    [Federal Register Volume 85, Number 168 (Friday, August 28, 2020)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 53428-53432]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 2020-18943]

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    SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

    [Docket No: SSA-2020-0044]

    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: OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov.
    (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: OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov.

        Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov,
    referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2020-0044].
        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
    October 27, 2020. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection
    instruments by writing to the above email address.
        1. Statement of Income and Resources--20 CFR 416.207, 416.301-
    416.310, 416.704, and 416.708--0960-0124. SSA collects information
    about income and resources for Supplemental

    [[Page 53429]]

    Security Income (SSI) claims and redeterminations on the SSA-8010-BK.
    SSA uses the information to make initial or continuing eligibility
    determinations for SSI claimants or recipients who are subject to
    deeming. The respondents are people whose income and resources SSA may
    deem (consider to be available) to SSI applicants or recipients.
        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 cost
                                            respondents      response        response         burden          amount          office         (dollars) ***
                                                                             (minutes)        (hours)       (dollars) *    (minutes) **
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SSA-8010-BK (Intranet)..............       1,855,340               1              20         618,447        $10.73 *           24 **     $14,599,056 ***
    SSA-8010-BK (Paper).................          61,380               1              20          20,460         10.73 *           24 **         482,979 ***
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals..........................       1,916,720  ..............  ..............         638,907  ..............  ..............      15,082,035 ***
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * We based this figure on average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2020 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 our current management information data.
    *** This figure does not represent actual costs that we are 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. Request for Evidence from Doctor and Request for Evidence from
    Hospital--20 CFR 404.401-404.1599 and 20 CFR 416.901-416.99(d)--0960-
    0722. Sections 223(d)(5) and 1614(a)(3)(H)(i) of the Social Security
    Act (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 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        Estimated      theoretical      Total annual
           Modality of completion            Number of     Frequency  of  Total response    burden per     total annual     hourly cost    opportunity  cost
                                            respondents      response                        response         burden          amount         (dollars) **
                                                                                             (minutes)        (hours)       (dollars) *
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    HA-66--Paper Version................           3,060              22          67,320              15          16,830          $40.21         $676,734 **
    HA-66--Electronic Version (ERE or              8,940              22         196,680              15          49,170           40.21        1,977,126 **
     barcode)...........................
    HA-67--Paper Version................           3,060              22          67,320              15          16,830           40.21          676,734 **
    HA-67--Electronic Version (ERE or              8,940              22         196,680              15          49,170           40.21        1,977,126 **
     barcode)...........................
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals..........................          24,000  ..............         528,000  ..............         132,000  ..............        5,307,720 **
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    * We based this figures on average on medical sources and doctor's salaries, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes290000.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. 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.

    [[Page 53430]]

        SSA's public credentialing and authentication process:
         Issues a single User ID to anyone who wants to do business
    with the agency and meets the eligibility criteria;
         Partners with an external Identity Services Provider (ISP)
    to help us verify the identity of our online customers;
         Complies with relevant standards;
         Offers access to some of SSA's heaviest, but more
    sensitive, workloads online while providing a high level of confidence
    in the identity of the person requesting access to these services;
         Offers an in-person process for those who are
    uncomfortable with or unable to use the internet process;
         Balances security with ease of use; and
         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 our 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:
         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 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.
         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.
         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.
         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).
         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

    [[Page 53431]]

    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:
         Name;
         SSN;
         Date of birth;
         Address--mailing and residential;
         Telephone number;
         Email address;
         Financial information;
         Cell phone number; and
         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.

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                                                                                                              Average
                                                                              Average        Estimated      theoretical    Average  wait     Total annual
          Modality of LI>completion          Number of     Frequency  of    burden per     total annual     hourly cost   time in  field   opportunity cost
                                            respondents      response        response     burden (hours)      amount          office         (dollars) ***
                                                                             (minutes)                      (dollars) *    (minutes) **
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Internet registration...............       7,875,448               1               8       1,050,060        $25.72 *  ..............     $27,007,543 ***
    Internet Sign-Ins...................      53,985,814               1               1         899,764         25.72 *  ..............      23,141,930 ***
    Intranet Registration (RCS).........       2,295,983               1               8         306,131         25.72 *           24 **      31,494,757 ***
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals..........................      64,157,245  ..............  ..............       2,255,955  ..............  ..............      81,644,230 ***
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * We based this figures 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 our current management information data.
    *** This figure does not represent actual costs that we are 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 September 28, 2020. Individuals can obtain copies of
    these OMB clearance packages by writing to
    OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov.
        1. Letter to Landlord Requesting Rental Information--20 CFR
    416.1130(b)--0960-0454. SSA uses Form SSA-L5061 to obtain rental
    subsidy information, which enables SSA to determine and verify an
    income value for such subsidies. SSA uses this income value as part of
    determining eligibility for SSI and the correct amount of SSI payable
    to the claimant. SSA bases an individual's eligibility for SSI
    payments, in part, on the amount of countable income the individual
    receives. Income includes in-kind support and maintenance in the form
    of room or rent, such as a subsidized rental arrangement. SSA requires
    claimants to assist in obtaining this information to prevent a delay or
    overpayment with their SSI payments. We collect this information only
    if the SSI applicant or recipient is the parent or child of the
    landlord (respondent). For most respondents, we collect this
    information once per year or less, via telephone or face-to-face
    personal interview. The claims representative records the information
    in our SSI Claims System, and we require verbal attestation in lieu of
    a wet signature. However, if the claims representative is unable to
    contact the respondent via the telephone or face-to-face, we print and
    mail a paper form to the respondent for completion. The respondent
    completes, signs, and returns the form to the claims representative.
    Upon receipt, the claims representative documents the information in
    the SSI Claims System or, for non-SSI Claims System cases, faxes the
    form into the appropriate electronic folder and shreds the paper form.
    The respondents are landlords related to the SSI beneficiaries as a
    parent or child.
        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 cost
                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount          office         (dollars) ***
                                                                                                            (dollars) *    (minutes) **
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SSA-L5061...........................          71,280               1              10          11,880        $25.72 *           24 **      $1,038,883 ***
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * 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_nat.htm).
    ** We based this figure on the average FY 2020 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.

    [[Page 53432]]

    *** 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. Marital Relationship Questionnaire--20 CFR 416.1826--0960-0460.
    SSA uses Form SSA-4178, Marital Relationship Questionnaire, to
    determine if unrelated individuals of the opposite sex who live
    together are misrepresenting themselves as husband and wife. SSA needs
    this information to determine whether we are making correct payments to
    couples and individuals applying for, or currently receiving, SSI
    Income payments. The respondents are applicants for, and recipients of,
    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 cost
                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount          office         (dollars) ***
                                                                                                            (dollars) *    (minutes) **
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SSI Claims System...................           1,275               1               5             106        $10.73 *           24 **          $6,609 ***
    SSA-4178............................           3,825               1               5             319         10.73 *           24 **          19,840 ***
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals..........................           5,100  ..............  ..............             425  ..............  ..............          26,449 ***
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * We based this figure on average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2020 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.

        3. Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits--20 CFR
    416.912(a)--0960-0499. Sections 1614 and 1631 of the Act allows SSA to
    determine the eligibility of an applicant's claim for SSI payments.
    Parents or legal guardians seeking to obtain or retain SSI eligibility
    for their children use Form SSA-3881-BK to provide SSA with the
    addresses of non-medical sources such as schools, counselors, agencies,
    organizations, or therapists who would have information about a child's
    functioning. SSA uses this information to help determine a child's
    claim or continuing eligibility for SSI. The respondents are the
    parents, guardians, or other caretakers of: (1) Applicants who appeal
    SSI childhood disability decisions; or (2) recipients undergoing a
    continuing disability review.
        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 cost
                                            respondents      response        response         burden          amount          office         (dollars) ***
                                                                             (minutes)        (hours)       (dollars) *    (minutes) **
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SSA-3881-BK (Paper Version).........          81,250               1              30          40,625        $25.72 *           24 **      $1,880,775 ***
    SSA-3881-BK (Intranet Version)......          43,750               1              30          21,875         25.72 *  ..............         562,625 ***
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Totals..........................         125,000  ..............  ..............          62,500  ..............  ..............       2,443,400 ***
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * 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_nat.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.

        Dated: August 25, 2020.
    Faye Lipsky,
    Director, Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, Social Security
    Administration.
    [FR Doc. 2020-18943 Filed 8-27-20; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4191-02-P