New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Emergency
03/16/2022
02/28/2022
table that charts list comparision
Requested
Previously Approved
6 Months From Approved
42,500
0
4,675
0
0
0
The COVID-19 pandemic limited the publicâs access to Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Offices (FOs), requiring SSA to rapidly modernize and improve online services available to the public. Since the beginning of the pandemic, underserved populations who have historically relied on in-office appointments and service decreased their submissions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. SSA uses the term âPeople facing barriersâ to refer to these vulnerable populations, which include low-income individuals (especially those over age 65), the homeless, people with limited English proficiency, and disabled children.
Historically, individuals contact SSA by phone, in person, or by mail to express interest in filing for benefits. Because same-day service to file an application is not always possible or individuals prefer to have an appointment, SSA technicians use eLAS (OMB No. 0960-0822) to set up appointments and record the protective filing date for potential claimants. This process ensures that potential claimants do not miss out on possible benefits due to the lack of same-day service.
Protective filing is the precursor to filing an application for benefits. Protective filing refers to the date by which SSA receives an individualâs intent to file for Social Security benefits, Medicare Part A (Health Insurance), or SSI payments, which SSA then uses as the application date provided the individual files an application within a specific amount of time after that date. For instance, if an individual files an application for SSI payments within 60 days of the protective filing date, or an application for Social Security benefits within 6 months of the protective filing date, SSA uses the protective filing date as the application filing date. Thus, it is as if the application was filed on the day the individual contacted SSA to express interest in filing, which often results in SSA processing the application faster for that individual.
SSA developed an online tool to allow Internet users to request an appointment to file an application for benefits and to establish a protective filing date with SSA. The electronic protective filing tool will allow individuals to submit information for the appointment request using a computing device, such as a personal computer or handheld (mobile) device instead of calling SSA by phone or visiting an FO. The tool will be available to potential claimants, as well as those individuals assisting them.
The respondents are individuals requesting an appointment with an intent to file for Social Security benefits, Medicare Part A (Health Insurance), or SSI payments, or other third-party individuals helping claimants with the filing process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking emergency approval from OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) to implement an online tool that enables members of the public to request an appointment to file an application for benefits and establish a protective filing date.
Need for Emergency Clearance:
Emergency approval of this Information Collection Request (ICR) will enable individuals to express interest in filing for SSI payment and Social Security benefits, while we continue to resolve telephone capacity challenges and begin to reopen our field offices while still protecting the health and safety of the public and our employees.
Advocacy groups representing the interests of Social Security claimants and professional organizations from the representative community requested that the agency implement online tools to enable individuals to express interest in filing for SSI without the burden of visiting an office or the delays accompanying a phone or mailed request. This effort also aligns with the recent Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government, and other federal guidance on enabling electronic services.
As the agency prepares to reopen to walk-in visitors, we expect many offices will experience a surge in demand for SSI appointments. The new online electronic protective filing tool expands our capacity to serve customers who have Internet access and are able to use our online services, while maximizing in-office appointments for those without access and other people facing barriers.
To expand access to the SSI program and ensure we protect individuals at the earliest date possible for benefits while maintaining the health and safety of the public and our employees, SSA needs the new online electronic protective filing tool in place as soon as possible. The length of the standard Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) process would hinder our ability to increase our service immediately to aid the vulnerable populations that need this service. Therefore, we are requesting emergency clearance with approval to be granted no later than 03/16/2022. We will publish the requisite Federal Register Notice to invite the public to submit comments if they wish to do so. Given the nature of this information collection request (ICR), our OMB desk officer conveyed to us that PRA approval does not depend on resolution of or response to public comments.
See our attached Emergency Justification Letter for more information.
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.
Emergency Justification Letter - 0960-NEW (ePFT) (2-28-22).docx
ePFT - Respondent Type 3 (ex: Attorney Representatives)