Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 14430-14431 [2021-05423]

Download as PDF 14430 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 16, 2021 / Notices Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–05425 Filed 3–15–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 17565] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the modification of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources (FSSA/DFR) (‘‘Agency’’). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline (existing purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before April 15, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on April 15, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–418–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific Federal assistance programs. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Mar 15, 2021 Jkt 253001 The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that will help low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 33026 (May 24, 2016)), the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Non-Federal Agencies Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority for the FCC’s EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54, subpart P. The authority for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR part 54, subpart E; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Order on Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006–21, paras. 126–66 (2016) 81 FR 33026 (May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this modified matching agreement is to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline (existing purpose), as well as to the new EBBP and to other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new agreement would replace the existing agreement with Indiana, which permits matching only for the Lifeline program by checking an applicant’s/ subscriber’s participation in SNAP and Medicaid. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number, E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 16, 2021 / Notices date of birth, first name, and last name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources, SNAP or Medicaid. System(s) of Records The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB–1, Lifeline, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021). The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB–3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 2021). Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–05423 Filed 3–15–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Description: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), section 1124 of Title I, as amended by Public Law 114–95, requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the number of children aged 5 to 17, inclusive, that (1) are being supported in foster homes with public funds; or (2) are from families receiving assistance payments in excess of the current poverty income level for a family of four. The information gathered is to be passed on to the Secretary of Education for purposes of allocating grants authorized under this law. The statute requires that the formula to allocate these grants and distribute funds be based, in part, on October caseload data on the number of children in foster care or in families receiving payments from state programs funded under Title IV–A of the Social Security Act [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families]. The purpose of this annual survey is to provide annually updated data so that funds may be allocated in accordance with the ESEA. Respondents: State agencies (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) administering child welfare and public assistance programs. ADDRESSES: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Submission for OMB Review; Annual Statistical Report on Children in Foster Homes and Children in Families Receiving Payment in Excess of the Poverty Income Level From a State Program Funded Under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act (OMB #0970–0004) Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, HHS. AGENCY: ACTION: 14431 Request for public comment. The Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Administration for Children and Families, is requesting a 3year extension of the form ACF–4125: Annual Report on Children in Foster Homes and Children in Families Receiving Payment in Excess of the Poverty Income Level from a State Program Funded Under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act (OMB #0970–0004, expiration 3/21/2021). There are no changes requested to the form. SUMMARY: Comments due within 30 days of publication. OMB must make a decision about the collection of information between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document in the Federal Register. Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. DATES: ANNUAL BURDEN ESTIMATES Instrument Total number of respondents Annual number of responses per respondent Average burden hours per response Total annual burden hours Annual Report on Children in Foster Homes and Children Receiving Payments .......................................................................................................... 52 1 264.35 13,746.20 Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 13,746.20. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Authority: Pub. L. 107–110 Sec: 1124(c)(4) and Pub. L. 104–193 Sec: 110(j). Mary B. Jones, ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES [FR Doc. 2021–05413 Filed 3–15–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4184–36–P Administration for Children and Families Submission for OMB Review; Community-Based Family Resource and Support Grants (Name Changed to Child Abuse Prevention Program—OIS Notified 6/2007) (OMB No.: 0970–0155) Children’s Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, HHS. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Mar 15, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: Request for Public Comment. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension of the Program Instruction (PI) for the Community-Based Family Resource and Support Grants or the CommunityBased Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program (OMB No.: 0970–0155, expiration 3/31/2021), which outlines information collection requirements pursuant to receiving a grant award. There are no changes requested to the information collection process. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14430-14431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05423]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 17565]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces the modification of a 
computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'' or ``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service 
Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Indiana Family and 
Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources (FSSA/DFR) 
(``Agency''). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the 
eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline (existing 
purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which 
are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More 
information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before April 15, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on April 15, 2021, and will 
conclude 18 months after the effective date.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-418-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for 
discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. 
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline 
through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such 
as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), 
Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific 
Federal assistance programs.
    The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by 
Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 
116-260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that will help low-income 
Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a 
connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was 
created specifically to assist American families' access to broadband, 
which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare 
during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID-19. 
A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, 
including an individual qualifying for the FCC's Lifeline program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 33026 (May 
24, 2016)), the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline 
Eligibility Verifier (``National Verifier''), including the National 
Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about 
Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify 
the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found 
that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline 
service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce 
waste, fraud, and abuse in the program.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive 
Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration 
Division of Family Resources. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving 
these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP 
benefits.

Participating Non-Federal Agencies

    Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of 
Family Resources.

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    The authority for the FCC's EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54, subpart P. 
The authority for the FCC's Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 
part 54, subpart E; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et 
al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on 
Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006-21, paras. 126-66 (2016) 81 FR 
33026 (May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order).

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to 
develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and 
reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated 
purpose of the National Verifier is ``to increase the integrity and 
improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a 
variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, 
subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the 
Commission.'' 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine 
whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline 
benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will 
communicate with information systems and databases operated by other 
Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011-2, paras. 135-7. The 
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the 
National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for EBBP.
    The purpose of this modified matching agreement is to verify the 
eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline (existing 
purpose), as well as to the new EBBP and to other Federal programs that 
use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new 
agreement would replace the existing agreement with Indiana, which 
permits matching only for the Lifeline program by checking an 
applicant's/subscriber's participation in SNAP and Medicaid. Under FCC 
rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline 
discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another 
individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP 
benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant's Social 
Security Number,

[[Page 14431]]

date of birth, first name, and last name. The National Verifier will 
transfer these data elements to the Indiana Family and Social Services 
Administration Division of Family Resources which will respond either 
``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying 
assistance program: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration 
Division of Family Resources, SNAP or Medicaid.

System(s) of Records

    The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the 
Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB-1, Lifeline, which was published in 
the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021).
    The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the 
EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, 
which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 
2021).

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-05423 Filed 3-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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