Railroad Retirement Board 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments
Document Number: E6-20937
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-11
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will be sending an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to propose an extension to the following collection of information: 3220- 0192, Voluntary Customer Surveys in Accordance with E.O. 12862, consisting of RRB Form(s) G-201, Customer Assessment Survey. In accordance with Executive Order 12862, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) conducts a number of customer surveys designed to determine the kinds and quality of services our beneficiaries, claimants, employers and members of the public want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with existing RRB services. The information collected is used by RRB management to monitor customer satisfaction by determining to what extent services are satisfactory and where and to what extent services can be improved. The surveys are limited to data collections that solicit strictly voluntary opinions, and do not collect information which is required or regulated. The information collection, which was first approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 1997, provides the RRB with a generic clearance authority. This generic authority allows the RRB to submit a variety of new or revised customer survey instruments (needed to timely implement customer monitoring activities) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for expedited review and approval. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collection of information to determine (1) The practical utility of the collection; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collection; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of publication date. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (71 FR 51236 on August 29, 2006) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2).That request elicited no comments.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-20914
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-08
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-20345
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-01
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Appeal Under the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act; OMB 3220- 0007 Under Section 7(b)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), and section 5(c) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) any person aggrieved by a decision on his or her application for an annuity or benefit under that Act has the right to appeal to the RRB. This right is prescribed in 20 CFR 260 and 20 CFR 320. The notification letter sent to the individual at the time of the original action on the application informs the applicant of such right. When an individual protests a decision, the concerned bureau reviews the entire file and any additional evidence submitted and sends the applicant a letter explaining the basis of the determination. The applicant is then notified that if he or she wishes to protest further, they can appeal to the RRB's Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. The procedure pertaining to the filing of such an appeal is prescribed in 20 CFR 260.5 and 260.9 and 20 CFR 320.12 and 320.38. The form prescribed by the RRB for filing an appeal under the RRA or RUIA is form HA-1, Appeal Under the Railroad Retirement Act or Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. The form asks the applicant to furnish the basis for the appeal and what additional evidence, if any, is to be submitted. Completion is voluntary, however if the information is not provided the RRB cannot process the appeal. The RRB proposes no changes to Form HA-1. The completion time for the HA-1 is estimated at 20 minutes per response. The RRB estimates that approximately 650 Form HA-1's are completed annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-19964
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Application to Act as Representative Payee; OMB 3220-0052. Under Section 12 of the Railroad Retirement Act, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) may pay benefits to a representative payee when an employee, spouse or survivor annuitant is incompetent or is a minor. A representative payee may be a court- appointed guardian, a statutory conservator or an individual selected by the RRB. The procedures pertaining to the appointment and responsibilities of a representative payee are prescribed in 20 CFR Part 266. The forms furnished by the RRB to apply for representative payee status, and for securing the information needed to support the application follow. RRB Form AA-5, Application for Substitution of Payee, obtains information needed to determine the selection of a representative payee who will serve in the best interest of the beneficiary. RRB Form G-478, Statement Regarding Patient's Capability to Manage Payments, obtains information about an annuitant's capability to manage payments. The form is completed by the annuitant's personal physician or by a medical officer, if the annuitant is in an institution. It is not required when a court has appointed an individual or institution to manage the annuitant's funds or, in the absence of such appointment, when the annuitant is a minor. The RRB also provides representative payees with a booklet at the time of their appointment. The booklet, RRB Form RB-5, Your Duties as Representative Payee-Representative Payee's Record, advises representative payees of their responsibilities under 20 CFR 266.9 and provides a means for the representative payee to maintain records pertaining to the receipt and use of RRB benefits. The booklet is provided for the representative payee's convenience. The RRB also accepts records that were kept by representative payee's as part of a common business practice. Completion is voluntary. One response is requested of each respondent. The RRB is proposing non-burden impacting editorial changes to Forms AA-5 and G-478. No changes are proposed for the Booklet RB-5. The estimated completion time(s) is estimated at 17 minutes for Form AA-5, 6 minutes for Form G-478 and 60 minutes for Booklet RB-5. The RRB estimates that approximately 3,000 Form AA-5's, 2,000 Form G-478's and 15,300 RB-5's are completed annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-19426
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: RUIA Investigations and Continuing Entitlement; OMB 3220-0025. Under Section 1(k) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA), unemployment and sickness benefits are not payable for any day with respect to which remuneration is payable or accrues to the claimant. Also Section 4(a-1) of the RUIA provides that unemployment or sickness benefits are not payable for any day the claimant receives the same benefits under any law other than the RUIA. Under Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) regulations, 20 CFR 322.4(a), a claimant's certification or statement on an RRB provided claim form that he or she did not work on any day claimed and did not receive income such as vacation pay or pay for time lost shall constitute sufficient evidence unless there is conflicting evidence. Further, under 20 CFR 322.4(b), when there is question raised as to whether or not remuneration is payable or has accrued to a claimant with respect to a claimed day or days, investigation shall be made with a view to obtaining information sufficient for a finding. The RRB utilizes the following four forms to obtain information from railroad employers, nonrailroad employers and claimants, that are needed to determine whether a claimed days or days of unemployment or sickness were improperly or fraudulently claimed: Form ID-5I, Letter to Non-Railroad Employers on Employment and Earnings of a Claimant; Form ID-5R(SUP), Report of Employees Paid RUIA Benefits for Every Day in Month Reported as Month of Creditable Service; Form ID-49R, Letter to Railroad Employer for Payroll Information; and Form UI-48, Claimant's Statement Regarding Benefit Claim for Days of Employment. Completion is voluntary. One response is requested of each respondent. The RRB proposes no changes to these forms. To qualify for unemployment or sickness benefits payable under Section 2 of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA), a railroad employee must have certain qualifying earnings in the applicable base year. In addition, to qualify for extended or accelerated benefits under Section 2 of the RUIA, a railroad employee who has exhausted his or her rights to normal benefits must have at least 10 years of railroad service (under certain conditions, military service may be credited as months of railroad service). Accelerated benefits are unemployment or sickness benefits that are payable to a railroad employee before the regular July 1 beginning date of a benefit year if an employee has 10 or more years of service and is not qualified for benefits in the current benefit year. During the RUIA claims review process, the RRB may determine that unemployment or sickness benefits cannot be awarded because RRB records show insufficient qualifying service and/or compensation. When this occurs, the RRB allows the claimant the opportunity to provide additional information if they believe that the RRB service and compensation records are incorrect. Depending on the circumstances, the RRB provides the following form(s) to obtain information needed to determine if a claimant has sufficient service or compensation to qualify for unemployment or sickness benefits. Form UI-9, Applicant's Statement of Employment and Wages, Form UI-23, Claimant's Statement of Service for Railroad Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Form UI-44, Claim for Credit for Military Service (RUIA), Form ID-4F, Advising of Ineligibility for RUIA Benefits, Form ID-4U, Advising of Service/Earnings Requirements for RUIA Benefits, Form ID-4X, Advising of Service/Earnings Requirements for Sickness Benefits, Form ID-4Y, Advising of Ineligibility for Sickness Benefits, Form ID-20-1, Advising that Normal Unemployment Benefits Are About to Be Exhausted, Form ID-20-2, Advising the Normal Sickness Benefits Are About to Be Exhausted, and Form ID-20-4, Advising That Normal Sickness Benefits Are About to Be Exhausted/Non- Entitlement. Completion of these forms is required to obtain or retain a benefit. One response is required of each respondent. The RRB proposes a change to Forms ID-4F, ID-4U, ID-4X, ID-4Y, ID-20-1, ID-20- 2, ID-20-4 to request information regarding an employee's military service entry and discharge dates. The information will be requested because the inclusion of the employee's military service, may give the employee enough creditable service months for additional benefits. No other changes are proposed. The burden associated with the information collection is estimated as follows:
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments
Document Number: E6-19067
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-13
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will be sending an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request a revision to the following collection of information: 3220- 0002, Application for Employee Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act, consisting of RRB Form(s) AA-1, Application for Employee Annuity, AA-1cert, Application Summary and Certification, AA-1d, Application for Determination of Employee's Disability, and G-204, Verification of Worker's Compensation/Public Disability Benefit Information. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and approval by OIRA ensures that we impose appropriate paperwork burdens. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collection of information to determine (1) the practical utility of the collection; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collection; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of publication date. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (71 FR 42887 on July 28, 2006) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments
Document Number: E6-18962
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-09
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request an extension of the following collection of information: 3220- 0193, Job Information Report, consisting of RRB Form(s) G-251a, Employer Job Information (job description) and G-251b, Employer Job Information (general). Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and approval by OIRA ensures that we impose appropriate paperwork burdens. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collection of information to determine (1) The practical utility of the collection; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collection; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of publication date. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (71 FR 44054 and 44055 on August 3, 2006) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments
Document Number: E6-18961
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-09
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will be sending an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request a revision to the following collection of information: 3220- 0042, Application for Spouse Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act, consisting of RRB Form(s) AA-3, Application for Spouse/Divorced Spouse Annuity and AA-3cert, Application Summary and Certification. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and approval by OIRA ensures that we impose appropriate paperwork burdens. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collection of information to determine: (1) The practical utility of the collection; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collection; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of publication date. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (71 FR 44727 on August 7, 2006) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments. Information Collection Request (ICR)
2007 Railroad Experience Rating Proclamations, Monthly Compensation Base and Other Determinations
Document Number: E6-18960
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-09
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Pursuant to section 8(c)(2) and section 12(r)(3) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (Act) (45 U.S.C. 358(c)(2) and 45 U.S.C. 362(r)(3), respectively), the Board gives notice of the following: 1. The balance to the credit of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance (RUI) Account, as of June 30, 2006, is $114,826,602.43; 2. The September 30, 2006, balance of any new loans to the RUI Account, including accrued interest, is zero; 3. The system compensation base is $3,338,677,272.65 as of June 30, 2006; 4. The cumulative system unallocated charge balance is ($279,893,399.81) as of June 30, 2006; 5. The pooled credit ratio for calendar year 2007 is zero; 6. The pooled charged ratio for calendar year 2007 is zero; 7. The surcharge rate for calendar year 2007 is 1.5 percent; 8. The monthly compensation base under section 1(i) of the Act is $1,230 for months in calendar year 2007; 9. The amount described in section 1(k) of the Act as ``2.5 times the monthly compensation base'' is $3,075 for base year (calendar year) 2007; 10. The amount described in section 2(c) of the Act as ``an amount that bears the same ratio to $775 as the monthly compensation base for that year as computed under section 1(i) of this Act bears to $600'' is $1,589 for months in calendar year 2007; 11. The amount described in section 3 of the Act as ``2.5 times the monthly compensation base'' is $3,075 for base year (calendar year) 2007; 12. The amount described in section 4(a-2)(i)(A) of the Act as ``2.5 times the monthly compensation base'' is $3,075 with respect to disqualifications ending in calendar year 2007; 13. The maximum daily benefit rate under section 2(a)(3) of the Act is $59 with respect to days of unemployment and days of sickness in registration periods beginning after June 30, 2007.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review, Request for Comments
Document Number: E6-18448
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-02
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 3220-0141, Vocational Report, consisting of RRB Form G- 251, Vocational Report. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and approval by OIRA ensures that we impose appropriate paperwork burdens. The RRB invites comments on the proposed collection of information to determine (1) the practical utility of the collection; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collection; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information that is the subject of collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to RRB or OIRA must contain the OMB control number of the ICR. For proper consideration of your comments, it is best if RRB and OIRA receive them within 30 days of publication date. Previous Requests for Comments: The RRB has already published the initial 60-day notice (71 FR 43824 on August 2, 2006) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That request elicited no comments.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-17281
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-18
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval. Summary of Proposal(s): (1) Collection title: Application for Spouse Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act. (2) Form(s) submitted: AA-3, AA-3cert. (3) OMB Number: 3220-0042. (4) Expiration date of current OMB clearance: 12/31/2006. (5) Type of request: Revision of a currently approved collection. (6) Respondents: Individuals or households. (7) Estimated annual number of respondents: 8,500. (8) Total annual responses: 8,500. (9) Total annual reporting hours: 4,297. (10) Collection description: The Railroad Retirement Act provides for the payment of annuities to spouses of railroad retirement annuitants who meet the requirements under the Act. The application obtains information supporting the claim for benefits based on being a spouse of an annuitant. The information is used for determining entitlement to and amount of the annuity applied for. Additional Information or Comments: Copies of the forms and supporting documents can be obtained from Charles Mierzwa, the agency clearance officer (312-751-3363) or Charles.Mierzwa@rrb.gov. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611-2092 or Ronald.Hodapp@rrb.gov and to the OMB Desk Officer for the RRB, at the Office of Management and Budget, Room 10230, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.
Requests for Reconsideration and Appeals Within the Board
Document Number: 06-8058
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
The Railroad Retirement Board (Board) amends its regulations to include video teleconferencing as an option for hearings of appeals under the Railroad Retirement Act and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. The Board's hearings officers will determine if a hearing should be scheduled using this option, rather than a telephone conference call hearing or an in person hearing.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: 06-8049
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: 06-7837
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Electronic Filing of Settlement and Final Judgment Notices by Railroad Employers
Document Number: E6-14884
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-08
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
The Railroad Retirement Board (Board) amends its regulations to include the option of electronic notification by railroad employers of settlements and final judgments based on an injury for which sickness benefits have been paid under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). Part 341 currently requires that notifications of settlements and final judgments be submitted to the Board in writing. This rule allows these notifications to be made by railroad employers either in writing or by sending an electronic message, e.g. via e-mail.
Electronic Filing of Reconsideration Requests by Railroad Employers
Document Number: E6-14883
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-08
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
The Railroad Retirement Board (Board) amends its regulations to include the option of electronic filing by railroad employers of requests for reconsideration of initial decisions under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). Part 320 currently requires that reconsideration requests be submitted in writing. The amended rule allows reconsideration requests to be made by railroad employers either in writing or electronically. In addition, Sec. 320.10(c) and 320.10(d) inadvertently contain inaccurate references. This amended rule corrects those references.
No FEAR Act Notice
Document Number: 06-7247
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-14265
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-29
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Voluntary Customer Surveys in Accordance with Executive Order 12862; OMB 3220-0192. In accordance with Executive Order 12862, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) conducts a number of customer surveys designed to determine the kinds and quality of services our beneficiaries, claimants, employers and members of the public want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with existing RRB services. The information collected is used by RRB management to monitor customer satisfaction by determining to what extent services are satisfactory and where and to what extent services can be improved. The surveys are limited to data collections that solicit strictly voluntary opinions, and do not collect information which is required or regulated. The information collection, which was first approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 1997, provides the RRB with a generic clearance authority. This generic authority allows the RRB to submit a variety of new or revised customer survey instruments (needed to timely implement customer monitoring activities) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for expedited review and approval. The average burden per response for customer satisfaction activities is estimated to range from 2 minutes for a web-site questionnaire to 2 hours for participation in a focus group. The RRB estimates an annual burden of 1,750 annual respondents totaling 717 hours for the generic customer survey clearance. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justifications, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 N. Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an E-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-12757
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-07
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Application for Spouse Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act; OMB 3220-0042 Section 2(c) of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), provides for the payment of annuities to spouses of railroad retirement annuitants who meet the requirements under the RRA. The age requirements for a spouse annuity depend on the employee's age and date of retirement and the employee's years of railroad service. The requirements relating to the annuities are prescribed in 20 CFR 216, 218, 219, 232, 234, and 295. The RRB currently uses the electronic AA-3cert, Application Summary and Certification process and manual Form AA-3, Application for Spouse/ Divorced Spouse Annuity, to obtain the information needed to determine an applicant's entitlement to an annuity and the amount of the annuity. The AA-3cert process obtains information from an applicant by means of an interview with an RRB field-office representative. During the interview, the field-office representative enters the information obtained into an on-line information system. Upon completion of the interview, the applicant receives Form AA-3cert, Application Summary and Certification, which summarizes the information that was provided by/or verified by the applicant, for review and signature. The RRB also uses manual Form AA-3 in instances where the RRB representative is unable to contact the applicant in person or by telephone; i.e., the applicant lives in another country. The RRB estimates the burden for the collection as follows:
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-12560
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-03
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Job Information Report, OMB 3220-0193. In July of 1997, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) adopted standards for the adjudication of occupational disabilities under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA). As part of these standards, the RRB requests job information to determine an applicant's eligibility for an occupational disability. The job information received from the railroad employer and railroad employee is compared, reconciled (if needed), and then used in the occupational disability determination process. The process of obtaining information from railroad employers used to determine an applicant's eligibility for an occupational disability is outlined in 20 CFR 220.13. To determine an occupational disability, the RRB determines if an employee is precluded from performing the full range of duties of his or her regular railroad occupation. This is accomplished by comparing the restrictions on impairment(s) causes against an employee's ability to perform his/her normal duties. To collect information needed to determine the effect of a disability on an applicant's ability to work, the RRB needs the applicant's work history. The RRB currently utilizes Form G-251, Vocational Report (OMB 3220-0141), to obtain this information from the employee applicant.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-12431
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-02
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Vocational Report; OMB 3220-0141. Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) provides for payment of disability annuities to qualified employees and widow(ers). The establishment of permanent disability for work in the applicants ``regular occupation'' or for work in any regular employment is prescribed in 20 CFR 220.12 and 220.13 respectively. The RRB utilizes Form G-251, Vocational Report, to obtain an applicant's work history. This information is used by the RRB to determine the effect of a disability on an applicant's ability to work. Form G-251 is designed for use with the RRB's disability benefit application forms and is provided to all applicants for employee disability annuities and to those applicants for a widow(er)'s disability annuity who indicate that they have been employed at some time. Completion is required to obtain or retain a benefit. One response is requested of each respondent. The RRB proposes no changes to Form G- 251. The completion time for Form G-251 is estimated at between 30 and 40 minutes per response. The RRB estimates that approximately 6,000 Form G-251's are completed annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-12210
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-07-31
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-12073
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-07-28
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Application for Employee Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act; OMB 3220-0002. Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) provides for payments of age and service, disability, and supplemental annuities to qualified employees. An annuity cannot be paid until the employee stops working for a railroad employer. In addition, the age and service employee must relinquish any rights held to such jobs. A disabled employee does not need to relinquish employee rights until attaining Full Retirement Age, or if earlier, their spouse files for a spouse annuity. Benefits become payable after the employee meets certain other requirements, which depend on the type of annuity payable. The requirements for obtaining the annuities are prescribed in 20 CFR 216, and 220. The RRB currently uses the electronic AA-1cert, Application Summary and Certification process and the following forms to collect the information needed for determining entitlement to and the amount of, an employee retirement annuity: Form AA-1, Application for Employee Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act, Form AA-1d, Application for Determination of Employee Disability, and Form G-204, Verification of Workers Compensation/Public Disability Benefit Information. The AA-1cert process obtains information from an applicant for either an age and service, or disability annuity by means of an interview with an RRB field-office representative. It obtains information about an applicant's marital history, work history, military service, benefits from other governmental agencies and railroad pensions. During the interview, the field-office representative enters the information obtained into an on-line information system. Upon completion of the interview, the applicant receives Form AA-1cert, Application Summary and Certification, which summarizes the information that was provided by/or verified by the applicant, for review and signature. The RRB also uses a manual version, RRB Form AA-1, in instances where the RRB representative is unable to contact the applicant in-person or by telephone, i.e., the applicant lives in another country. Form AA-1d, Application for Determination of Employee Disability, is completed by an employee who is filing for a disability annuity under the RRA, or a disability freeze under the Social Security Act for early Medicare based on a disability. Form G-204, Verification of Workers Compensation/Public Disability Benefit Information, is used to obtain and verify information concerning worker's compensation or public disability benefits that are or will be paid by a public agency to a disabled railroad employee. The RRB estimates the burden for the collection as follows:
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-11384
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-07-19
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-9953
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-23
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-8134
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-26
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: 06-4889
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-26
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-8051
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-25
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-8050
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-25
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-7271
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-12
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Employer Reporting; OMB 3220-0005. Under Section 9 of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), and Section 6 of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA), railroad employers are required to submit reports of employee service and compensation to the RRB as needed for administering the RRA and RUIA. To pay benefits due on a deceased employee's earnings records or determine entitlement to, and amount of annuity applied for, it is necessary at times to obtain from railroad employers current (lag) service and compensation not yet reported to the RRB through the annual reporting process. The reporting requirements are specified in 20 CFR 209. The RRB currently utilizes Form G-88a.l, Notice of Retirement and Verification of Date Last Worked, Form G-88a.2, Notice of Retirement and Request for Service Needed for Eligibility, and Form AA-12, Notice of Death and Compensation, to obtain the required lag service and related information from railroad employers. Form G-88a.1 is a computer-generated listing sent by the RRB to railroad employers and used for the specific purpose of verifying information previously provided to the RRB regarding the date last worked by an employee. If the information is correct, the employer need not reply. If the information is incorrect, the employer is asked to provide corrected information. Form G-88a.2 is used by the RRB to secure lag service and compensation information when it is needed to determine benefit eligibility. Form AA-12 obtains a report of lag service and compensation from the last railroad employer of a deceased employee. This report covers the lag period between the date of the latest record of employment processed by the RRB and the date an employee last worked, the date of death or the date the employee may have been entitled to benefits under the Social Security Act. The information is used by the RRB to determine benefits due on the deceased employee's earnings record. The RRB proposes changes to Form AA-12 to delete items no longer needed. Minor editorial and formatting changes are also proposed to Form AA-12. No changes are proposed to Form G-88a.1. Non-burden impacting editorial and formatting changes are proposed to Form G-88a.2. In addition, 20 CFR 209.12(b) requires all railroad employers to furnish the RRB with the home addresses of all employees hired within the last year (new-hires). Form BA-6a, BA-6 Address Report, is used by the RRB to obtain home address information of employees from railroad employers that do not have the home address information computerized and who submit the information in a paper format. The form also serves as an instruction sheet to railroad employers who can also submit the information electronically by magnetic tape, cartridge, PC diskette or via the Internet utilizing the RRB's Employer Reporting System. No changes are proposed to the approved versions of Form BA-6a currently in use. The RRB is proposing the addition of a secure E-mail equivalent option of Form BA-6a to the information collection. The completion time for Form G-88a.1 is estimated at 5 to 20 minutes. Form G-88a.2 is estimated at 5 minutes per response. The estimated completion time for Form AA-12 is 5 minutes per response. The estimated completion time for Form BA-6a is 10 to 30 minutes. Completion is mandatory. The RRB estimates that approximately 60 Form AA-12's, 504 Form G-88a.1's, 480 Form G-88a.2's and 914 Form BA-6a's are completed annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: 06-4359
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-10
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and Purpose of Information Collection: Request for Medicare Payment; OMB 3220-0131. Under Section 7(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act, the RRB administers the Medicare program for persons covered by the railroad retirement system. The collection obtains the information needed by persons covered by the railroad retirement system. The collection obtains the information needed by Palmetto GBA, the Medicare carrier for railroad retirement beneficiaries, to pay claims for payments under Part B of the Medicare program. Authority for collecting the information is prescribed in 42 CFR 424.32. The RRB currently utilizes Forms G-740S, Patient's Request for Medicare Payment, (along with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Form CMS-1500) to secure the information necessary to pay Part B Medicare Claims. One response is completed for each claim. Completion is required to obtain a benefit. The RRB proposes no changes to RRB Form G-740S. The RRB estimates annual respondent burden associated with RRB Form G-740s as follows: Estimated number of responses: 100. Estimated completion time per response: 15 minutes. Estimated annual burden hours: 25. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988; Notice of RRB Records Used in Computer Matching
Document Number: E6-6594
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-05-02
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
As required by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, RRB is issuing public notice of its use and intent to use, in ongoing computer matching programs, civil service benefit and payment information obtained from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The purpose of this notice is to advise individuals applying for or receiving benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act of the use made by RRB of this information obtained from OPM by means of a computer match.
Sunshine Act; Notice of Public Hearing
Document Number: 06-4013
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-27
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Actuarial Advisory Committee With Respect to the Railroad Retirement Account; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: 06-3893
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-25
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Proposed Data Collection Available for Public Comment and Recommendations
Document Number: E6-6007
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-21
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Repayment of Debt: OMB 3220-0169. When the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) determines that an overpayment of Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) or Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) benefits has occurred, it initiates prompt action to notify the annuitant of the overpayment and to recover the money owed the RRB. To effect payment of a debt by credit card, the RRB currently utilizes Form G-421f, Repayment by Credit Card. The RRB proposes no changes to Form G-421f. One form is completed by each respondent. Completion is voluntary. RRB procedures pertaining to benefit overpayment determinations and the recovery of such benefits are prescribed in 20 CFR parts 255 and 340. The estimate of annual respondent burden is as follows:
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-5540
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-14
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: 06-3306
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-06
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-4796
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-04-03
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-4088
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-22
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Proposed Data Collection Available for Public Comment and Recommendations
Document Number: E6-4060
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-21
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Employer's Deemed Service Month Questionnaire; OMB 3220-0156. Section 3(i) of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), as amended by Public Law 98-76, provides that the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), under certain circumstances, may deem additional months of service in cases where an employee does not actually work in every month of the year, provided the employee satisfies certain eligibility requirements, including the existence of an employment relation between the employee and his or her employer. The procedures pertaining to the deeming of additional months of service are found in the RRB's regulations at 20 CFR part 210, Creditable Railroad Service. The RRB utilizes Form GL-99, Employers Deemed Service Months Questionnaire, to obtain service and compensation information from railroad employers needed to determine if an employee can be credited with additional deemed months of railroad service. Completion is mandatory. One response is required for each RRB inquiry. The RRB proposes no changes to Form GL-99. The completion time for Form GL-99 is estimated at 2 minutes per response. The RRB estimates that approximately 4,000 responses are received annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.GOV. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.GOV. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-3476
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-13
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval. Summary of Proposal(s): (1) Collection title: Pension Plan Reports. (2) Form(s) submitted: G-88p, G-88r and G-88r.1. (3) OMB Number: 3220-0089. (4) Expiration date of current OMB clearance: 05/31/2006. (5) Type of request: Revision of a currently approved collection. (6) Respondents: Business or other for-profit. (7) Estimated annual number of respondents: 500. (8) Total annual responses: 765. (9) Total annual reporting hours: 103. (10) Collection description: The Railroad Retirement Act provides for payment of a supplemental annuity to a qualified railroad retirement annuitant. The collection obtains information from the annuitant's employer to determine (a) the existence of a railroad employer pension plans and whether such plans, if they exist, require a reduction to supplemental annuities paid to the employer's former employees and the (b) the amount of supplemental annuities due railroad employees. Additional Information or Comments: Copies of the forms and supporting documents can be obtained from Charles Mierzwa, the agency clearance officer at (312-751-3363) or Charles.Mierzwa@rrb.gov. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611-2092 or Ronald.Hodapp@rrb.gov and to the OMB Desk Officer for the RRB, at the Office of Management and Budget, Room 10230, New Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20503.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-3032
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-03-03
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-946
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-26
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Sunshine Act; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: 06-738
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-25
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
Proposed Data Collection Available for Public Comment and Recommendations
Document Number: E6-630
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-20
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Gross Earnings Report; OMB 3220-0132. In order to carry out the financial interchange provisions of section 7(c)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), the RRB obtains annually from railroad employer's the gross earnings for their employees on a one-percent basis, i.e., 1% of each employer's railroad employees. The gross earnings sample is based on the earnings of employees whose social security numbers end with the digits ``30.'' The gross earnings are used to compute payroll taxes under the financial interchange. The gross earnings information is essential in determining the tax amounts involved in the financial interchange with the Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Besides being necessary for current financial interchange calculations, the gross earnings file tabulations are also an integral part of the data needed to estimate future tax income and corresponding financial interchange amounts. These estimates are made for internal use and to satisfy requests from other government agencies and interested groups. In addition, cash flow projections of the social security equivalent benefit account, railroad retirement account and cost estimates made for proposed amendments to laws administered by the RRB are dependent on input developed from the information collection. The RRB utilizes Form BA-11 or its electronic equivalent(s) to obtain gross earnings information from railroad employers. One response is requested of each railroad employer. Completion is mandatory. No changes are proposed to Form BA-11.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-629
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-20
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Survivor Questionnaire; OMB 3220-0032. Under Section 6 of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), benefits that may be due on the death of a railroad employee or a survivor annuitant include (1) a lump-sum death benefit (2) a residual lump-sum payment (3) accrued annuities due but unpaid at death, and (4) monthly survivor insurance payments. The requirements for determining the entitlement of possible beneficiaries to these benefits are prescribed in 20 CFR 234. When the RRB receives notification of the death of a railroad employee or survivor annuitant, an RRB field office utilizes Form RL- 94-F, Survivor Questionnaire, to secure additional information from surviving relatives needed to determine if any further benefits are payable under the RRA. Completion is voluntary. One response is requested of each respondent. The RRB proposes no changes to Form RL-94-F. The completion time for the RL-94-F is estimated at between 5 to 11 minutes. The RRB estimates that approximately 8,000 responses are received annually. Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363 or send an e-mail request to Charles.Mierzwa@RRB.gov. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092 or send an e-mail to Ronald.Hodapp@RRB.gov. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-385
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-17
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Application for Survivor Death Benefits: OMB 3220-0031. Under Section 6 of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), lump-sum death benefits are payable to surviving widow and widowers, children and certain other dependents. Lump-sum death benefits are payable after the death of a railroad employee only if there are no qualified survivors of the employee immediately eligible for annuities. With the exception of the residual death benefit, eligibility for survivor benefits depend on whether the employee was ``insured'' under the RRA at the time of death. If a deceased employee was not so insured, jurisdiction of any survivor benefits payable is transferred to the Social Security Administration and survivor benefits are paid by that agency instead of the RRB. The collection obtains the information required by the RRB to determine entitlement to and amount of the survivor death benefits applied for. The RRB currently utilizes Form(s) AA-11a (Designation for Change of Beneficiary for Residual Lump-Sum), AA-21cert, (Application Summary and Certification), AA-21 (Application for Lump-Sum Death Payment and Annuities Unpaid at Death), G-131 (Authorization of Payment and Release of All Claims to a Death Benefit or Accrued Annuity Payment), and G- 273a (Funeral Director's Statement of Burial Charges), to obtain the necessary information. One response is requested of each respondent. Completion is required to obtain benefits. The RRB proposes non-burden impacting, editorial and formatting changes to Form G-273a and Form G-131. No other changes are proposed.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-318
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-13
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agency Forms Submitted for OMB Review
Document Number: E6-62
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-09
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has submitted the following proposal(s) for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Actuarial Advisory Committee With Respect to the Railroad Retirement Account; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: 06-60
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-01-05
Agency: Railroad Retirement Board, Agencies and Commissions
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