Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request, 64327-64330 [E6-18322]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 211 / Wednesday, November 1, 2006 / Notices
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
• Rule 15c3–1(e)—Withdrawals of
equity capital.
• Rule 15c3–3(i)—Special Reserve
Bank Account.
• Rule 17a–4(f)(2)(i); Rule 17a–
4(f)(3)(vii)—Electronic storage media.
• Rule 17a–5(f)(4)—Replacement of
accountant.
• Rule 17a–11(b)—Net capital
deficiency.
• Rule 17a–11(c)(1)—Aggregate
indebtedness is in excess of 1200
percent of net capital.
• Rule 17a–11(c)(2)—Net capital is
less than 5 percent of aggregate debit
items.
• Rule 17a–11(c)(3)—Net capital is
less than 120 percent of required
minimum dollar amount.
• Rule 17a–11(d)—Failure to make
and keep current books and records.
• Rule 17a–11(e)—Material
inadequacy in accounting systems,
internal controls, or practices and
procedures.
The proposed rule change was
published for comment in the Federal
Register on August 22, 2006.4 A
correction was published on September
22, 2006.5 This order approves the
proposed rule change.
The Commission received two
comment letters in response to the
proposed rule change.6 Mr. Akridge
supported the proposal. Wulff, Hansen
supported the general purpose of the
rule change, but stated that converting
documents that exist only in paper form
to electronic format could be
burdensome for firms that do not have
the necessary technology. On October 5,
2006, the NASD filed a response to the
comment letters.7 In its response, the
NASD stated that it intends to
accommodate firms that do not have the
ability to convert documents to
electronic format. Further, the NASD
stated that when technologies change,
the NASD will consider the economic
effect of the new technologies and
consult with its members regarding
requiring filings that use the new
technologies.
The Commission finds that the
NASD’s proposal to adopt NASD Rule
3170 is consistent with the requirements
of the Act and the rules and regulations
under the Act applicable to a national
securities exchange.8 In particular, the
Commission believes that the proposal
is consistent with section 15A(b)(6) of
the Act,9 which requires, among other
things, that NASD rules must be
designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade, and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest in that
the proposed rule change will establish
a cost-saving and efficient method of
filing these notices that will enhance the
speed and efficiency of processing the
notices and reduce administrative costs.
The NASD will issue a Notice to
Members and other member
communications, as appropriate, to
advise its members which regulatory
notices or documents members will be
required to file or submit electronically
to the NASD and the date on which
electronic filing or submission of these
notices or documents will be required.
These communications will also advise
members that as of the specified date,
electronic filing or submission of the
specified regulatory notices or
documents will be mandatory, and that
the NASD will no longer accept
facsimile or other non-electronic
transmissions of these notices or
documents.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
section 19(b)(2) of the Act,10 that the
proposed rule change (SR–NASD–2006–
060) is approved.
Commission, dated May 16, 2006. The staff of the
Division of Market Regulation is issuing a no-action
letter providing such relief. See letter from Michael
A. Macchiaroli, Associate Director, Division of
Market Regulation, Commission, to Patrice
Gliniecki, Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, NASD, dated October 26, 2006. Electronic
filing of notices with the NASD does not affect
requirements in these rules to file notices with the
Commission or other securities regulatory agencies.
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54319
(August 15, 2006), 71 FR 48958 (SR–NASD–2006–
060).
5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No.
54319A (September 18, 2006), 71 FR 55537 (SR–
NASD–2006–060).
6 See e-mail dated August 31, 2006 from Frank
Akridge Jr. (‘‘Mr. Akridge’’) and letter dated
September 7, 2006 from Chris Charles, President,
Wulff, Hansen & Co. (‘‘Wulff, Hansen’’).
7 See letter from Shirley H. Weiss, Office of
General Counsel, NASD, to Katherine A. England,
Division of Market Regulation, Commission.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated
authority.11
Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E6–18348 Filed 10–31–06; 8:45 am]
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8 In approving this proposed rule change, the
Commission has considered the proposed rule’s
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
9 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6).
10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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64327
Social Security Administration
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Proposed Request and
Comment Request
The Social Security Administration
(SSA) publishes a list of information
collection packages that will require
clearance by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) in compliance with
Pub. L. 104–13, the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, effective October
1, 1995. The information collection
packages that may be included in this
notice are for new information
collections, approval of existing
information collections, revisions to
OMB-approved information collections,
and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved 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 on ways
to minimize burden on respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology. Written
comments and recommendations
regarding the information collection(s)
should be submitted to the OMB Desk
Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance
Officer. The information can be mailed
and/or faxed to the individuals at the
addresses and fax numbers listed below:
(OMB) Office of Management and
Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax:
202–395–6974.
(SSA) Social Security Administration,
DCFAM, Attn: Reports Clearance
Officer, 1333 Annex Building, 6401
Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235;
Fax: 410–965–6400.
I. The information collections listed
below are pending at SSA and will be
submitted to OMB within 60 days from
the date of this notice. Therefore, your
comments should be submitted to SSA
within 60 days from the date of this
publication. You can obtain copies of
the collection instruments by calling the
SSA Reports Clearance Officer at 410–
965–0454 or by writing to the address
listed above.
1. Statement of Household Expenses
and Contributions—20 CFR 416.1130–
416.1148—0960–0456. SSA needs the
information about household expenses
and contributions, which is collected on
Form SSA–8011–F3, to determine
whether the claimant or beneficiary
receives in-kind support and
maintenance. This is necessary to
determine the claimant’s or
beneficiary’s eligibility for
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
and the amount of benefits payable.
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This form is not used for all claims and
posteligibility determinations; rather, it
is used only when it is necessary to
document in-kind support and
maintenance and only in cases where
the householder’s corroboration is
needed. Respondents are SSI applicants
and/or beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Extension of an
OMB-approved information collection.
Number of Respondents: 400,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 15
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 100,000
hours.
2. Representative Payee Report of
Benefits and Dedicated Account—20
CFR 416.546, 416.635, 416.640,
416.665—0960–0576. The Social
Security Act provides for representative
payees (RPs) to submit a written report
accounting for the use of money paid to
Supplemental SSI beneficiaries, and
that RPs must establish and maintain a
dedicated account for these payments.
The SSA–6233 is used to ensure that the
RP is using the benefits received for the
beneficiary’s current maintenance and
personal needs, and the expenditures of
funds from the dedicated account are in
compliance with the law. Respondents
are representative payees for SSI
beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Extension of an
OMB-approved information collection.
Number of Respondents: 30,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 20
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 10,000
hours.
3. Request for Reinstatement (Title
II)—20 CFR 404.1592b—404.1592f—
0960–NEW. Form SSA–371 is used by
former beneficiaries for Title II benefits
who wish to request Expedited
Reinstatement (EXR) of their Title II
disability benefits. SSA uses the SSA–
371 to obtain a signed statement from
the individual stating a request for EXR
and to verify that the applicant meets
the EXR requirements. The form will be
maintained in the disability folder of the
applicant to demonstrate that the
individual was aware of the EXR
requirements and chose to request EXR.
Respondents are applicants for EXR of
Title II disability benefits.
Type of Request: Existing Information
Collection in Use Without an OMB
Number.
Number of Respondents: 10,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 2
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 333 hours.
4. Request for Reinstatement (Title
XVI)—20 CFR 416.999—416.999d—
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0960–NEW. Form SSA–372 is used by
former SSI claimants who wish to
request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
of their Title XVI disability payments.
SSA uses the SSA–372 to obtain a
signed statement from the individual
stating a request for EXR and to verify
that the requestor meets the EXR
requirements. The form will be
maintained in the disability folder of the
applicant to demonstrate that the
individual was aware of the EXR
requirements and chose to request EXR.
Respondents are applicants for EXR of
Title XVI SSI payments.
Type of Request: Existing Information
Collection in Use Without an OMB
Number.
Number of Respondents: 2,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 2
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 67 hours.
5. Non-Attorney Representative
Demonstration Project Application—
0960–0669. Section 303 of the Social
Security Protection Act of 2004 (SSPA)
provides for a 5-year demonstration
project to be conducted by SSA under
which the direct payment of SSAapproved fees is extended to certain
non-attorney claimant representatives.
Under the SSPA, to be eligible for direct
payment of fees, a non-attorney
representative must fulfill the following
statutory requirements: (1) Possess a
bachelors degree or have equivalent
qualifications derived from training and
work experience; (2) pass an
examination that tests knowledge of the
relevant provisions of the Social
Security Act; (3) secure professional
liability insurance or equivalent
insurance; (4) pass a criminal
background check (information on these
4 requirements will be collected during
initial reporting); (5) demonstrate
completion of relevant continuing
education courses (this information will
be collected under the Continuing
Education (CE) reporting), and (6)
complete an annual Affirmations
Worksheet to verify the participant’s
continued eligibility to participate in
the demonstration project.
SSA collects this information through
the services of a private contractor and
uses it to determine if a non-attorney
representative has met and continues to
meet the statutory requirements to be
eligible for direct payment of fees for his
or her claimant representation services.
The respondents are non-attorney
representatives who apply for direct
payment of fees.
Type of Request: Revision of an
existing information collection.
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Application Reporting
Number of Respondents: 500.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 60
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 500 hours.
CE Reporting
Number of Respondents: 300.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 30
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 150 hours.
Annual Reaffirmations Worksheet
Number of Respondents: 450.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 10
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 75 hours.
Total burden hours for all collection
activities—725 hours.
II. The information collections listed
below have been submitted to OMB for
clearance. Your comments on the
information collections would be most
useful if received by OMB and SSA
within 30 days from the date of this
publication. You can obtain a copy of
the OMB clearance packages by calling
the SSA Reports Clearance Officer at
410–965–0454, or by writing to the
address listed above.
1. Employment Relationship
Questionnaire—20 CFR 404.1007—
0960–0040. Form SSA–7160–F4 is used
in developing the question of employeremployee relationships, except where
the worker is an officer of a corporation.
This form gathers the information
needed for developing the employment
relationship, and determining whether a
beneficiary is self-employed or an
employee. Respondents are beneficiaries
questioning their status as employees
and employers.
Type of Request: Extension of an
OMB-approved information collection.
Number of Respondents: 16,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 25
minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 6,667
hours
2. Vocational Rehabilitation Provider
Claim—20 CFR 404.2108(b),
404.2117(c)(1)&(2), 404.2101(b)&(c),
404.2121(a), 416.2208(b),
416.2217(c)(1)&(2), 416.2201(b)&(c),
416.2221(a)—0960–0310. The Social
Security Administration (SSA) refers
certain disability beneficiaries to State
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies.
The State VR agencies use the SSA–199
to make claims for reimbursement of the
costs incurred from providing VR
services for the beneficiaries. The
information collected on the SSA–199 is
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used by SSA to determine whether or
not, and how much, to pay the State VR
agencies under SSA’s VR program.
Respondents are State VR agencies who
offer Vocational and Employment
services for SSA beneficiaries.
Number of
respondents
Type of response (as explained below)
Type of Request: Revision of an OMBapproved information collection.
Number of Respondents: 80.
Total
responses
Frequency of response
Average
burden per
response
(minutes)
Estimated
annual burden
hours
a. (404.2108 and 416.2208) ................................
b. (404.2117 and 416.2217) ................................
c. (404.2121 and 416.2221) .................................
80
80
80
160 each/year ...............
1 per year ......................
2–3 per year ..................
12,800
80
200
23
60
100
4,907
80
333
Total ..............................................................
80
.......................................
13,080
........................
5,320
Estimated Annual Burden: 5,320
hours.
3. Pilot Program for Participating in
Administrative Law Judge Hearings by
Using Privately Owned Video
Teleconferencing (VTC) Equipment—20
CFR 404.936(c) & 416.1436(c)—0960–
NEW.
Background
On February 3, 2003, the
Commissioner of Social Security
published a final rule allowing SSA to
conduct hearings before administrative
law judges (ALJs) at which a party or
parties to the hearing and/or a witness
or witnesses may appear before the ALJ
by video teleconferencing (68 FR No. 22
, 5210). In that final rule we noted that
dialing into SSA’s VTC network from
private facilities, such as facilities
owned by a law firm, could be possible
at a future date. Appearances by video
teleconference are also central to the
rules for the new disability
determination process (final rule
published March 31, 2006 71 FR No. 62,
16423). Pursuant to these rules, SSA is
now preparing to pilot a program
wherein private representatives and
their clients may appear at ALJ hearings
using privately owned video equipment.
The VTC Activity
SSA plans to expand its Video
Teleconferencing program of
Administrative Law Judge hearings by
allowing these hearings to be conducted
from private representative sites that
have been certified by the agency.
Representatives who are interested in
participating in the pilot program or the
permanent program will need to provide
some basic information about their
location, the area they serve and their
expected workload. Because private
video sites are being used, the pilot
guidelines provide for site inspections,
certain on-the-record certifications and
other claimant safeguards to help ensure
that no claimants are disadvantaged by
participating in their hearing from a
private site. Respondents to this
collection will be the claimant’s
representatives who elect to participate
in the pilot. The pilot is structured to
begin with 10 private video sites
expanding to 30 private sites after a sixmonth evaluation period. There will be
a second evaluation period after the 30
sites have operated for a six-month
period. SSA will then make final
decisions regarding operating
procedures for a permanent program.
Type of Request: New Information
Collection.
Total Burden Hours for all
Collections: 717 burden hours (shown
below).
PHASE–I
[10 sites for 6 months]
Number of
respondents
Collection activity
Frequency of
response
Average
burden per
response
(minutes)
Estimated
annual burden
hours
Expression of Interest/Initial Contact ...............................................................
Certifications Made in the Opening Statement of the Hearing .......................
100
10
1
100
15
10
25
167
Totals ........................................................................................................
110
........................
........................
192
Frequency of
response
Average
burden per
response
(minutes)
PHASE–II
[30 sites for 6 months]
Number of
respondents
Collection activity
Estimated
annual burden
hours
100
30
1
100
15
10
25
500
Totals ........................................................................................................
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Expression of Interest/Initial Contact ...............................................................
Certifications Made in the Opening Statement of the Hearing .......................
130
........................
........................
525
The estimated first year cost burden
for all respondents to participate in the
Privately Owned VTC Equipment pilot
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is—$450,000. This cost figure represents
the agency’s estimated for respondents
to purchase and maintain video
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conferencing equipment, a FAX
machine and a document camera as well
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as the cost of an ISDN line or other data
connection to the public network.
Dated: October 26, 2006.
Elizabeth A. Davidson,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security
Administration.
[FR Doc. E6–18322 Filed 10–31–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191–02–P
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
[Document No. 2006–SSA–0093]
The Ticket To Work and Work
Incentives Advisory Panel Meeting
AGENCY:
Social Security Administration
(SSA).
ACTION:
Notice of quarterly meeting.
November 15, 2006—9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
November 16, 2006—1:30 p.m. to 5
p.m.
November 17, 2006—8:30 a.m. to 12
noon.
ADDRESSES: Washington Plaza Hotel, 10
Thomas Circle, NW., Washington, DC
20005.
Phone: 202–842–1300.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Type of
meeting: On November 15–17, 2006, the
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
Advisory Panel (the ‘‘Panel’’) will hold
a quarterly meeting open to the public.
Purpose: In accordance with section
10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, the Social Security
Administration (SSA) announces a
meeting of the Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Advisory Panel. Section
101(f) of Public Law 106–170
establishes the Panel to advise the
President, the Congress, and the
Commissioner of SSA on issues related
to work incentive programs, planning,
and assistance for individuals with
disabilities as provided under section
101(f)(2)(A) of the TWWIA. The Panel is
also to advise the Commissioner on
matters specified in section 101(f)(2)(B)
of that Act, including certain issues
related to the Ticket to Work and SelfSufficiency Program established under
section 101(a) of that Act.
Interested parties are invited to attend
the meeting. The Panel will use the
meeting time to receive briefings and
presentations on matters of interest,
conduct full Panel deliberations on the
implementation of the Act and receive
public testimony.
The Panel will meet in person
commencing on Wednesday, November
15, 2006, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The
quarterly meeting will continue on
Thursday, November 16, 2006, from
1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. and on Friday,
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DATES:
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November 17, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. until
12 noon.
Agenda: The full agenda will be
posted at least one week before the start
of the meeting on the Internet at https://
www.ssa.gov/work/panel/
meeting_information/agendas.html, or
can be received, in advance,
electronically or by fax upon request.
Public testimony will be heard on
Thursday, November 16, 2006, from 4
p.m. until 5 p.m. Individuals interested
in providing testimony in person should
contact the Panel staff as outlined below
to schedule a time slot. Members of the
public must schedule a time slot in
order to comment. In the event public
comments do not take the entire
scheduled time period, the Panel may
use that time to deliberate or conduct
other Panel business. Each individual
providing public comment will be
acknowledged by the Chair in the order
in which they are scheduled to testify
and is limited to a maximum fiveminute, verbal presentation.
Full written testimony on the
Implementation of the Ticket to Work
and Work Incentives Program, no longer
than five (5) pages, may be submitted in
person or by mail, fax or e-mail on an
ongoing basis to the Panel for
consideration.
Since seating may be limited, persons
interested in providing testimony at the
meeting should contact the Panel staff
by e-mailing Ms. Tinya White-Taylor, at
Tinya.White-Taylor@ssa.gov or by
calling (202) 358–6420.
Contact Information: Records are kept
of all proceedings and will be available
for public inspection by appointment at
the Panel office. Anyone requiring
information regarding the Panel should
contact the staff by:
• Mail addressed to the Social
Security Administration, Ticket to Work
and Work Incentives Advisory Panel
Staff, 400 Virginia Avenue, SW., Suite
700, Washington, DC 20024.
• Telephone contact with Tinya
White-Taylor at (202) 358–6420.
• Fax at (202) 358–6440.
• E-mail to TWWIIAPanel@ssa.gov.
Dated: October 24, 2006.
Chris Silanskis,
Designated Federal Officer.
[FR Doc. 06–8995 Filed 10–31–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191–02–M
PO 00000
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 5601]
Notice of Effective Date for
Implementation of Five-Year Professor
and Research Scholar Exchange
Program
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Department of State.
Notice.
SUMMARY: By final rule adopted May 19,
2005, 70 FR 28815, the Department of
State amended its regulations and
extended the permitted program
duration from three to five years for
professor and researcher participants in
the Exchange Visitor Program. This rule
also established clear eligibility
requirements for repeat participation as
a professor or researcher in the
Exchange Visitor Program following a
two-year bar. Implementation of these
changes was delayed until the
Department of Homeland Security could
complete modifications to the Student
and Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS) necessary to permit
these changes to be reflected in SEVIS.
By SEVIS broadcast on October 6th,
2006, The Department of Homeland
Security announced its ability to
facilitate these changes effective
November 4, 2006.
Accordingly, as of November 4, 2006,
current and future professor and
researcher program participants will be
eligible for five years of program
participation as provided for in the final
rule. These participants will also be
subject to the eligibility requirements
for repeat participation set forth in the
final rule. Requirements governing
initial eligibility for participation as a
professor or researcher are unchanged.
The final rule published May 19, 2005
also established a new ‘‘G–7’’
administrative classification for certain
program sponsors. The Department will
contact directly those sponsors eligible
for the classification. No action, inquiry,
or request regarding this classification is
necessary on the part of existing
sponsors. This certification will be
published in the Federal Register.
Dated: October 25, 2006.
Stanley S. Colvin,
Director, Office of Exchange Coordination
and Designation, Department of State.
[FR Doc. E6–18409 Filed 10–31–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–05–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 211 (Wednesday, November 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64327-64330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18322]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Administration
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and
Comment Request
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of
information collection packages that will require clearance by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Pub. L. 104-
13, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The
information collection packages that may be included in this notice are
for new information collections, approval of existing information
collections, revisions to OMB-approved information collections, and
extensions (no change) 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 on ways to minimize
burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments
and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be
submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance
Officer. The information can be mailed and/or faxed to the individuals
at the addresses and fax numbers listed below:
(OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA,
Fax: 202-395-6974.
(SSA) Social Security Administration, DCFAM, Attn: Reports
Clearance Officer, 1333 Annex Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore,
MD 21235; Fax: 410-965-6400.
I. The information collections listed below are pending at SSA and
will be submitted to OMB within 60 days from the date of this notice.
Therefore, your comments should be submitted to SSA within 60 days from
the date of this publication. You can obtain copies of the collection
instruments by calling the SSA Reports Clearance Officer at 410-965-
0454 or by writing to the address listed above.
1. Statement of Household Expenses and Contributions--20 CFR
416.1130-416.1148--0960-0456. SSA needs the information about household
expenses and contributions, which is collected on Form SSA-8011-F3, to
determine whether the claimant or beneficiary receives in-kind support
and maintenance. This is necessary to determine the claimant's or
beneficiary's eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and
the amount of benefits payable.
[[Page 64328]]
This form is not used for all claims and posteligibility
determinations; rather, it is used only when it is necessary to
document in-kind support and maintenance and only in cases where the
householder's corroboration is needed. Respondents are SSI applicants
and/or beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
Number of Respondents: 400,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 15 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 100,000 hours.
2. Representative Payee Report of Benefits and Dedicated Account--
20 CFR 416.546, 416.635, 416.640, 416.665--0960-0576. The Social
Security Act provides for representative payees (RPs) to submit a
written report accounting for the use of money paid to Supplemental SSI
beneficiaries, and that RPs must establish and maintain a dedicated
account for these payments. The SSA-6233 is used to ensure that the RP
is using the benefits received for the beneficiary's current
maintenance and personal needs, and the expenditures of funds from the
dedicated account are in compliance with the law. Respondents are
representative payees for SSI beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
Number of Respondents: 30,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 20 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 10,000 hours.
3. Request for Reinstatement (Title II)--20 CFR 404.1592b--
404.1592f--0960-NEW. Form SSA-371 is used by former beneficiaries for
Title II benefits who wish to request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) of
their Title II disability benefits. SSA uses the SSA-371 to obtain a
signed statement from the individual stating a request for EXR and to
verify that the applicant meets the EXR requirements. The form will be
maintained in the disability folder of the applicant to demonstrate
that the individual was aware of the EXR requirements and chose to
request EXR. Respondents are applicants for EXR of Title II disability
benefits.
Type of Request: Existing Information Collection in Use Without an
OMB Number.
Number of Respondents: 10,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 2 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 333 hours.
4. Request for Reinstatement (Title XVI)--20 CFR 416.999--
416.999d--0960-NEW. Form SSA-372 is used by former SSI claimants who
wish to request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) of their Title XVI
disability payments. SSA uses the SSA-372 to obtain a signed statement
from the individual stating a request for EXR and to verify that the
requestor meets the EXR requirements. The form will be maintained in
the disability folder of the applicant to demonstrate that the
individual was aware of the EXR requirements and chose to request EXR.
Respondents are applicants for EXR of Title XVI SSI payments.
Type of Request: Existing Information Collection in Use Without an
OMB Number.
Number of Respondents: 2,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 2 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 67 hours.
5. Non-Attorney Representative Demonstration Project Application--
0960-0669. Section 303 of the Social Security Protection Act of 2004
(SSPA) provides for a 5-year demonstration project to be conducted by
SSA under which the direct payment of SSA-approved fees is extended to
certain non-attorney claimant representatives. Under the SSPA, to be
eligible for direct payment of fees, a non-attorney representative must
fulfill the following statutory requirements: (1) Possess a bachelors
degree or have equivalent qualifications derived from training and work
experience; (2) pass an examination that tests knowledge of the
relevant provisions of the Social Security Act; (3) secure professional
liability insurance or equivalent insurance; (4) pass a criminal
background check (information on these 4 requirements will be collected
during initial reporting); (5) demonstrate completion of relevant
continuing education courses (this information will be collected under
the Continuing Education (CE) reporting), and (6) complete an annual
Affirmations Worksheet to verify the participant's continued
eligibility to participate in the demonstration project.
SSA collects this information through the services of a private
contractor and uses it to determine if a non-attorney representative
has met and continues to meet the statutory requirements to be eligible
for direct payment of fees for his or her claimant representation
services. The respondents are non-attorney representatives who apply
for direct payment of fees.
Type of Request: Revision of an existing information collection.
Application Reporting
Number of Respondents: 500.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 60 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 500 hours.
CE Reporting
Number of Respondents: 300.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 30 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 150 hours.
Annual Reaffirmations Worksheet
Number of Respondents: 450.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 75 hours.
Total burden hours for all collection activities--725 hours.
II. The information collections listed below have been submitted to
OMB for clearance. Your comments on the information collections would
be most useful if received by OMB and SSA within 30 days from the date
of this publication. You can obtain a copy of the OMB clearance
packages by calling the SSA Reports Clearance Officer at 410-965-0454,
or by writing to the address listed above.
1. Employment Relationship Questionnaire--20 CFR 404.1007--0960-
0040. Form SSA-7160-F4 is used in developing the question of employer-
employee relationships, except where the worker is an officer of a
corporation. This form gathers the information needed for developing
the employment relationship, and determining whether a beneficiary is
self-employed or an employee. Respondents are beneficiaries questioning
their status as employees and employers.
Type of Request: Extension of an OMB-approved information
collection.
Number of Respondents: 16,000.
Frequency of Response: 1.
Average Burden per Response: 25 minutes.
Estimated Annual Burden: 6,667 hours
2. Vocational Rehabilitation Provider Claim--20 CFR 404.2108(b),
404.2117(c)(1)&(2), 404.2101(b)&(c), 404.2121(a), 416.2208(b),
416.2217(c)(1)&(2), 416.2201(b)&(c), 416.2221(a)--0960-0310. The Social
Security Administration (SSA) refers certain disability beneficiaries
to State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies. The State VR agencies
use the SSA-199 to make claims for reimbursement of the costs incurred
from providing VR services for the beneficiaries. The information
collected on the SSA-199 is
[[Page 64329]]
used by SSA to determine whether or not, and how much, to pay the State
VR agencies under SSA's VR program. Respondents are State VR agencies
who offer Vocational and Employment services for SSA beneficiaries.
Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information
collection.
Number of Respondents: 80.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Type of response (as explained Number of Frequency of Total burden per Estimated
below) respondents response responses response annual burden
(minutes) hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. (404.2108 and 416.2208).... 80 160 each/year... 12,800 23 4,907
b. (404.2117 and 416.2217).... 80 1 per year...... 80 60 80
c. (404.2121 and 416.2221).... 80 2-3 per year.... 200 100 333
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total..................... 80 ................ 13,080 .............. 5,320
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Annual Burden: 5,320 hours.
3. Pilot Program for Participating in Administrative Law Judge
Hearings by Using Privately Owned Video Teleconferencing (VTC)
Equipment--20 CFR 404.936(c) & 416.1436(c)--0960-NEW.
Background
On February 3, 2003, the Commissioner of Social Security published
a final rule allowing SSA to conduct hearings before administrative law
judges (ALJs) at which a party or parties to the hearing and/or a
witness or witnesses may appear before the ALJ by video
teleconferencing (68 FR No. 22 , 5210). In that final rule we noted
that dialing into SSA's VTC network from private facilities, such as
facilities owned by a law firm, could be possible at a future date.
Appearances by video teleconference are also central to the rules for
the new disability determination process (final rule published March
31, 2006 71 FR No. 62, 16423). Pursuant to these rules, SSA is now
preparing to pilot a program wherein private representatives and their
clients may appear at ALJ hearings using privately owned video
equipment.
The VTC Activity
SSA plans to expand its Video Teleconferencing program of
Administrative Law Judge hearings by allowing these hearings to be
conducted from private representative sites that have been certified by
the agency. Representatives who are interested in participating in the
pilot program or the permanent program will need to provide some basic
information about their location, the area they serve and their
expected workload. Because private video sites are being used, the
pilot guidelines provide for site inspections, certain on-the-record
certifications and other claimant safeguards to help ensure that no
claimants are disadvantaged by participating in their hearing from a
private site. Respondents to this collection will be the claimant's
representatives who elect to participate in the pilot. The pilot is
structured to begin with 10 private video sites expanding to 30 private
sites after a six-month evaluation period. There will be a second
evaluation period after the 30 sites have operated for a six-month
period. SSA will then make final decisions regarding operating
procedures for a permanent program.
Type of Request: New Information Collection.
Total Burden Hours for all Collections: 717 burden hours (shown
below).
Phase-I
[10 sites for 6 months]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Number of Frequency of burden per Estimated
Collection activity respondents response response annual burden
(minutes) hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expression of Interest/Initial Contact.......... 100 1 15 25
Certifications Made in the Opening Statement of 10 100 10 167
the Hearing....................................
---------------------------------------------------------------
Totals...................................... 110 .............. .............. 192
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phase-II
[30 sites for 6 months]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Number of Frequency of burden per Estimated
Collection activity respondents response response annual burden
(minutes) hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expression of Interest/Initial Contact.......... 100 1 15 25
Certifications Made in the Opening Statement of 30 100 10 500
the Hearing....................................
---------------------------------------------------------------
Totals...................................... 130 .............. .............. 525
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The estimated first year cost burden for all respondents to
participate in the Privately Owned VTC Equipment pilot is--$450,000.
This cost figure represents the agency's estimated for respondents to
purchase and maintain video conferencing equipment, a FAX machine and a
document camera as well
[[Page 64330]]
as the cost of an ISDN line or other data connection to the public
network.
Dated: October 26, 2006.
Elizabeth A. Davidson,
Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.
[FR Doc. E6-18322 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P
