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 Social Security Administration [Docket No: SSA-2021-0030]
 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, Comments: 
                    *https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain.*
                     Submit your comments online referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2021-0030]. (SSA) Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235, Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: 
                    *OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov.* Or you may submit your comments online through 
                    *https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain,*
                     referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2021-0030]. 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 19, 2021. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection instruments by writing to the above email address. 1. Certificate of Support—20 CFR 404.370, 404.408a, and 404.750—0960-
                    ( print page 47191)
                    0001. A parent of a deceased, fully insured worker may be entitled to Social Security Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits based on the earnings record of the deceased worker under certain conditions. One of the conditions is when the parent receives at least one-half support from the deceased worker at certain points in time. The one-half support requirement also applies to a spousal applicant in determining whether OASDI benefits are subject to Government Pension Offset (GPO). SSA uses Form SSA-760, Certificate of Support, to determine if the parent of a deceased worker or a spouse applicant meets the one-half support requirement. Respondents are parents of deceased workers and spouses who may meet the GPO exception. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost (dollars) **SSA-760
18,000
1
15
4,500
* $27.07
** 121,815* 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.*
 2. 
                    *Medical Source Opinion of Patient's Capability to Manage Benefits—20 CFR 404.2015 and 416.615—0960-0024.*
                     SSA appoints a representative payee in cases where we determine beneficiaries are not capable of managing their own benefits. In these instances, we require medical evidence to determine the beneficiaries' capability of managing or directing their benefit payments. SSA collects medical evidence on Form SSA-787, Medical Source Opinion of Patient's Capability to Manage Benefits, to: (1) Determine beneficiaries' capability or inability to handle their own benefits; and (2) assist in determining the beneficiaries' need for a representative payee. The respondents are the beneficiary's physicians, or medical officers of the institution in which the beneficiary resides. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost
                             (dollars) **SSA-787
767,737
1
20
255,912
$105.22
$26,927,061* We based this figure on the national average medical professionals' salaries as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data (
                        *https://www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes291228.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. 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, Work Activity Report—Employee, and its electronic version, the SSA-821-APP, to collect recipient employment information to determine whether recipients worked after becoming disabled and, if so, whether the work is substantial gainful activity. 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 (Paper)
319,900
1
30
159,950
* $10.95
** 21
*** $2,977,469SSA-821-APP (Electronic)
91,400
1
30
45,700
* 10.95

*** 500,415Totals
411,300


205,650


*** 3,477,884* 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 averaging both 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.*
 
 
 *4. Application for Supplemental Security Income—20 CFR 416.207 and 416.305-416.335, subpart C—0960-0229.*
                     The SSI program provides aged, blind, and disabled individuals who have little or no income, with funds for food, clothing, and shelter. Individuals complete Form SSA-8000-BK, Application for Supplemental Security Income, to apply for SSI. SSA uses the information from Form SSA-8000-BK, and its electronic intranet counterpart, the SSI Claim System, to: (1) Determine whether SSI claimants meet all statutory and regulatory eligibility requirements; and (2) calculate SSI payment amounts. The respondents are applicants for SSI or their representative payees. 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) ***SSI Claim System
1,212,512
1
35
707,299
* $19.01
** 21
*** $21,513,199SSA-8000-BK (Paper Form)
20,941
1
41
14,310
* 19.01
** 21
*** 411,357Totals
1,233,453


721,609


*** 21,924,556* 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 averaging both 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.*
 *5. State Supplementation Provisions: Agreement; Payments—20 CFR 416.2095-416.2098, and 416.2099—0960-0240.*
                     Section 1618 of the Social Security Act (Act) requires those states administering their own supplementary income payment program(s) to demonstrate compliance with the Act by passing Federal cost-of-living increases on to individuals who are eligible for state supplementary payments. States are required to report to SSA their compliance of the passing-along of such increases. In general, states report their supplementary payment information annually by the maintenance-of-payment levels method. However, SSA may ask them to report up to four times in a year by the total-expenditures method. Regardless of the method, the states confirm their compliance with the requirements, and provide any changes to their optional supplementary payment rates. SSA uses the information to determine each state's compliance or noncompliance with the pass-along requirements of the Act to determine eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement. If a state fails to keep payments at the required level, it becomes ineligible for Medicaid reimbursement under Title XIX of the Act. Respondents are state agencies administering supplementary income payment programs. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost
                             (dollars) **SSA-8019-U2 (Paper)
11
1
60
11
* $21.46
** $236SSI Claims System (Intranet)
22
1
60
22
* 21.46
** 472Totals
33


33

** 708* We based this figure on the average state Eligibility for Government Programs Interviewers hourly wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (
                        *https://www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes434061.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.*
 *6. Representative Payee Report of Benefits and Dedicated Account—20 CFR 416.546, 416.635, 416.640, and 416.665—0960-0576.*
                     SSA requires representative payees to submit a written report accounting for the use of money paid to Social Security or SSI recipients, and to establish and maintain a dedicated account for these payments. SSA uses Form SSA-6233, Representative Payee Report of Benefits and Dedicated Account, to: (1) Ensure the representative payees use the payments for the recipient's current maintenance and personal needs; and (2) confirm the expenditures of funds from the dedicated account remain in compliance with the law. Respondents are representative payees for SSI and Social Security recipients. *Type of Request:*
                     Revision of an OMB approved information collection.
                    ( print page 47193) 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-6233
31,500
1
20
10,500
* $27.07
** 21
*** $582,682* 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#00-0000*).** We based this figure on averaging both 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.*
 *7. Credit Card Payment Form—0960-0648.*
                     SSA uses Form SSA-1414, Credit Card Payment Form, to process: (1) Credit card payments from former employees and vendors with outstanding debts to the agency; (2) advance payments for reimbursable agreements; and (3) credit card payments for all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests requiring payment. The respondents are former employees and vendors who have outstanding debts to the agency; entities who have reimbursable agreements with SSA; and individuals who request information through FOIA. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) **SSA-1414
6,000
1
2
200
* $27.07
** $5,414* 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.*
 8. 
                    *Notification of a Social Security Number (SSN) to an Employer for Wage Reporting Purposes—20 CFR 422.103(a)—0960-0778.*
                     Individuals applying for employment must provide an SSN or indicate they have applied for one. However, when an individual applies for an initial SSN, there is a delay between the assignment of the number and the delivery of the SSN card. At an individual's request, SSA uses Form SSA-132, Notification of a Social Security Number (SSN) to an Employer for Wage Reporting Purposes, to send the individual's SSN to an employer. Mailing this information to the employer: (1) Ensures the employer has the correct SSN for the individual; (2) allows SSA to receive correct earnings information for wage reporting purposes; and (3) reduces the delay in the initial SSN assignment and delivery of the SSN information directly to the employer. It also enables SSA to verify the employer as a safeguard for the applicant's personally identifiable information. The respondents are individuals applying for an initial SSN who ask SSA to mail confirmation of their application or the SSN to their employers. *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-132
124,668
1
2
4,156
* $27.07
** 24
*** $1,462,403* 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#00-0000*).** 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.*
 *9. Data Exchange Request Form—20 CFR 401.100—0960-0802.*
                     SSA maintains approximately 3,000 data exchange agreements and regularly receives new requests from Federal, State, local, and foreign governments, as well as private organizations, to share data electronically. SSA engages in various forms of data exchanges from Social Security number verifications to computer matches for benefit eligibility, depending on the requestor's business needs. Section 1106 of the Act requires we consider the requestor's legal authority to receive the data, our disclosure policies, systems' feasibility, systems' security, and costs before entering into a data exchange agreement. We use Form SSA-157, Data Exchange Request Form, for this purpose. Requesting agencies, governments, or private organizations will use the form when voluntarily initiating a request for data exchange from SSA. Respondents are Federal, State, local, and foreign governments, as 
                    ( print page 47194)
                    well as private organizations seeking to share data electronically with SSA. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) **State, local, and tribal governments
139
1
45
104
* $42.85
** $4,456Private sector organizations
74
1
45
56
* $42.85
** $2,400Totals
213


160

** $6,856* We based this figure by averaging the average Management Analyst hourly salary, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (
                        *www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes131111.htm*); the average Business and Financial Operations hourly salary (
                        *www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes130000.htm*); and the average Epidemiologist hourly salary (
                        *www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes191041.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.*
 *10. Fee Agreement for Representation before the Social Security Administration—0960-0810.*
                     The Act requires individuals who represent a claimant before the agency and want to receive a fee for their services to obtain SSA's authorization of the fee. One way to obtain the authorization is to submit the fee agreement to the agency either in writing or through using Form SSA-1693, Fee Agreement for Representation before the Social Security Administration. Since representatives currently use fee agreements which vary in length, content, and complexity, submission of a free-form fee agreement may cause delays in SSA's review time. Therefore, SSA encourages respondents to use Form SSA-1693 to submit the information either using the paper form or the electronically submittable e1693 through SSA's website. SSA uses the information from the SSA-1693 to review the request and authorize any fee to representatives who seek to charge and collect a fee from a claimant. The respondents are the representatives who help claimants through the application process, and the claimants who they represent. *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) *
Total annual opportunity cost 
                             (dollars) **SSA-1693
5,000
1
13
1,083
* $50.47
** $54,659* We based this figure on the averaged total of the average Lawyer's Legal Services wages, as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics data (
                        *https://www.bls.gov/​oes/​current/​oes231011.htm*), 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#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.*
 Dated: August 17, 2021. Naomi Sipple, Reports Clearance Officer,Social Security Administration.


[FR Doc. 2021-17928 Filed 8-20-21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4191-02-P