, and provide authorization from the SSN
holder, when applicable. SSA uses the information provided on Form SSA-
581 to: (1) identify the wage earner; (2) establish the period of
earnings information requested; (3) verify the wage earner authorized
SSA to release this information to the requesting party; and (4)
produce the Itemized Statement of Earnings (SSA-1826). The respondents
are private businesses, state or local agencies, and other federal
agencies.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated total theoretical Total annual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response (minutes) (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-581........................................ 24,000 1 10 4,000 * $39.86 ** $159,440
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists hourly wage data, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics
data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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. Medicare Subsidy Quality Review Forms--20 CFR 418(b)(5)--0960-
0707. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 mandated the creation of
the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage program and provides
certain subsidies for eligible Medicare beneficiaries to help pay for
the cost of prescription drugs. As part of its stewardship duties of
the Medicare Part D subsidy program, SSA conducts periodic quality
review checks of the information Medicare beneficiaries report on their
subsidy applications (Form SSA-1020). SSA uses the Medicare Quality
Review program to conduct these checks. The respondents are applicants
for the Medicare Part D subsidy whom SSA chose to undergo a quality
review.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Average wait Total annual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost time telephone opportunity cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (minutes) ** (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-9301 (Medicare Subsidy Quality 3,500 1 30 1,750 *$32.66 **48 ***$148,603
Review Case Analysis Form...........
SSA-9302 (Notice of Quality Review 3,500 1 15 875 *32.66 .............. ***28,578
Acknowledgment Form for those with
Phones).............................
SSA-9303 (Notice of Quality Review 350 1 15 88 *32.66 .............. ***2,874
Acknowledgment Form for those
without Phones).....................
SSA-9308 (Request for Information)... 7,000 1 15 1,750 *32.66 .............. ***57,155
[[Page 30362]]
SSA-9310 (Request for Documents)..... 3,500 1 5 292 *32.66 .............. ***9,537
SSA-9311 (Notice of Appointment-- 450 1 15 113 *32.66 .............. ***3,691
Denial Reviewer Will Call)..........
SSA-9312 (Notice of Appointment-- 50 1 15 13 *32.66 .............. ***425
Denial--Please Call Reviewer).......
SSA-9313 (Notice of Quality Review 2,500 1 15 625 *32.66 .............. ***20,413
acknowledgment Form for those with
Phones).............................
SSA-9314 (Notice of Quality Review 500 1 15 125 *32.66 .............. ***4,083
acknowledgement Form for those
without Phones).....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................ 21,350 .............. .............. 5,631 .............. .............. **275,359
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on average U.S. citizen's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage
Statistics).
*** We based this figure on the FY 2026 wait times for the teleservice centers (48 minutes which includes the average speed of answer of 7 minutes as
well as the average 41-minute wait time for a call back from an SSA technician), based on SSA's current management information data. As the figures
fluctuate daily, the wait times may be different on the website than they appear here. We continue to monitor our website and management information
data on call back times to ensure we report updated figures when possible.
*** 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. Electronic SSDI and SSI Wage Reporting: myWageReport, SSA Mobile
Wage Reporting, and Supplemental Security Income Telephone Wage
Reporting--20 CFR 404.1520(b), 404.1571-1576, 404.1584-1593, & 416.701-
416.732--0960-0715. SSA requires Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) beneficiaries or their representative payees to report changes
when beneficiaries return to work, when their amount of work increases,
or when their earnings increase. Similarly, SSA requires recipients of
SSI, their deemors, and representative payees to report changes in work
and monthly wages. SSA allows SSDI beneficiaries, SSI recipients,
deemors, and representative payees to report earnings via electronic
means, though the methods available depend on the type of benefits
received. SSDI users may report wages using an internet reporting
system called myWageReport. myWageReport is a secure internet reporting
tool within the mySSA portal that enables SSDI beneficiaries to submit
pay stub information to SSA. In addition to myWageReport, SSI users
have two other electronic options, the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting
application (SSAMWR) and the SSI Telephone Wage Reporting System
(SSITWR). The SSITWR allows callers to report their wages by speaking
their responses through voice recognition technology, or by keying in
responses using a telephone key pad. The SSAMWR allows recipients to
report their wages through the mobile wage reporting application on
their smartphone. SSITWR and SSAMWR systems collect the same
information and send it to SSA over secure channels. To ensure the
security of the information provided, SSITWR and SSAMWR ask respondents
to provide information SSA can compare against our records for
authentication purposes. Once the system authenticates the identity of
the respondents, they can report their wage data. The respondents are
SSDI beneficiaries, SSI recipients, SSI deemors, or representative
payees.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total cnnual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of Number of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response responses (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) ***
(dollars) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Training/Instruction\+\.............. 129,032 1 129,032 35 75,269 * $23.47 ** $1,766,563
myWageReport......................... 37,425 12 449,100 22 164,670 * 23.47 ** 3,864,805
SSITWR............................... 8,678 12 104,136 20 34,712 * 23.47 ** 814,691
SSAMWR............................... 82,929 12 995,148 20 331,716 * 23.47 ** 7,758,375
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals........................... 258,064 .............. 1,667,416 .............. 606,367 .............. ** 14,204,434
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\+\ SSI respondents complete training and a method of collection. SSA is not able to break down the number of new wage reporters who receive training
and longtime wage reporters who did not receive training; therefore, the actual number may be less than the estimate we provided. SSA collects
management information data based on the number of transactions; the number of respondents has been extrapolated from that number. We do not collect
MI on unique reporters.
* We based this figure by averaging both the average disability payments based on SSA's current FY 2026 data (Effect of COLA on Average Social Security
Benefits), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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. Request for Evidence from Doctor and Request for Evidence from
Hospital--20 CFR 404 Subpart P and 20 CFR 416 Subpart I--0960-0722.
Sections 223(d)(5) and 1614(a)(3)(H)(i) of the Social Security Act
require claimants to furnish medical evidence of their disability when
filing a disability claim. SSA uses Forms HA-66 and HA-67 to request
evidence from medical sources, which claimants identify as having
information relative to their impairments, or ability to do work-
related activities. In addition to accepting manual paper responses,
SSA sends a barcode with the HA-66 and HA-67, allowing respondents to
fax the information directly into the electronic claims folder rather
than submitting it manually. SSA uses the information to determine
eligibility for benefits, and to pay medical sources for furnishing the
information. The respondents are
[[Page 30363]]
medical sources, doctors, and hospitals that evaluate the claimants.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total cnnual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of Number of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response responses (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HA-66--Paper Version................. 6,843 22 150,546 15 37,637 * $103 ** $3,876.611
HA-66-Electronic Version (ERE or 12,708 22 279,576 15 69,894 * 103 ** 7,199,082
barcode)............................
HA-67--Paper Version................. 2,752 22 60,544 15 15,136 * 103 ** 1,559,008
HA-67--Electronic Version (ERE or 5,111 22 112,442 15 28,111 * 103 ** 2,895,433
barcode)............................
Totals........................... 27,414 .............. .............. .............. 150,778 .............. ** 15,530,134
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* We based this figures on the average Physician's hourly salary, the average Psychiatrist's hourly salary, and the average Psychologist's hourly salary
as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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. Government-to-Government Services Online Website Registration
Form; Government-to-Government Services Online Website Account
Modification/Deletion Form--20 CFR 401.45--0960-0757. The Government-
to-Government Services Online (GSO) website allows various external
organizations to submit files to a variety of SSA systems and, in some
cases, receive files in return. The SSA systems that process data
transferred via GSO include, but are not limited to, systems
responsible for disability processing and benefit determination or
termination. SSA uses the information on Form SSA-159, Government-to-
Government Online website Registration Form, to register the requestor
to use the GSO website. Once we receive the SSA-159, SSA provides the
user with account information and conducts a walkthrough of the GSO
website as necessary. Established organizations may submit Form SSA-159
to register additional users as well. The established requesting
organizations can also complete Form SSA-160, Government-to-Government
Online website Account Modification/Deletion Form, to modify their
online accounts (e.g., address change). Respondents are State and local
government agencies, and some private sector business entities.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total annual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
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SSA-159.............................................. 1,973 1 15 493 * $21.44 ** $10,570
SSA-160.............................................. 366 1 15 92 * 21.44 ** 1,972
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Totals........................................... 2,339 .............. .............. 585 .............. ** 12,542
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* We based these figures on average Information and Record Keeping Clerk's hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational
Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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. Request to Show Cause for Failure to Appear--20 CFR 404.938,
416.1438, and 404.957(b)(i) and (ii)--0960-0794. When claimants who
requested a hearing before a judge fail to appear at their scheduled
hearings, the judge may reschedule the hearings if the claimants
establish good cause for missing the hearings. To establish good cause,
respondents must demonstrate one of the following: (1) SSA did not
properly notify the claimant of the hearing, or (2) an unexpected event
occurred without sufficient time for the claimant to request a
postponement. The claimants can use paper Form HA-L90 or HA-L90-OP1 to
provide their reason for not appearing at their scheduled hearings; or
the claimants' representatives can use Electronic Records Express
(ERE), OMB Control No. 0960-0753, to submit the HA-L90 online. SSA
requires two versions of the paper form, as a judge follows different
procedures when determining good cause for fraud or similar fault
redetermination cases (cases that have a prior decision and evidence on
file) compared to initial claims (where we have no evidence on file).
SSA uses the HA-L90 for initial claims, and the HA-L90-OP1 for fraud or
similar fault redeterminations cases. The ERE method automatically
adjusts for the type of case, so we only need one version of the
internet screens. If the judge in an initial claim finds that the
claimant established good cause for failure to appear at the hearing,
the judge will reschedule the hearing. However, if the judge does not
find that good cause was established, they may dismiss the request for
hearing. The judge may also make a claims eligibility determination
based on the evidence of record (if any exists). If the judge in a
fraud or similar fault redetermination case finds that the claimant
established good cause for the failure to appear at the hearing, the
judge will reschedule the hearing. However, if the judge does not find
that good cause was established, the judge will issue a determination
based on the evidence of record. The respondents are individuals, and
their representatives, who requested a hearing before a judge after SSA
denied their application who are seeking to establish good cause for
failure to appear at the scheduled hearing.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
[[Page 30364]]
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Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total annual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) **
(dollars) *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HA-L90............................................... 37,265 1 10 6,211 * $23.47 ** $145,772.17
HA-L90-OP1........................................... 500 1 10 83 * 23.47 ** 1,948.01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals........................................... 37,765 .............. .............. 6,294 .............. ** 147,720
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* We based this figure on averaging both the average disability payments based on SSA's current FY 2026 data (Effect of COLA on Average Social Security
Benefits), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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. Vocational Resource Facilitator Demonstration--0960-0829. SSA
administers the Vocational Resource Facilitator Demonstration (VRFD)
under the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program (ICAP). ICAP
allows SSA to partner with various non-federal groups and organizations
to advance interventional research connected to the SSI and SSDI
programs. VRFD tests the Vocational Resource Facilitator (VRF)
intervention, which helps newly injured spinal cord injury or disease
(SCI) or brain injury (BI) patients in pursuing their employment goals.
The VRFD provides empirical evidence on the impact of the intervention
on patients in several critical areas: (1) employment and earnings; (2)
SSI and SSDI benefit receipt; and (3) satisfaction and well-being. A
rigorous evaluation of VRFD is critical to help SSA and other
interested parties assess promising options to improve employment-
related outcomes and decrease benefit receipt. The VRFD evaluation uses
a randomized control experimental design that includes one treatment
group and one control group. Control group members receive a referral
for services to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
(DVRS), New Jersey's state Vocational Rehabilitation agency. The
treatment group receives a referral to DVRS and employment services
from a resource facilitator (RF). RFs are fully integrated members of
clinical teams who engage with injured workers during inpatient
rehabilitation about return to work. The central research questions
include:
<bullet> Was the intervention implemented as planned?
<bullet> What are key considerations for scaling up or adopting the
VRF model at other facilities?
<bullet> What were the impacts of VRF on outcomes of interest?
<bullet> Did treatment group members earn or work more than control
group members?
<bullet> Were treatment group members relatively less likely to
apply to or receive SSI or SSDI benefits?
<bullet> Did treatment group members experience greater
satisfaction and well-being than control group members?
<bullet> What were the benefits and costs of the demonstration
across key groups?
The proposed public survey data collections supports three
components of the planned implementation, impact, and benefit-cost
analyses. The data collection efforts provides information that is not
available in SSA program records about the characteristics and outcomes
of VRFD participants in the treatment and control groups. Respondents
are newly injured SCI and BI patients, who will provide written consent
before agreeing to participate in the study and are randomly assigned
to one of the study groups.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average
Average burden Estimated theoretical Total cnnual
Method of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual hourly cost opportunity cost
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours) amount (dollars) ***
(dollars) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12-month Follow-up Survey............................ 90 1 25 38 * $14.27 ** $542
Staff Interviews with Site Staff..................... 12 1 66 13 * 32.66 ** 425
Onsite Audit of sample of case files................. 1 1 30 1 * 32.66 ** 32.66
Totals............................................... 103 .............. .............. 52 .............. ** 1,000
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* We based this figure on disability payments, based on SSA's current management information data (Effect of COLA on Average Social Security Benefits)
and on the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
** 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.
Mark Steffensen,
General Counsel, Chief of Law, Policy and Legislative Affairs, Social
Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2026-10316 Filed 5-21-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P
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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.