When an SSA-insured worker dies, the funeral director or funeral home responsible for the worker's burial or cremation completes the SSA-721 and sends it to SSA. SSA uses this information for three purposes: 1) to establish proof of death for the insured worker; 2) to determine if the insured individual was receiving any pre-death benefits SSA needs to terminate; and 3) to ascertain which surviving family member is eligible for the lump-sum death payment or for other death 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
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.