SSA collects the information on Form SSA-7156 on a voluntary, as needed basis to determine the existence of an agriculture trade or business which may affect the insured status or monthly benefit of a retirement applicant. When an applicant indicates self-employment as a farmer, SSA uses the SSA 7156 to determine the existence of an agricultural trade or business, and to calculate subsequent covered earnings for Social Security entitlement purposes the applicant is claiming. As part of the application process, we conduct a personal interview with the applicant, either face-to-face or via telephone, and document the interview using Form SSA-7156. Alternately, applicants have the option of using our Upload Documents portal (OMB No. 0960-0830), which allows them to complete and submit the form online in lieu of an interview. The respondents are applicants for Social Security benefits whose entitlement and amount of benefits depend on establishing if the worker received covered earnings from self employment as a farmer, and if so how much they earned.
US Code:
42 USC 411
Name of Law: Social Security Act
When we cleared the this ICR in 2024, the burden was 167 hours. However, we are currently reporting a burden of 16 hours. This change stems from a decrease in the number of responses and an increase in burden time per response. Responses decreased from 1,000 to 60, as the increase in electronic submissions has increased our ability to track this form. Per our current MI data, fewer people are using this form to allege self employment on a farm. Although the number of responses changed, SSA did not take any actions to cause this change. In addition, the burden time increased by five minutes per response as we updated the burden based on usability testing in Upload Documents. Even though we increase the overall burden per response, the use of Upload Documents streamlines the form and makes it easier for respondents to submit.
*Note: The total burden reflected in ROCIS is 33, while the burden cited in #12 of the Supporting Statement is 16. This discrepancy is because the ROCIS burden reflects the following components: field office waiting time + telephone call system wait times + a rough estimate of a 30-minute, one-way, drive burden + learning costs. In contrast, the chart in #12 above 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.
Form SSA-7156 Farm Self-Employment
Supporting Statement - 0061 (Final).docx
Farm Self-Employment Questionnaire - SSA-7156 (Fillable PDF – Upload Documents)