In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, this information collection is approved.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2026
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2024
300,000
0
200,000
195,900
0
33,333
0
0
0
When DDSs deny a claim at the reconsideration level, the claimant has a right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). For the hearing, SSA asks the claimant to complete and return the HA-4631 if the claimantâs file does not reflect a current, complete medical history as the claimant proceeds through the appeals process. ALJs must obtain the information to update and complete the record and to verify the accuracy of the information. Through this process, ALJs can ascertain whether the claimantâs situation changed. The ALJs and hearing office staff use the response to make arrangements for consultative examination(s) and the attendance of any expert witnesses, if appropriate. During the hearing, the ALJ offers any completed questionnaires as exhibits and may use them to: (1) Refresh the claimantâs memory, and (2) shape their questions. The respondents are claimants requesting hearings on entitlement to Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance benefits or SSI payments.
US Code:
42 USC 423
Name of Law: Social Security Act
US Code:
42 USC 405
Name of Law: Social Security Act
US Code:
42 USC 1382c
Name of Law: Social Security Act
US Code:
42 USC 1383
Name of Law: Social Security Act
When we last cleared this IC in 2017, the burden was 33,333 hours. However, we are currently reporting a burden of 150,000 hours. This change stems an increase in the number of responses from 200,000 to 300,000 combined with a change in the amount of burden time for response. These figures represent current Management Information data.
* Note: The total burden reflected in ROCIS is 195,900, while the burden cited in #12 of the Supporting Statement is 150,000. This discrepancy is because the ROCIS burden reflects the following components: field office waiting time + a rough estimate of a 30-minute, + one-way, drive burdens. In contrast, the chart in #12 of the Supporting Statement reflects actual burden.
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.