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 Social Security Administration [Docket No: SSA-2024-0052]
 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 extensions and 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, 
                    ( print page 97156)
                    including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following addresses or fax numbers. (OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, (SSA) Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance Director, Mail Stop 3253 Altmeyer, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235, Fax: 833-410-1631, Email address: 
                    *OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov.* Or you may submit your comments online through 
                    *https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAmain*
                     by clicking on Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments and choosing to click on one of SSA's published items. Please reference Docket ID Number [SSA-2024-0052] in your submitted response. I. The information collection below is pending at SSA. SSA will submit it 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 February 4, 2025. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection instrument by writing to the above email address. Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments—20 CFR 404—0960-0425. The Code of Federal Regulations at 20 CFR 404, Subpart M, prescribes the rules for States submitting reports of deposits and recordkeeping to SSA. SSA requires States (and interstate instrumentalities) to provide wage and deposit contribution information for pre-1987 periods. Not all states have completely satisfied their pending wage report and contribution liability with SSA for pre-1987 tax years. SSA needs these regulations until all pending items with all states are closed out, and to provide for collection of this information in the future, if necessary. The respondents are State and local governments or interstate instrumentalities. *Type of Request:*
                     Extension of an OMB-approved Information Collection. Regulation section
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Total
                             annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Total annual
                             opportunity 
                             cost 
                             (dollars) **404. 1204 (a) & (b)
52
1
30
26
$32.39
** $842404.1215
52
1
60
52
* 32.39
** 1,684404. 1216 (a) & (b)
52
1
60
52
* 32.39
** 1,684Totals
156


130

** 4,210* We based this figure by averaging both the average State Government hourly wages (
                        *https://www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​naics4_​999200.htm*), and the average Local Government hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (
                        *https://www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​naics4_​999300.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.*
 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 January 6, 2025. Individuals can obtain copies of these OMB clearance packages by writing to the 
                    *OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov.* 1. Work Activity Report—Employee—20 CFR 404.1520(b), 404.1571-404.1576, 404.1584-404.1593, and  416.971-404.976—0960-0059. SSA uses Form SSA-821-BK to collect recipient employment information to determine whether recipients worked after becoming disabled and, if so, whether the work is substantial gainful activity. In addition, SSA uses the SSA-821-BK and SSA-821-APP to obtain work information during the initial claims process, the continuing disability review process, post-adjudicative work issue actions, and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims involving work issues. SSA reviews and evaluates the data to determine if the applicant or recipient meets the disability requirements of the law. The respondents are applicants or recipients of Title II Social Security Disability, and Title XVI SSI applicants. *Type of Request:*
                     Revision of an OMB-approved information collection. Modality of completion
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of
                             response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Estimated
                             total annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Average
                             wait time in 
                             field office 
                             or for 
                             teleservice 
                             centers 
                             (minutes) **
Total annual
                             opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) ***SSA-821-BK In Office
64,330
1
30
32,165
* $13.30
** 24
*** $770,030SSA-821-BK Phone
128,660
1
30
64,330
* 13.30
** 19
*** 1,397,458SSA-821-BK Returned Via Mail
192,990
1
40
128,660
* 13.30

*** 1,710,380SSA-821-BK Electronic
25,320
1
45
18,990
* 13.30

*** 252,567Totals
411,300


244,145


*** 4,130,435* We based this figure on the average of both DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2024 data (
                        *https://mwww.ba.ssa.gov/​legislation/​2024FactSheet.pdf*), and 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 2024 wait times for field offices (24 minutes) and teleservice centers (19 minutes), 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. Claimant's Medication—20 CFR 404.1512, 416.912—0960-0289. To receive Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, the relevant State Disability Determination Service (DDS) or field office (FO) must first adjudicate claimants' applications. If the DDS or FO denies an initial application, the claimants may request for reconsideration of the initial denial. At that time, the claimants may submit addition documentation to further justify their claims. If the DDS denies the claim at the reconsideration level, the claimant may then request a hearing before a judge. Before the hearing, SSA allows the claimant to submit additional evidence to support their claim. In addition, since judges must obtain information from the claimant to update and complete their medical record and to verify the accuracy of the information, SSA also sends the claimant Form HA-4632, Claimant's Medications, to request information from the claimant regarding the current medications they use. This information helps the judge overseeing the case to fully investigate: (1) the claimant's medical treatment and (2) the effects of the medications on the claimant's medical impairments and functional capacity. The judge makes the completed form a part of the documentary evidence of record, placing it in the official record of the proceedings as an exhibit. The respondents are applicants (or their representatives) for OASDI or SSI payments who request a hearing to contest an agency denial of their claim. *Type of Request:*
                     Revision of an OMB-approved information collection. Modality of completion
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of
                             response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Estimated
                             total annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Average
                             wait time in 
                             field office 
                             or for 
                             teleservice 
                             centers 
                             (minutes) **
Total annual
                             opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) ***HA-46321—PDF/paper version
51,000
1
20
17,000
* $13.30
** 21
*** $463,505Electronic Records Express Submissions
249,000
1
20
83,000
* 31.48

*** 2,612,840Totals
300,000


100,000


*** 3,076,345* We based this figure on the average DI payments based on SSA's current data (
                        *https://www.ssa.gov/​legislation/​2024FactSheet.pdf*) and 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*).** We based this figure on averaging both the average FY 2024 wait times for field offices and teleservice centers, based on SSA's current management information data.*** This figure does not represent actual costs that SSA is imposing on recipients of Social Security payments to complete this application; rather, these are theoretical opportunity costs for the additional time respondents will spend to complete the application. 
                        *There is no actual charge to respondents to complete the application.*
 3. Questionnaire for Children Claiming SSI Benefits—20 CFR 416.912(a)—0960-0499. Sections 1614 and 1631 of the Act allow 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 nonmedical 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. Modality of completion
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of
                             response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Estimated
                             total annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Average
                             wait time in 
                             field office 
                             (minutes) **
Total annual
                             opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) ***SSA-3881-BK (Paper Version)
98,307
1
30
49,154
* $31.48
** 24
*** $2,785,256SSA-3881-BK (Intranet Version)
52,936
1
30
26,468
* 31.48
** 21
*** 1,416,474Totals
151,243


75,622


*** 4,201,730* 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 2024 wait times for field offices and hearings office, as well as by averaging both the average FY 2024 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.*
 4. Waiver of Right to Appear—Disability Hearing—20 CFR 404.913-404.914, 404.916(b)(5), 416.1413-416.1414, 416.1416(b)(5)—0960-0534. Claimants for Social Security disability payments or their representatives can use Form SSA-773-U4 to waive their right to appear at a disability hearing. The disability hearing officer uses the signed form as a basis for not holding a hearing, and for preparing a written decision on the claimant's request for disability payments based solely on the evidence of record. The respondents are disability claimants for Social Security benefits or SSI payments, or their representatives, who wish to waive their right to appear at a disability hearing. *Type of Request:*
                     Revision of an OMB-approved information collection.
                    ( print page 97158) Modality of completion
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of
                             response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Estimated
                             total annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Average
                             wait time in 
                             field office 
                             or for 
                             teleservice 
                             centers 
                             (minutes) **
Total annual
                             opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) ***SSA-773-U4
4,356
1
3
218
* $13.30
** 24
*** $26,068* We based this figure on average DI payments based on SSA's current FY 2024 data (
                        *https://mwww.ba.ssa.gov/​legislation/​2024FactSheet.pdf*).** We based this figure on the average FY 2024 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. Function Report—Child (Birth to 1st Birthday, Age 1 to 3rd Birthday, Age 3 to 6th Birthday, Age 6 to 12th Birthday, Age 12 to 18th Birthday)—20 CFR 416.912 and 416.924a(a)(2)—0960-0542. As part of SSA's disability determination process, we use Forms SSA-3375-BK through SSA-3379-BK to request information from a child's parent or guardian for children applying for SSI. The five different versions of the form contain questions about the child's day-to-day functioning appropriate to a particular age group; thus, respondents use only one version of the form for each child. The adjudicative team (disability examiners and medical or psychological consultants) of State disability determination services offices collect the information on the appropriate version of this form (in conjunction with medical and other evidence) to form a complete picture of the children's ability to function and their impairment-related limitations. The adjudicative team uses the completed profile to determine: (1) if each child's impairment(s) results in marked and severe functional limitations; and (2) whether each child is disabled. The respondents are parents and guardians of child applicants for SSI. *Type of Request:*
                     Revision of an OMB-approved information collection. Modality of completion
Number of
                             respondents
Frequency of
                             response
Average
                             burden per 
                             response 
                             (minutes)
Estimated
                             total annual 
                             burden 
                             (hours)
Average
                             theoretical 
                             hourly cost 
                             amount 
                             (dollars) *
Average
                             wait time in 
                             field office 
                             or for 
                             teleservice 
                             centers 
                             (minutes) **
Total annual
                             opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) ***SSA-3375
26,864
1
20
8,955
* $31.48
** 21
*** $577,878SSA-3376
53,347
1
20
17,782
* 31.48
** 21
*** 1,147,540SSA-3377
108,745
1
20
36,248
* 31.48
** 21
*** 2,339,247SSA-3378
193,800
1
20
64,600
* 31.48
** 21
*** 4,168,896SSA-3379
142,006
1
20
47,335
* 31.48
** 21
*** 3,054,725Totals
524,762


174,921


*** 11,288,286* 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*).** We based this figure on averaging the average FY 2024 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.
 Dated: December 2, 2024. Naomi Sipple, Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.


[FR Doc. 2024-28509 Filed 12-5-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4191-02-P