Section 311 of the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 directs SSA to provide support to health researchers involved in epidemiological research. Specifically, when we determine a study contributes to a national health interest, SSA furnishes information to determine whether a study subject appears in SSA administrative records as alive or deceased (vital status). SSA charges a small fee per request for providing this information. Web-posted questions solicit the information SSA needs to provide the data and to collect the fees. The respondents are qualified health and scientific researchers who are applying to receive vital status information about individuals from Social Security administrative data records.
US Code:
5 USC 552a
Name of Law: Social Security Act
US Code:
42 USC 1306
Name of Law: Social Security Act
The burden change is due to a slight decrease in the number of annual vital status requests SSA receives. Since we are receiving fewer requests, the annual burden decreased.
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.