[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 232 (Monday, December 2, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 63817-63818] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-30553] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Consumer Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Food Stamp Program (FSP) Joint Processing Alternatives Demonstration Evaluation AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Food and Consumer Service's (FCS) intent to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review of the data collection for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Food Stamp Program (FSP) Joint Processing Alternatives Demonstration Evaluation. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 31, 1997. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information [[Page 63818]] on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Michael E. Fishman, Acting Director, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. Fishman, (703) 305-2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: SSI/FSP Joint Processing Alternatives Demonstration Evaluation. OMB Number: Not yet assigned. Expiration Date: N/A. Type of Request: New collection of information. Abstract: The SSI/FSP joint processing alternative demonstration in South Carolina seeks to improve the delivery of food assistance to elderly and disabled SSI recipients by using a single application and information source to facilitate the participation of SSI clients in the Food Stamp Program. The demonstration evaluation will provide information on how the demonstration changes from normal program requirements affect FSP participation and benefits, FSP and SSI administrative costs, timeliness and accuracy of application processing, and client satisfaction. The evaluation's data collection consists of two telephone- interview surveys: (1) Interviews with randomly-selected respondents from three groups of SSI applicants (demonstration participants, demonstration-eligible clients who receive food stamps through regular processing, and demonstration-eligible clients who do not receive food stamps) to assess client satisfaction; and (2) interviews with both FSP and SSI program managers and caseworkers to measure the effectiveness of the demonstration from their perspectives. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes for the clients and 30 minutes for the staff. Respondents: For the client survey, the client or a designated proxy, if the selected respondent is incapable of answering the questions directly due to disabilities which prevent a coherent interview, will serve as the interview respondent. For the staff survey, program managers and caseworkers knowledgeable about the demonstration will serve as the interview respondent. Estimated Number of Respondents: There will be 1,200 (400 for each subgroup) respondents for the client survey and 24 (8 program managers and 16 caseworkers) respondents for the staff survey. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 412 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Diana Perez, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. Dated: November 12, 1996. William E. Ludwig, Administrator, Food and Consumer Service. [FR Doc. 96-30553 Filed 11-29-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-U