Because the burden fluctuates from year to year depending on which of the 2 methods states choose to use, as discussed in the supporting statement, SSA agrees to keep track of which of the 2 methods states choose to use and, on next submission, will use the average over the past 3 years to derive burden estimates unless SSA has reason to believe--and can explain why--such an estimate would be inaccurate.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2010
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2007
51
0
26
51
0
71
0
0
0
Section 1618 of the Social Security Act contains pass-along provisions of the Social Security amendments. These provisions require States which supplement the Federal Supplemental Security Income payments also pass along Federal cost-of-living increases to individuals who are eligible for State supplemental payments. If a State fails to keep payments at the required level, it becomes ineligible for Medicaid reimbursement under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Respondents are State agencies administering supplemental programs.
The estimated public reporting burden has decreased from 71 to 51 because the number of States electing to comply by the total-expenditures method (quarterly reporting) has decreased from 15 to 7, while the number of States electing to comply by the maintenance-of-payment-levels method (annual reporting) has increased from 11 to 23. The actual number of responses can vary from year to year, because States annually elect to use either the total-expenditures method or the maintenance-of-payment-levels method for the upcoming year. States also can change from direct administration of their supplementary payments to federal administration (or vice versa).
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.