When a new source registers to use the
website, SSA or state agency employees conduct the registration by
phone or in person, and then keys the information into ERE. After
completing the registration process, the registered user can
provide evidence to the agency, and may request payment for
providing evidence through the ERE website. SSA and state agency
employees request the medical and educational records collected
through the ERE website. The agency uses the information collected
through ERE to make a determination on an Application for Benefits.
We also use the ERE website to order and receive consultative
examinations when we are unable to collect enough medical records
to determine disability findings. The respondents are medical
providers who evaluate or treat disability claimants or recipients,
and other third parties with connections to disability applicants
or recipients (ex: teachers and school administrators for child
disability applicants), who voluntarily choose to use ERE to submit
information.
When we last cleared this IC in
2017, the burden was 896,166 hours. However, we are currently
reporting a burden of 1,030,591 hours. This change stems from an
increase in the number of responses from 5,376,998 to 6,183,548.
There is no change to the burden time per response. Although the
number of responses changed, SSA did not take any actions to cause
this change. These figures represent current Management Information
data.
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.