Rachel,

 

See answer below is red.

 

Liz

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�         SSA is revising this form, in part to make the questions readily convertible to an electronic format when the time comes.  When does SSA expect to make that transition?  How does this timing fit with SSA's request for three years of OMB approval?

      The form's new format gives it the capability of being electronically scanned for data collection.  It is not a fully electronic, fillable document, accessible to the public.  The form can be downloaded and printed for use as a paper form.  There are no plans at this time, to make this form a fillable electronic form in the next three years.   

 

o        SSA is increasing the burden estimate to one hour in response to public comments that 30 minutes was not enough time to complete the form. However, SSA is also adding new questions to this form as a result of the revision. If one hour is sufficient for the information on the old form, what should the addition of new questions bring the burden estimate to? Also, we wanted to note that the increase in the burden estimate is currently listed in ROCIS as "Due to Agency Discretion," rather than to an "adjustment" of burden hours, which appears to be incorrect. Please indicate the number of hours that SSA would like to have as "due to agency discretion" and as an "adjustment" and OMB will make the changes in the system when approval is granted.

The 30 minute increase in the time it takes to complete this form is the result of a combination of public input and the addition of new questions.  15 minutes should be added as "adjustment" and 15 minutes "due to agency discretion."  We believe 1 hour is sufficient time.  It is comparable to other SSA forms of this nature.

Rachel F. Potter

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
Office of Management and Budget

Tel: (202) 395-5887

Fax: (202) 395-6974