[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68034-68041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25969]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

[Docket No: SSA-2021-0047]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed 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 and extensions of OMB-approved information 
collections.
    SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden 
estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to 
enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize burden 
on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your 
comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the 
OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following 
addresses or fax numbers.

(OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA.
    Comments: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Submit your 
comments online referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2021-0047].

(SSA) Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance 
Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 
21235,

[[Page 68035]]

Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: [email protected].

    Or you may submit your comments online through https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain, referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-
2021-0047].
    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 
January 31, 2022. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection 
instruments by writing to the above email address.
    1. Application for a Social Security Number Card, the Social 
Security Number Application Process (SSNAP), internet SSN Replacement 
Card (iSSNRC) Application, and Online Social Security Number 
Application Process (oSSNAP)--20 CFR 422.103-422.110--0960-0066. SSA 
collects information on the SS-5 (used in the United States) and SS-5-
FS (used outside the United States) to issue original or replacement 
Social Security cards. SSA also enters the application data into the 
SSNAP application when issuing a card via telephone or in person. In 
addition, hospitals collect the same information on SSA's behalf for 
newborn children through the Enumeration-at-Birth process. In this 
process, parents of newborns provide hospital birth registration clerks 
with information required to register these newborns. Hospitals send 
this information to State Bureaus of Vital Statistics (BVS), and they 
send the information to SSA's National Computer Center. SSA then 
uploads the data to the SSA mainframe along with all other enumeration 
data, and we assign the newborn a Social Security number (SSN) and 
issue a Social Security card. Respondents can also use these modalities 
to request a change in their SSN records. In addition, the iSSNRC 
internet application collects information similar to the paper SS-5 for 
no-change replacement SSN cards for adult U.S. citizens. The iSSNRC 
modality allows certain applicants for SSN replacement cards to 
complete the internet application and submit the required evidence 
online rather than completing a paper Form SS-5. Finally, oSSNAP 
collects information similar to that which we collect on the paper SS-5 
for no change situations, with the exception of name change, new or 
replacement SSN cards for U.S. Citizens (adult and minor children), and 
replacement cards only for non-U.S. citizens. oSSNAP allows these 
applicants for new or replacement SSN cards to start the application 
process on-line, receive a list of evidentiary documents, and then 
submit the application data to SSA for further processing by SSA 
employees. Applicants need to visit a local SSA office to complete the 
application process. The respondents for this information collection 
are applicants for original and replacement Social Security cards, or 
individuals who wish to change information in their SSN records, who 
use any of the modalities described above.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

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                                                                                                              Average
                                                                          Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    Average wait    Total annual
          Application scenario               Number of     Frequency of    per response    total annual     hourly cost    time in field    opportunity
                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount          office      cost (dollars)
                                                                                                            (dollars) *    (minutes) **         ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      EAB Modality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hospital staff who relay the State birth       3,587,284               1               5         298,857        * $23.74            ** 0  *** $7,094,865
 certificate information to the BVS and
 SSA through the EAB process............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     iSSNRC Modality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adult U.S. Citizens requesting a               3,141,061               1               5         261,755         * 25.72            ** 0   *** 6,732,341
 replacement card with no changes
 through the iSSNRC.....................
Adult U.S. Citizens requesting a                  44,818               1               5           3,735           25.72            ** 0      *** 96,060
 replacement card with a name change
 through iSSNRC.........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     oSSNAP Modality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adult U.S. Citizens providing                    866,575               1               5          72,215         * 25.72           ** 24  *** 10,772,683
 information to receive a replacement
 card through the oSSNAP \+\............
Adult U.S. Citizens providing                     31,521               1               5           2,627           25.72            * 24     *** 391,848
 information to receive an original card
 through the oSSNAP \+\.................
Adult Non-U.S. Citizens providing                114,429               1               5           9,536           25.72           ** 24   *** 1,422,505
 information to receive an original card
 through the oSSNAP \+\.................
Adult Non-U.S. Citizens providing                 63,925               1               5           5,327           25.72           ** 24         794,673
 information to receive a replacement
 card through the oSSNAP \+\............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   SSNAP/SS-5 Modality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Respondents who do not have to provide         2,791,499               1               9         418,725         * 25.72           ** 24  *** 39,488,545
 parents' SSNs..........................
Respondents whom we ask to provide               102,258               1               9          15,339         * 25.72           ** 24   *** 1,446,542
 parents' SSNs (when applying for
 original SSN cards for children under
 age 12)................................
Applicants age 12 or older who need to           335,587               1              10          55,931         * 25.72           ** 24   *** 4,891,069
 answer additional questions so SSA can
 determine whether we previously
 assigned an SSN........................

[[Page 68036]]

 
Applicants asking for a replacement SSN            2,428               1              60           2,428         * 25.72           ** 24      *** 87,427
 card beyond the allowable limits (i.e.,
 who must provide additional
 documentation to accompany the
 application)...........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Enumeration Quality Review
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorization to SSA to obtain personal              500               1              15             125         * 25.72           ** 24       *** 8,359
 information cover letter...............
Authorization to SSA to obtain personal              500               1              15             125         * 25.72           ** 24       *** 8,359
 information follow-up cover letter.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Grand Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................      11,081,385  ..............  ..............       1,146,724  ..............  ..............  *** 73,235,275
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\+\ The number of respondents for this modality is an estimate based on google analytics data for the SS-5 form downloads from SSA.Gov.
* We based this figure on average Hospital Records Clerks (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292098.htm), and average U.S. worker's hourly wages
  (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000) as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
  these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
  respondents to complete the application.

    2. Response to Notice of Revised Determination--20 CFR 404.913, 
404.914, 404.992(b), 416.1413-416.1414, and 416.1492(d)--0960-0347. 
When SSA determines: (1) Claimants for initial disability benefits do 
not actually have a disability; or (2) current disability recipients' 
records show their disability ceased, SSA notifies the disability 
claimants, or recipients of this decision. In response to this notice, 
the affected claimants and disability recipients have the following 
recourse: (1) They may request a disability hearing to contest SSA's 
decision; and (2) they may submit additional information or evidence 
for SSA to consider. Disability claimants, recipients, and their 
representatives use Form SSA-765 to accomplish these two actions. If 
respondents request the first option, SSA's Disability Hearings Unit 
uses the form to schedule a hearing; ensure an interpreter is present, 
if required; and ensure the disability recipients or claimants, and 
their representatives, receive a notice about the place and time of the 
hearing. If respondents choose the second option, SSA uses the form and 
other evidence to reevaluate the claimant's or recipients' case, and 
determine if the new information or evidence will change SSA's 
decision. The respondents are disability claimants, current disability 
recipients, or their representatives.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Average
                                                                     Average  burden  Estimated total    theoretical      Average wait     Total annual
      Modality of completion          Number of       Frequency of    per  response    annual burden     hourly cost     time in field     opportunity
                                     respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)           amount           office      cost  (dollars)
                                                                                                         (dollars) *      (minutes) **         ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-765..........................              51                1               30               26         * $19.01            ** 24         *** $874
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure by averaging both the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf), and the 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 2021 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
  these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
  respondents to complete the application.

    3. Travel Expense Reimbursement--20 CFR 404.999(d) and 416.1499--
0960-0434. The Social Security Act (Act) provides for travel expense 
reimbursement from Federal and State agencies for claimant travel 
incidental to medical examinations, and to parties, their 
representatives, and all reasonably necessary witnesses for travel 
exceeding 75 miles to attend medical examinations, reconsideration 
interviews and proceedings before an administrative law judge. 
Reimbursement procedures require the claimant to provide: (1) A list of 
expenses incurred; and (2) receipts of such expenses. Federal and state 
personnel review the listings and receipts to verify the reimbursable 
amount to the requestor. The respondents are claimants for Title II 
benefits and Title XVI payments, their representatives, and witnesses.
    Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

[[Page 68037]]



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                                                                                                                            Average
                                                                                      Average  burden  Estimated total    theoretical      Total annual
              Modality of completion                   Number of       Frequency of    per  response    annual burden     hourly cost      opportunity
                                                      respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)           amount      cost  (dollars)
                                                                                                                          (dollars) *          ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
404.999(d) & 416.1499.............................          60,000                1               10           10,000         * $19.01      ** $190,100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure by averaging both the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.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.

    4. Pain Report Child--20 CFR 404.1512 and 416.912--0960-0540. 
Before SSA can make a disabilitydetermination for a child, we require 
evidence from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants or 
claimants to prove their disability. Form SSA-3371-BK provides 
disability interviewers, and SSI applicants or claimants in self-help 
situations, with a convenient way to record information about 
claimants' pain or other symptoms. The State disability determination 
services adjudicators and judges then use the information from Form 
SSA-3371-BK to assess the effects of symptoms on function for purposes 
of determining disability under the Act. The respondents are applicants 
for, or claimants of SSI payments.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Average
                                                                     Average  burden  Estimated total    theoretical      Average wait     Total annual
      Modality of completion          Number of       Frequency of    per  response    annual burden     hourly cost     time in field     opportunity
                                     respondents        response        (minutes)         (hours)           amount           office      cost  (dollars)
                                                                                                         (dollars) *      (minutes) **         ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-3371.........................           1,500                1               15              375         * $10.95            ** 24      *** $10,676
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf).
** We based this figure on the average FY 2021 wait times for field offices, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
  these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
  respondents to complete the application.

    5. Internet Request for Replacement of Forms SSA-1099 & SSA-1042S--
20 CFR 401.45--0960-0583. Title II beneficiaries use Forms SSA-1099 and 
SSA-1042S, Social Security Benefit Statement, to determine if their 
Social Security benefits are taxable, and the amount they need to 
report to the Internal Revenue Service. In cases where the original 
forms are unavailable (e.g., lost, stolen, mutilated), an individual 
may use SSA's automated telephone application to request a replacement 
SSA-1099 and SSA-1042. SSA uses the information from the automated 
telephone requests to verify the identity of the requestor and to 
provide replacement copies of the forms. SSA accepts information in 
other ways, too; however, the automated telephone options reduce 
requests to the National 800 Number Network (N8NN) and visits to local 
Social Security field offices (FO). The respondents are Title II 
beneficiaries who wish to request a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S 
via telephone.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                              Average      Average wait
                                                                              Average        Estimated      theoretical      time for      Total annual
         Modality of completion              Number of     Frequency of     burden per     total annual     hourly cost     teleservice     opportunity
                                            respondents      response        response     burden (hours)      amount          centers          cost
                                                                             (minutes)                      (dollars) *    (minutes) **    (dollars) ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automated Telephone Requests............         219,117               1               2           7,304          $27.07           ** 19    *** $260,332
N8NN....................................         497,778               1               3          24,889           27.07           ** 19     *** 887,084
Calls to local field offices............         848,444               1               3          42,422           27.07           ** 19   *** 1,512,022
Other (program service centers).........          41,640               1               3           2,082           27.07           ** 19      *** 74,199
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................       1,606,979  ..............  ..............          76,697           27.07  ..............   *** 2,733,637
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000).
** We based this figure by averaging the average FY 2021 wait times for teleservice centers, based on SSA's current management information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
  these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
  respondents to complete the application.

    6. The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program--20 CFR 411--
0960-0644. SSA's Ticket to Work (TTW) Program transitions Social 
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI recipients toward 
independence by allowing them to receive Social Security payments while 
maintaining employment under the auspices of the program. SSA uses 
service providers, called Employment Networks (ENs), to supervise 
participant progress through the stages of TTW Program participation, 
such as job searches and interviews; progress reviews; and changes in 
ticket status. ENs can be private for-profit and nonprofit 
organizations, as well as state vocational rehabilitation agencies 
(VRs). SSA and the ENs utilize the TTW program manager to operate the 
TTW Program

[[Page 68038]]

and exchange information about participants. For example, the ENs use 
the program manager to provide updates on tasks such as selecting a 
payment system, or requesting payments for helping the beneficiary 
achieve certain work goals. Since the ENs are not PRA-exempt, the 
multiple information collections within the TTW program manager require 
OMB approval. Most of the categories of information are necessary for 
SSA to: (1) Comply with the Ticket to Work legislation; and (2) provide 
proper oversight of the program. SSA collects this information through 
several modalities, including forms, electronic exchanges, and written 
documentation. The respondents are the ENs or state VRs, SSDI 
beneficiaries, and blind or disabled SSI recipients working under the 
auspices of the TTW Program. Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-
approved information collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                              Average
                                                                                          Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    Total annual
                 Modality of completion                      Number of     Frequency of    per response    total annual     hourly cost     opportunity
                                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount      cost (dollars)
                                                                                                                            (dollars) *         **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a) 20 CFR 411.140(d)(2)/Interactive Voice Recognition              6,000               1               3             300        * $15.43       ** $4,629
 Telephone..............................................
a) 20 CFR 411.140(d)(2)/Ticket Assignment via Portal....          91,484               1               2           3,049        ** 15.43       ** 47,046
a) 20 CFR 411.140(d)(3), 411.150(b)(3) and 411.325(a)/               948               1              15             237         * 15.43        ** 3,657
 State Agency Ticket Assignment Form/SSA-1365...........
a) 20 CFR 411.140(d)(3); 411.325(a); 411.150(b)(3); 20            26,007               1              60          26,007         * 15.43      ** 401,288
 CFR 411.465./Individualized Work Plan/SSA-1370.........
a) 20 CFR 411.166; 411.170(b)/Electronic File Submission           4,104               1               5             342         * 15.43        ** 5,277
b) 20 CFR 411.145; 411.325/Requesting Ticket                       2,494               1              15             624         * 15.43        ** 9,628
 Unassignments..........................................
b) 20 CFR 411.535(a)(1)(iii)/Notification of VR Case             136,478               1              11          25,021         * 15.43      ** 386,074
 Closures via Portal....................................
c) 20 CFR 411.200(b)/Requests for Certification of Work              179               1              30              90         * 15.43        ** 1,389
 and Educational Progress/SSA-1375......................
d) 20 CFR 411.505/Selecting a Payment System............              33               1              10               6         * 15.43           ** 93
e) 20 CFR 411.400--411.420; 20 CFR 411.325(d) and                     31               1              15               8         * 15.43          ** 123
 411.415/Reporting Referral Agreement Activity..........
f) 20 CFR 411.575/Requesting EN Payments/SSA-1391 or SSA-          1,704               1              40           1,136         * 15.43       ** 17,528
 1398...................................................
f) 20 CFR 411.560 and 411.581/Requesting Split Payment/                5               1              20               2         * 15.43           ** 31
 SSA-1401...............................................
g) 20 CFR 411.325(f)/Proof of Relationship..............           6,870               1              20           2,290         * 15.43       ** 35,335
g) 20 CFR 411.325(f)/Certification of Services..........           2,438               1              20             813         * 15.43       ** 12,545
g) 20 CFR 411.325(f)/Annual Performance Outcome Report..             507               1              15             127         * 15.43        ** 1,960
h) 20 CFR 411.435, 411.615, and 411.625/Dispute                      196               1             120             392         * 15.43        ** 6,049
 Resolution.............................................
i) 20 CFR 411.320/EN Contract Changes/SSA-1374..........             929               1               5              77         * 15.43        ** 1,188
j) 20 CFR 411.200(b)/WISE Webinar Registration Page.....           4,000               1               3             200         * 15.43        ** 3,086
j) 20 CFR 411.200(b)/WISE Webinar Survey................           1,776               1               3              89         * 15.43        ** 1,373
                                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................................         286,183  ..............          60,810  ..............  ..............      ** 938,299
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based these figures by averaging the average hourly wages for Social and Human Service Assistants (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211093.htm);
  Rehabilitation Counselors (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211015.htm); and the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf).
** 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. Representative Payment Policies and Administrative Procedures 
for Imposing Penalties for False or Misleading Statements or 
Withholding of Information--0960-0740. This information collection 
request comprises several regulation sections that provide additional 
safeguards for Social Security beneficiaries' whose representative 
payees receive their payment. SSA requires representative payees to 
notify them of any event or change in circumstances that would affect 
receipt of benefits or performance of payee duties. SSA uses the 
information to determine continued eligibility for benefits, the amount 
of benefits due and if the payee is suitable to continue servicing as 
payee. The respondents are representative payees

[[Page 68039]]

who receive and use benefits on behalf of Social Security 
beneficiaries.
    Type of Collection: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                           Average wait
                                                                                                              Average      time in field   Total annual
                                             Number of     Frequency of   Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    office or for    opportunity
           Regulation sections              respondents      response      per response    total annual     hourly cost     teleservice   cost (dollars)
                                                                             (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount          centers           ***
                                                                                                            (dollars) *    (minutes) **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
404.2035(d)--Paper/Mail.................          30,489               1               5           2,541        * $27.07  ..............     *** $68,785
404.2035(d)--Office interview/Intranet..         579,291               1               5          48,274         * 27.07           ** 21   *** 6,795,274
404.2035(f)--Paper/Mail.................             304               1               5              25        ** 27.07  ..............         *** 677
404.2035(f)--Office interview/Intranet..           5,792               1               5             483         * 27.07           ** 21      *** 67,946
416.635(d)--Paper/Mail..................          16,630               1               5           1,386         * 27.07  ..............      *** 37,519
416.635(d)--Office interview/Intranet...         305,316               1               5          25,443         * 27.07            **21   *** 3,581,469
416.635(f)--Paper/Mail..................             166               1               5              14         * 27.07  ..............         *** 379
416.635(f)--Office interview/Intranet...           3,159               1               5             263         * 27.07           ** 21      *** 37,059
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................         941,147  ..............  ..............          78,429  ..............  ..............  *** 10,589,108
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000).
** We based this figure by averaging the average FY 2021 wait times for field offices and teleservice centers, based on SSA's current management
  information data.
*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather,
  these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. There is no actual charge to
  respondents to complete the application.

    8. Protecting the Public and Our Personnel To Ensure Operational 
Effectiveness (RIN 0960-AH35), Regulation 3729I--20 CFR 422.905 and 
422.906--0960-0796. SSA published regulations for the process we follow 
when we restrict individuals from receiving in-person services in our 
field offices and provide them, instead, with alternative services. We 
published these rules to create a safer environment for our personnel 
and members of the public who use our facilities, while ensuring we 
continue to serve the American people with as little disruption to our 
operations as possible. Under our regulations at 20 CFR 422.905, an 
individual for whom we restrict access to our facilities has the 
opportunity to appeal our decision within 60 days of the date of the 
restrictive access and alternative service notice. To appeal, 
restricted individuals must submit a written request stating why they 
believe SSA should rescind the restriction and allow them to conduct 
business with us on a face-to-face basis in one of our offices. There 
is no printed form for this request; rather, restricted individuals 
create their own written statement of appeal, and submit it to a sole 
decision-maker in the regional office of the region where the 
restriction originated. The individuals may also provide additional 
documentation to support their appeal. Under 20 CFR 422.906, if the 
individual does not appeal the decision within the 60 days, if we 
restricted the individual prior to the effective date of this 
regulation, or if the appeal results in a denial, the individual has 
another opportunity to request review of the restriction after a three-
year period. To submit this request for review, restricted individuals 
may re-submit a written appeal of the decision. The same criteria apply 
as for the original appeal: (1) It must be in writing; (2) it must go 
to a sole decision-maker in the regional office of the region where the 
restriction originated for review; and (3) it may accompany supporting 
documentation. We make this periodic review available to all restricted 
individuals once every three years. Respondents for this collection are 
individuals appealing their restrictions from in-person services at SSA 
field offices.
    Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                              Average
                                                                                          Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    Total annual
                   Regulation sections                       Number of     Frequency of    per response    total annual     hourly cost     opportunity
                                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount      cost (dollars)
                                                                                                                            (dollars) *         **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 CFR 422.905..........................................              75               1              15              19        * $19.01         ** $361
20 CFR 422.906..........................................              75               1              20              25         * 19.01          ** 475
                                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................................             150  ..............  ..............              44  ..............         ** $836
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure by averaging both the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.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.

    9. Promoting Opportunity Demonstration--0960-0809. Section 823 of 
the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 required SSA to carry out the 
Promoting Opportunity Demonstration (POD) to test a new benefit offset 
formula for SSDI beneficiaries. Therefore, SSA is undertaking POD, a 
demonstration to evaluate the affect the new policy will have on SSDI 
beneficiaries and their families in several critical areas. We 
previously obtained OMB approval for this demonstration and are close 
to completing the project. In this information collection request, we 
are seeking to renew the approval for both the POD Monthly Earnings and 
Impairment-related work Expenses (IRWE) Reporting Form, and the POD End 
of Year reporting (EOYR) Documentation. The POD

[[Page 68040]]

implementation team collects earnings and IRWE data from POD treatment 
group subjects whose monthly earnings exceed the POD threshold. The POD 
implementation team submits the data it collects from treatment group 
subjects to SSA. SSA uses the data to apply the POD offset to treatment 
group subjects' SSDI benefits. Respondents have two options for 
reporting their earnings and IRWE documentation contained in the POD 
Monthly Form and the POD EOYR Form: Paper (mail or fax) or an online 
reporting portal. Respondents are encouraged to submit their earnings 
and IRWE documentation monthly but can submit it the following year in 
advance of SSA's end of year reconciliation process. While the 
collection of the earnings and IRWE data from respondents on the POD 
Monthly Form and the POD EOYR Forms is voluntary, failure to submit 
data could result in the inaccurate calculation of SSDI benefits.
    Note: We have completed the survey portion of this demonstration 
project and expect to finish collecting the data by the end of the 
third quarter of fiscal year 2022.
    Respondents are SSDI beneficiaries, who provided written consent 
before agreeing to participate in the study and whom we randomly 
assigned to one of the two study treatment groups.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                              Average
                                                                                          Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    Total annual
         Modality of completion              Number of     Frequency of      Number of     per response    total annual     hourly cost     opportunity
                                            respondents      response        responses       (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount      cost (dollars)
                                                                                                                            (dollars) *         **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POD Monthly Earnings and Impairment-               1,000               6           6,000              40           4,000        * $27.07     ** $108,280
 related work Expenses (IRWE) Reporting
 Form--Paper Version (faxed in).........
POD Monthly Earnings and Impairment-               1,000               6           6,000               5             500         * 27.07       ** 13,535
 related work Expenses (IRWE) Reporting
 Form--Internet Version.................
POD End of Year reporting (EOYR)                   2,000               1           2,000               8             267         * 27.07        ** 7,228
 Documentation..........................
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................           4,000  ..............          14,000  ..............           4,767  ..............      ** 129,043
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure on the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/ current/
  oes_nat.htm#00-0000).
** 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.

    10. Tribal Council Coverage Agreement--0960-812. Section 218A of 
the Social Security Act grants voluntary Social Security coverage to 
Indian tribal council members. The coverage is voluntary for tribal 
council members; however, if the tribe wishes to obtain Social Security 
coverage, they must complete the agreement. Each tribe requesting 
coverage fills out one agreement. SSA employees collect this 
information via paper forms SSA-177 & SSA-177-OP1, Indian Tribal 
Council Coverage Agreement. The respondents are Indian tribal councils 
who wish to receive Social Security coverage for their members.
    Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information 
collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                              Average
                                                                                          Average burden     Estimated      theoretical    Total annual
                 Modality of completion                      Number of     Frequency of    per response    total annual     hourly cost     opportunity
                                                            respondents      response        (minutes)    burden (hours)      amount      cost (dollars)
                                                                                                                            (dollars) *         **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSA-177.................................................               6               1              10               1        * $19.01          ** $19
SSA-177-OP1.............................................               6               1              10               1         * 19.01           ** 19
                                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals..............................................              12  ..............  ..............               2  ..............          ** $38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We based this figure by averaging both the average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2021 data (https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/2021FactSheet.pdf), and the average U.S. worker's hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://www.bls.gov/oes/ current/
  oes_nat.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.



[[Page 68041]]

    Dated: November 23, 2021.
Naomi Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2021-25969 Filed 11-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P