[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 133 (Thursday, July 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32431-32436]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14722]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Docket No: SSA-2017-0036]
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and
Comment Request
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of
information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 104-13, the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice
includes revisions and an extension of OMB-approved information
collections.
SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden
estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to
enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize burden
on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your
comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the
OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following
addresses or fax numbers.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA,
Fax: 202-395-6974, Email address: [email protected].
(SSA), Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance
Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD
21235, Fax: 410-966-2830, Email address: [email protected].
Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov,
referencing Docket ID Number [SSA-2017-0036].
I. The information collections below are pending at SSA. SSA will
submit them to OMB within 60 days from the date of this notice. To be
sure we consider your comments, we must receive them no later than
September 11, 2017. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection
instruments by writing to the above email address.
1. Statement of Marital Relationship (By One of the Parties)--20
CFR 404.726--0960-0038. SSA must obtain a signed statement from a
spousal
[[Page 32432]]
applicant if the applicant claims a common-law marriage to the insured
in a state in which such marriages are recognized, and no formal
marriage documentation exists. SSA uses information we collect on Form
SSA-754-F4 to determine if an individual applying for spousal benefits
meets the criteria of common-law marriage under state law. The
respondents are applicants for spouse's Social Security benefits or
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average burden Estimated total
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden
respondents response (minutes) (hours)
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SSA-754-F4.................................. 30,000 1 30 15,000
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2. Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Questionnaire--20 CFR
404.408--0960-0247. Section 224 of the Social Security Act (Act)
provides for the reduction of disability insurance benefits (DIB) when
the combination of DIB and any workers' compensation (WC) or certain
Federal, State or local public disability benefits (PDB) exceeds 80
percent of the worker's pre-disability earnings. SSA field office staff
conducts face-to-face interviews with applicants using the electronic
SSA-546 WC/PDB screens in the Modernized Claims System (MCS) to
determine if the worker's receipt of WC or PDB payments will cause a
reduction of DIB. The respondents are applicants for the Title II DIB.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average burden Estimated total
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden
respondents response (minutes) (hours)
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SSA-546 MCS Screens......................... 248,000 1 15 62,000
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3. Medicaid Use Report--20 CFR 416.268--0960-0267. Section 20 CFR
416.268 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires SSA to determine
eligibility for: (1) Special SSI cash payments and, (2) special SSI
eligibility status for a person who works despite a disabling
condition. It also provides that, to qualify for special SSI
eligibility status, an individual must establish that termination of
eligibility for benefits under Title XIX of the Act would seriously
inhibit the ability to continue employment. SSA employees collect the
information this regulation requires from respondents during a personal
interview. We then use this information to determine if an individual
is entitled to special Title XVI SSI payments and, consequently, to
Medicaid. The respondents are SSI recipients for whom SSA has stopped
payments based on earnings.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average burden Estimated total
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden
respondents response (minutes) (hours)
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20 CFR 416.268.............................. 60,000 1 3 3,000
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4. Medicare Subsidy Quality Review Forms--20 CFR 418(b)(5)--0960-
0707. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 mandated the creation of
the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage program, and provides
certain subsidies for eligible Medicare beneficiaries to help pay for
the cost of prescription drugs. As part of its stewardship duties of
the Medicare Part D subsidy program, SSA must conduct periodic quality
review checks of the information Medicare beneficiaries report on their
subsidy applications (Form SSA-1020). SSA uses the Medicare Quality
Review program to conduct these checks. The respondents are applicants
for the Medicare Part D subsidy whom SSA chose to undergo a quality
review.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average burden Estimated total
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden
respondents response (minutes) (hours)
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SSA-9301 (Medicare Subsidy Quality Review 3,500 1 30 1,750
Case Analysis Questionnaire)...............
SSA-9302 (Notice of Quality Review 3,500 1 15 875
Acknowledgement Form for those with Phones)
SSA-9303 (Notice of Quality Review 350 1 15 88
Acknowledgement Form for those without
Phones)....................................
SSA-9308 (Request for Information).......... 7,000 1 15 1,750
SSA-9310 (Request for Documents)............ 3,500 1 5 292
SSA-9311 (Notice of Appointment--Denial-- 450 1 15 113
Reviewer Will Call)........................
SSA-9312 (Notice of Appointment--Denial-- 50 1 15 13
Please Call Reviewer)......................
[[Page 32433]]
SSA-9313 (Notice of Quality Review 2,500 1 15 625
Acknowledgement Form for those with Phones)
SSA-9314 (Notice of Quality Review 500 1 15 125
Acknowledgement Form for those without
Phones)....................................
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Totals.................................. 21,350 ............... ............... 5,631
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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 August 14, 2017. Individuals can obtain copies of
the OMB clearance packages by writing to [email protected].
1. myWageReport--0960-NEW.
Overview
SSA is creating a new electronic wage reporting application,
myWageReport.
Background
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive
payments based on their ability to engage in substantial gainful
activity because of a physical or mental condition. SSA requires SSDI
beneficiaries or their representative payees to report when
beneficiaries return to work, when their amount of work increases, or
when their earnings increase. Currently, SSDI beneficiaries can call
our 800 number; visit a local field office (FO); or mail paystubs and
earnings to their local field offices to report this information.
Section 826 of the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2015, Pub.L. 114-
74, requires SSA to offer SSDI beneficiaries the same electronic/
automated receipt wage reporting methods available to Supplemental
Security Income recipients, including the Internet. Accordingly, we are
creating a new Internet reporting system for this purpose,
myWageReport.
myWageReport
The myWageReport application will enable SSDI beneficiaries and
representative payees to report earnings electronically. It will also
generate a receipt for the beneficiary and/or representative payee,
thus providing confirmation that SSA has received the earnings report.
SSA will screen the information submitted through the myWageReport
application and will determine if we need additional employment
information. If so, agency personnel will reach out to beneficiaries or
their representative payees and will use Form SSA-821, Work Activity
Report (0960-0059), to collect the additional required information.
The respondents for this collection are SSDI recipients or their
representative payees.
Type of Request: New Information Collection Request.
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Average burden Estimated total
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response annual burden
respondents response (minutes) (hours)
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myWageReporting............................. 54,000 1 7 6,300
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2. RS/DI Quality Review Case Analysis: Sampled Number Holder;
Auxiliaries/Survivors; Parent; and Stewardship Annual Earnings Test--
0960-0189. Section 205(a) of the Act authorizes the Commissioner of SSA
to conduct the quality review process, which entails collecting
information related to the accuracy of payments made under the Old-Age,
Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program (OASDI). Sections
228(a)(3), 1614(a)(1)(B), and 1836(2) of the Act require a
determination of the citizenship or alien status of the beneficiary;
this is only one item that we might question as part of the Annual
Quality review. SSA uses Forms SSA-2930, SSA-2931, and SSA-2932 to
establish a national payment accuracy rate for all cases in payment
status, and to serve as a source of information regarding problem areas
in the Retirement Survivors Insurance (RSI) and Disability Insurance
(DI) programs. We also use the information to measure the accuracy rate
for newly adjudicated RSI or DI cases. SSA uses Form SSA-4659 to
evaluate the effectiveness of the annual earnings test, and to use the
results in developing ongoing improvements in the process. About
twenty-five percent of respondents will have in-person reviews and
receive one of the following appointment letters: (1) SSA-L8550-U3
(Appointment Letter--Sample Individual); (2) SSA-L8551-U3 (Appointment
Letter--Sample Family); or (3) the SSA-L8552-U3 (Appointment Letter--
Rep Payee). Seventy-five percent of respondents will receive a notice
for a telephone review using the SSA-L8553-U3 (Beneficiary Telephone
Contact) or the SSA-L8554-U3 (Rep Payee Telephone Contact). To help the
beneficiary prepare for the interview, we include three forms with each
notice: (1) SSA-85 (Information Needed to Review Your Social Security
Claim) lists the information the beneficiary will need to gather for
the interview; (2) SSA-2935 (Authorization to the Social Security
Administration to Obtain Personal Information) verifies the
beneficiary's correct payment amount, if necessary; and (3) SSA-8552
(Interview Confirmation) confirms or reschedules the interview if
necessary. The respondents are a statistically valid sample of all
OASDI beneficiaries in current pay status or their representative
payees.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
[[Page 32434]]
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Estimated
Number of Frequency of Average burden total annual
Modality of completion respondents response per response burden
(minutes) (hours)
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SSA-2930........................................ 1,500 1 30 750
SSA-2931........................................ 850 1 30 425
SSA-4659........................................ 325 1 10 54
SSA-L8550-U3.................................... 385 1 5 32
SSA-L8551-U3.................................... 95 1 5 8
SSA-L8552-U3.................................... 35 1 5 3
SSA-L8553-U3.................................... 4970 1 5 414
SSA-L8554-U3.................................... 705 1 5 59
SSA-8552........................................ 2350 1 5 196
SSA-85.......................................... 3850 1 5 321
SSA-2935........................................ 2350 1 5 196
SSA-8510 (also saved under OMB No. 0960-0707)... 800 1 5 67
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Totals...................................... 17,700 .............. .............. 2,525
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3. Objection to Appearing by Video Teleconferencing;
Acknowledgement of Receipt (Notice of Hearing); Waiver of Written
Notice of Hearing--20 CFR 404.935, 404.936; 404.938, 404.939, 416.1435,
416.1436, 416.1438, & 416.1439--0960-0671. SSA uses the information we
obtain on Forms HA-55, HA-504, HA-504-OP1, HA-510, and HA-510-OP1 to
manage the means by which we conduct hearings before an administrative
law judge (ALJ), and the scheduling of hearings with an ALJ. We use the
HA-55, Objection to Appearing by Video Teleconferencing, and its
accompanying cover letter, HA-L2, to allow claimants to opt-out of an
appearance via video teleconferencing (VTC) for their hearing with an
ALJ. The HA-L2 explains the good cause stipulation for opting out of
VTC if the claimant misses their window to submit the HA-55, and for
verifying a new residence address if the claimant moved since
submitting their initial hearing request. SSA uses the HA-504 and HA-
504-OP1, Acknowledgement of Receipt (Notice of Hearing), and
accompanying cover letter, HA-L83 to: (1) Acknowledge the claimants
will appear for their hearing with an ALJ; (2) establish the time and
place of the hearing; and (3) remind claimants to gather evidence in
support of their claims. The only difference between the two versions
of the HA-504 is the language used for the selection check boxes as
determined by the type of appearance for the hearing (in-person, phone
teleconference, or VTC). In addition, the cover letter, HA-L83,
explains: (1) The claimants' need to notify SSA of their wish to object
to the time and place set for the hearing; (2) the good cause
stipulation for missing the deadline for objecting to the time and
place of the hearing; and (3) how the claimants can submit, in writing,
any additional evidence they would like the ALJ to consider, or any
objections they have on their claims. The HA-510, and HA-510-OP1,
Waiver of Written Notice of Hearing, allows the claimants to waive
their right to receive the Notice of Hearing as specified in the HA-
L83. We typically use these forms when there is a last minute available
opening on an ALJ's schedule, so the claimants can fill in the
available time slot. If the claimants agree to fill the time slot, we
ask them to waive their right to receive the Notice of Hearing. We use
the HA-510-OP1 at the beginning of our process for representatives and
claimants who wish to waive the 75-day requirement earlier in the
process, and the HA-510 later in the process for those representatives
and claimants who want the full 75 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
The respondents are applicants for Social Security disability payments
who request a hearing to appeal an unfavorable entitlement or
eligibility determination.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Average burden Estimated
Modality of completion Number of Frequency of per response total annual
respondents response (minutes) burden (hours)
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HA-504 (with teleconferencing).................. 898,000 1 30 449,000
HA-504-OP1...................................... 2,000 1 30 1,000
HA-L83.......................................... 900,000 1 30 450,000
HA-L83--Good Cause for missing deadline......... 5,000 1 5 417
HA-L83--Objection Stating Issues in Notice are 45,000 1 5 3,750
Incorrect......................................
HA-55........................................... 850,000 1 5 70,833
HA-L2--Verification of New Residence............ 45,000 1 5 3,750
HA-L2--Late Notification of Objection to VTC 13,500 1 10 2,250
showing good cause.............................
HA-510;......................................... 4,000 1 2 133
HA-510-OP1......................................
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Totals...................................... 2,762,500 .............. .............. 981,133
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4. Social Security's Public Credentialing and Authentication
Process--20 CFR 401.45 and 402--0960-0789.
Background
Authentication is the foundation for secure, online transactions.
Identity authentication is the process of determining, with confidence,
that someone is who he or she claims to be during a remote, automated
session. It comprises three distinct factors: something you know;
something you
[[Page 32435]]
have; and something you are. Single-factor authentication uses one of
the factors, and multi-factor authentication uses two or more of the
factors.
SSA's Public Credentialing and Authentication Process
SSA offers consistent authentication across SSA's secured online
services. We allow our users to request and maintain only one User ID,
consisting of a self-selected username and password, to access multiple
Social Security electronic services. Designed in accordance with the
OMB Memorandum M-04-04 and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63, this process provides the
means of authenticating users of our secured electronic services and
streamlines access to those services.
SSA's public credentialing and authentication process:
Issues a single User ID to anyone who wants to do business
with the agency and meets the eligibility criteria;
Partners with an external Identity Services Provider (ISP)
to help us verify the identity of our online customers;
Complies with relevant standards;
Offers access to some of SSA's heaviest, but more
sensitive, workloads online while providing a high level of confidence
in the identity of the person requesting access to these services;
Offers an in-person process for those who are
uncomfortable with or unable to use the Internet process;
Balances security with ease of use; and
Provides a user-friendly way for the public to conduct
extended business with us online instead of visiting local servicing
offices or requesting information over the phone. Individuals have
real-time access to their Social Security information in a safe and
secure web environment.
Public Credentialing and Authentication Process Features
We collect and maintain the users' personally identifiable
information (PII) in our Central Repository of Electronic
Authentication Data Master File Privacy Act system of records, which we
published in the Federal Register (75 FR 79065). The PII may include
the users' name; address; date of birth; Social Security number (SSN);
phone number; and other types of identity information [e.g., address
information of persons from the W-2 and Schedule Self Employed forms we
receive electronically for our programmatic purposes as permitted by 26
U.S.C. 6103(l)(1)(A)]. We may also collect knowledge-based
authentication data, which is information users establish with us or
that we already maintain in our existing Privacy Act systems of
records.
We retain the data necessary to administer and maintain our e-
Authentication infrastructure. This includes management and profile
information, such as blocked accounts; failed access data; effective
date of passwords; and other data allowing us to evaluate the system's
effectiveness. The data we maintain also may include archived
transaction data and historical data.
We use the information from this collection to identity proof and
authenticate our users online, and to allow them access to their
personal information from our records. We also use this information to
provide second factor authentication. We are committed to expanding and
improving this process so we can grant access to additional online
services in the future.
Offering online services is not only an important part of meeting
SSA's goals, but is vital to good public service. In increasing
numbers, the public expects to conduct complex business over the
Internet. Ensuring SSA's online services are both secure and user-
friendly is our priority. We awarded a competitively bid contract to an
ISP, Equifax,\1\ to help us verify the identity of our online
customers. We use this ISP, in addition to our other authentication
methods, to help us prove, or verify, the identity of our customers
when they are completing online or electronic transactions with us.
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\1\ Equifax is a global information solutions provider.
Equifax's solutions help Social Security to manage risk and mitigate
fraud.
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Social Security's Authentication Strategy
We remain committed to enhancing our online services using
authentication processes that balance usability and security. We will
continue to research and develop new authentication tools while
monitoring the emerging threats.
The following are key components of our authentication strategy:
Enrollment and Identity Verification--Individuals who meet
the following eligibility requirements may enroll:
[cir] Must have a valid email address;
[cir] Must have a valid Social Security number (SSN);
[cir] Must have a domestic address of record (includes military
addresses); and
[cir] Must be at least 18 years of age.
We collect identifying data and use SSA and ISP records to verify
an individual's identity. Individuals have the option of obtaining an
enhanced, stronger, User ID by providing certain financial information
(e.g., Medicare wages, self-employed earnings, or the last eight digits
of a credit card number) for verification. We also ask individuals to
answer out-of-wallet questions so we can further verify their
identities. Individuals who are unable to complete the process online
can present identification at a field office to obtain a User ID.
Establishing the User Profile--The individual self-selects
a username and password, both of which can be of variable length and
alphanumeric. We provide a password strength indicator to help the
individual select a strong password. We also ask the individual to
choose challenge questions for use in restoring a lost or forgotten
username or password.
Provide a Second Factor--We ask the individual to provide
a text message enabled cell phone number or an email address. We
consider the cell phone number or email address the second factor of
authentication. We send a security code to the individual's selected
second factor. We require the individual to confirm its receipt by
entering the security code online. Subsequently, each time the
individual attempts to sign in to his or her online account, we will
also send a message with a one-time security code to the individual's
selected second factor. The individual must enter the security code
along with his or her username and password. The code is valid for only
10 minutes. If the individual does not enter the code within 10
minutes, the code expires, and the individual must request another
code.
Enhancing the User ID--If individuals opt to enhance or
upgrade their User IDs, they must provide certain financial information
for verification. We mail a one-time-use upgrade code to the
individual's verified residential address. When the individual receives
the upgrade code in the mail, he or she can enter this code online to
enhance the security of the account. With extra security, we continue
to require the individuals to sign in using their username, password,
and a one-time security code we send to their second factor email
address or cell phone number (whichever the users listed in their
account).
Sign in and Use--Our authentication process provides an
individual with a User ID for access to our sensitive online Social
Security services. Second factor authentication requires the individual
to sign in with a username, password, and a one-time
[[Page 32436]]
security code sent to the individual's selected second factor. SSA
expanded its existing capabilities to require second factor
authentication for every online sign in. We also allow for maintenance
of the second factor options. An individual who forgets the password
can reset it automatically without contacting SSA.
Social Security's Enrollment Process
The enrollment process is a one-time only activity. SSA requires
the individuals to agree to the ``Terms of Service'' detailed on our
Web site before we allow them to begin the enrollment process. The
``Terms of Service'' inform the individuals what we will and will not
do with their personal information, and the privacy and security
protections we provide on all data we collect. These terms also detail
the consequences of misusing this service.
To verify the individual's identity, we ask the individual to give
us minimal personal information, which may include:
Name;
SSN;
Date of birth;
Address--mailing and residential;
Telephone number;
Email address;
Financial information;
Cell phone number; and
Selecting and answering password reset questions.
We send a subset of this information to the ISP, who then generates
a series of out-of-wallet questions back to the individual. The
individual must answer all or most of the questions correctly before
continuing in the process. The exact questions generated are unique to
each individual. This collection of information, or a subset of it, is
mandatory for respondents who want to do business with SSA via the
Internet. We collect this information via the Internet, on SSA's
public-facing Web site. We also offer an in-person identification
verification process for individuals who cannot, or are not willing, to
register online. For this process, the individual must go to a local
SSA field office and provide identifying information. We do not ask for
financial information with the in-person process.
We only collect the identity information one time, when the
individual registers for a credential. We ask for the User ID (username
and password),and we send a security code to the individual's
registered second factor (cell phone or email), for every sign in. The
individual is required to provide the security code back to us during
the online registration and sign in processes, for both standard
accounts and accounts with extra security. The respondents are
individuals who choose to use the Internet or Automated Telephone
Response System to conduct business with SSA.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
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Estimated
Number of Frequency of Average burden total annual
Modality of completion respondents response per response burden
(minutes) (hours)
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Internet Requestors............................. 52,698,441 1 8 7,026,459
In-Person (Intranet) Requestors................. 3,407,319 1 8 454,309
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Totals...................................... 56,105,760 .............. .............. 7,480,768
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Dated: July 10, 2017.
Naomi R. Sipple,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2017-14722 Filed 7-12-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P