OMB approves this burden reduction due to SSA's implementation of the Signature Proxy initiative.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2007
05/31/2007
05/31/2007
3,843,369
0
3,843,369
963,056
0
995,457
0
0
0
One of the requirements for obtaining Social Security benefits is the filing of an application so that a determination may be made on the applicant's eligibility for Retirement, Survivors or Disability benefits. SSA offers the public several methods to file these applications ranging from the Internet Social Security Benefits Application (ISBA), traditional paper applications and the Modernized Claims System. Through these collections SSA gathers only information relevant to the individual applicant's circumstances.
The Social Security Benefits Application is one of the collections cited under our ICB burden reduction Initiative Signature Proxy. The Signature Proxy Initiative is an alternative to the traditional pen and ink or Âwet signature, and it eliminates the need to retain paper applications in most circumstances by allowing the technician to process the application on the claimantÂs behalf, without a signature. In most instances, Signature Proxy allows SSA to store and process the entire benefit application electronically, thus reducing costs associated with mailing and storing physical files. In addition, the adoption of Signature Proxy supports faster processing of claims and will improve service to the public by eliminating the need to mail the application to the claimant and wait for it to be signed and returned. Please see the attached Supplementary Documentation which outlines the burden saving achieved through this collection and all other application in the Signature Proxy Initiative.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.