SSA uses the information on Form SSA-721 to make timely and accurate decisions based on the report of death including: 1) to prove the death of an insured individual, 2) to learn of the death of a beneficiary whose benefits should terminate, and 3) to determine who is eligible for the Lump-Sum Death Payment (LSDP) or may be eligible for benefits. The respondents are funeral directors who handled death arrangements for the insured individuals.
US Code:
42 USC 402
Name of Law: Social Security Act
The decrease in the number of respondents (and therefore burden hours) is attributed to the increased use of the automated Electronic Death Registry instead.
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.