[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: [email protected].
(SSA), Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance 
Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 
21235, Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: [email protected].

    Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov, 
referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2020-0044].
    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) **
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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 ***
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* 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) *
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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.
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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) **
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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 ***
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* 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 
[email protected].
    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) **
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SSA-L5061...........................          71,280               1              10          11,880        $25.72 *           24 **      $1,038,883 ***
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_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) **
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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 ***
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* 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) **
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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 ***
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* We based this figure on average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_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