The Federal Register

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Wed, Nov 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Representative Payment Under Titles II, VIII and XVI of the Social Security Act

Mon, Nov 10 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are amending our rules governing how we investigate representative payee applicants. Under these rules, any payee who previously satisfied the payee investigation criteria, including a facetoface interview, and currently serves as a payee generally need not appear for another facetoface interview when subsequently applying to become a payee unless we determine within our discretion, that a new facetoface interview is necessary. The payee applicant would still be required to satisfy the rest of the investigation process as set forth in the regulations. Reducing the number of subsequent facetoface interviews of payee applicants will streamline our representative payee application process, allowing payee applicants to become qualified more quickly when they already serve as a payee. This rule also will expedite payment of benefits in certain representative payee situations and reduce the burden on our field office employees by eliminating the necessity of interviewing such payee applicants.

Compassionate Allowances for Brain Injuries; Office of the Commissioner, Hearing

Mon, Nov 10 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are considering ways to quickly identify diseases and other serious medical conditions that obviously meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act (Act) and can be identified with minimal objective medical information. We are calling this method ``Compassionate Allowances.'' In December 2007 and April 2008, we held two Compassionate Allowance public hearings. These hearings concerned rare diseases and cancers, respectively. This hearing is the third in the series. The purpose of this hearing is to obtain your views about the advisability and possible methods of identifying and implementing compassionate allowances for children and adults with brain injuries. We plan to address other medical conditions at subsequent hearings.

Setting the Time and Place for a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge

Mon, Nov 10 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to amend our rules to clarify that the agency is responsible for setting the time and place for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Consistent with our regulations at lower levels of the administrative process, we propose to use ``we'' or ``us'' in the rules setting the time and place for a hearing. These changes will ensure greater flexibility in scheduling hearings both in person and via video teleconferencing and will aid us in our effort to increase efficiency in the hearing process and reduce the number of pending hearings. The number of cases awaiting a hearing has reached historic proportions, and efforts toward greater efficiency are critical to addressing this problem.

Technical Revisions to Overpayment Rules

Tue, Nov 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

These rules amend our title II regulations to explicitly provide that we apply an underpayment due an individual to reduce an overpayment to that individual in certain cases. Our title XVI regulations already state this policy. Additionally, these rules reflect our procedures for collecting overpayments when a payment of more than the correct amount is made to a representative payee on behalf of a beneficiary after the beneficiary's death. These rules clarify that we collect overpayments in this situation from only the representative payee or his estate but not from the representative payee's spouse or from the spouse's estate.

Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2009

Thu, Oct 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We have determined-- (1) A 5.8 percent costofliving increase in Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (the Act), effective for December 2008;
(2) An increase in the Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly benefit amounts under title XVI of the Act for 2009 to $674 for an eligible individual, $1,011 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $338 for an essential person;
(3) The student earned income exclusion to be $1,640 per month in 2009 but not more than $6,600 in all of 2009;
(4) The dollar fee limit for services performed as a representative payee to be $37 per month ($72 per month in the case of a beneficiary who is disabled and has an alcoholism or drug addiction condition that leaves him or her incapable of managing benefits) in 2009;
(5) The dollar limit on the administrativecost assessment charged to attorneys representing claimants to be $83 in 2009;
(6) The national average wage index for 2007 to be $40,405.48;

Technical Amendments to Definition of Persons Closely Approaching Retirement Age

Wed, Oct 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are modifying the rules we use to determine disability under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (``Act'') to revise the definition of persons ``closely approaching retirement age'' from ``6064'' to ``60 or older.'' These changes acknowledge that we make disability determinations for persons over age 64. We are also making minor technical changes that will not
[[Page 64196]]
have any effect on how we determine your eligibility for benefits.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Tue, Oct 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Mon, Oct 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974m, email address:

Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel Meeting

Tue, Oct 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Thu, Oct 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Agreement on Social Security Between the United States and Denmark; Entry Into Force

Fri, Sep 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Commissioner of Social Security gives notice that an agreement coordinating the United States (U.S.) and Danish social security programs will enter into force on October 1, 2008. The agreement with Denmark, which was signed on June 13, 2007, is similar to U.S. social security agreements already in force with 21 other countriesAustralia, Austria, Belgium,
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Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Agreements of this type are authorized by section 233 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 433).

Like the other agreements, the U.S.Danish agreement eliminates dual social security coveragethe situation that exists when a worker from one country works in the other country and is covered under the social security systems of both countries for the same work. Without such agreements in force, when dual coverage occurs, the worker, the worker's

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Thu, Sep 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA / Bureau of the Public Debt (BPD)--Match Number 1304)

Thu, Sep 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with BPD.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Wed, Sep 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes revisions to OMBapproved information collections and extensions (no change) of existing OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA,

Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Computer Matching Program; (SSA/ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Match Number

Wed, Sep 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with CMS.

Revisions to Rules on Representation of Parties

Mon, Sep 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing several revisions to our rules on representation of parties. These proposed rules would recognize entities as representatives, define the concept of a principal representative, and authorize principal representatives to sign and file a claim for benefits on behalf of a claimant. These proposed rules would also mandate the use of Form SSA1696 to appoint, revoke, or withdraw an appointment of a representative, and to waive a fee or direct payment of the fee. We propose to define the concept of a professional representative and require professional representatives to use our electronic services as they become available, including requiring professional representatives to submit certain requests for reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) electronically. Finally, we propose to require representatives to keep paper copies of certain documents that we may require. We are proposing these revisions to reflect changes in representatives' business practices

Authorization of Representative Fees

Tue, Aug 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to revise our rules regarding payment of representative fees to allow representatives to charge and receive a fee from third parties without requiring our authorization in certain instances. We also propose to eliminate the requirement that we authorize fees for legal guardians or courtappointed representatives who provide representational services in claims before us if a court has already authorized their fees. We are proposing these revisions to reflect changes in representatives' business practices, and in the ways in which claimants obtain representation, and to make more efficient the way we process representative fees.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Fri, Aug 22 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA,

Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Hearing Loss

Wed, Aug 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of Impairments (the listings) that we use to evaluate claims involving hearing loss. We apply these criteria when you claim benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). The proposed revisions reflect current medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating hearing loss, as well as our adjudicative experience since the publication of the current rules.

Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA/ Railroad Retirement Board (RRB))--Match Number 1006

Wed, Jul 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with the RRB.

Technical Changes to the Title II Regulations

Thu, Jul 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are issuing this direct final rule to make technical corrections to our title II regulations affecting the Federal OldAge, Survivors and Disability Insurance programs. This rule amends our regulations by correcting a crossreference affecting entitlement to mother's and father's benefits, to include alternatives to the 9month duration of marriage requirement. We are deleting an outofdate cross reference to the definition of ``substantially all.'' In its place, we are restoring the regulatory definition for ``substantially all'' that had been inadvertently deleted to show if a grandchild or
stepgrandchild is dependent based on our support requirements. Also, we are revising headings in six of our regulations to conform to plain language provisions of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, as amended.

We are also amending one of our regulations for clarity and to correct a typographical error.

Technical Revisions to Overpayment Rules

Thu, Jul 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

These proposed rules would amend our title II regulations to explicitly provide that we apply an underpayment due an individual to reduce an overpayment to that individual in certain cases. Our title XVI regulations already state this policy. Additionally, these proposed rules reflect our procedures for collecting overpayments when a payment of more than the correct amount is made to a representative payee on behalf of a beneficiary after the beneficiary's death. These proposed rules would clarify that we would collect overpayments in this situation from only the representative payee or his estate but would not collect these overpayments from the representative payee's spouse or from the spouse's estate.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Fri, Jul 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SS

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Tue, Jul 1 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

Technical Amendments to Definition of Persons Closely Approaching Retirement Age

Fri, Jun 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to modify our rules on age used in determining disability under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (``The Act'') to revise the definition of persons ``closely approaching retirement age'' from ``6064'' to ``60 or older.'' The purpose of these changes is to acknowledge that we make disability determinations for individuals over age 64. These proposed changes are technical corrections that would help to explain how we currently determine disability for such individuals and would not have any substantive effect.

Clarification of Evidentiary Standard for Determinations and Decisions

Fri, Jun 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

These proposed rules clarify that we apply the preponderance of the evidence standard when we make determinations and decisions at all levels of our administrative review processes. These proposed rules would not change our policy that the Appeals Council applies the substantial evidence standard when it reviews an administrative law judge's decision to determine whether to grant a request for review. We also propose to explicitly define substantial evidence and preponderance of the evidence in applying these rules.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Wed, Jun 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection package in this notice is for a revision to an OMBapproved information collection.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Submit written comments and recommendations on the information collection to the SSA Reports Clearance Officer. Mail, fax or email the information to the address and fax number listed below:
(OMB) Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA/ Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Match Number 1016)

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with the IRS.

Extension of the Expiration Date for Several Body Systems Listings

Fri, May 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule extends until July 1, 2010, the date on which Listing of Impairments (the listings) for six
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body systems will no longer be effective. We use the listings at the third step of the sequential evaluation process when we evaluate your claim for benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). Other than extending the effective date of the listings, we have made no revisions to the listings; they remain the same as they now appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. This extension will ensure that we continue to have the medical evaluation criteria in the listings to adjudicate disability claims involving these body systems at the third step of the sequential evaluation process.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Wed, May 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: De

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Thu, May 22 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Submit written comments and recommendations on the information collection to the SSA Reports Clearance Officer. Mail, fax or email the information to the address and fax number listed below:
(OMB): Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 2023956974, Email address:

Amendments to the Ticket To Work and Self-Sufficiency Program

Tue, May 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are revising our regulations for the Ticket to Work and SelfSufficiency Program (Ticket to Work program), which was authorized by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. The Ticket to Work program provides Social Security Disability Insurance and disabled Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries expanded options for access to employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services. We are revising our prior rules to improve the overall effectiveness of the program to maximize the economic selfsufficiency of beneficiaries through work opportunities. We have based these revisions on our projections of the future direction of the Ticket to Work program, our experience using the prior rules, and recommendations made by commenters on the program.

Parent-to-Child Deeming From Stepparents

Thu, May 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are changing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) parent- tochild deeming rules so that we no longer will consider the income and resources of a stepparent when an eligible child resides in the household with a stepparent, but that child's natural or adoptive parent has permanently left the household. These rules respond to a decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, codified in Social Security Acquiescence Ruling (AR) 991(2), and establish a uniform national policy. Also, we are making uniform the age at which we consider someone to be a ``child'' in SSI program regulations and are making other minor clarifications to our rules.

Rescission of Social Security Acquiescence Ruling 99-1(2)

Thu, May 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with 20 CFR 402.35(b)(1), 404.985(e) and 416.1485(e), the Commissioner of Social Security gives notice of the rescission of Social Security Acquiescence Ruling 991(2).

Retirement Estimator

Tue, May 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Commissioner of Social Security gives notice that SSA intends to add a new calculator to its online Benefit Calculators suite. The Retirement Estimator will allow authenticated individuals to calculate estimates of potential retirement benefits in realtime, based in part on their SSAmaintained records and in part on user entered information, such as the last year of Social Security earnings. In addition to quick estimates of retirement benefits at specific points such as full retirement age, users may also submit a number of ``what if'' scenarios based on information they provide regarding future earnings and retirement dates. The estimates can be printed and saved. The initial release of the Retirement Estimator will not reflect offset due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), or Government Pension Offset (GPO).

SSA currently has four benefit calculators on its Web sitethe Quick, Online, WEP and Detailed calculators (

Testimony by Employees and the Production of Records and Information in Legal Proceedings; Change of Address for

Thu, May 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Our regulations describe when a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee will testify or provide records or other information in a legal proceeding to which we are not a party. The regulations also describe how you request testimony of an SSA employee. This final rule updates the address you should use to request testimony of an SSA employee.

Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information

Wed, May 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are issuing this final rule to adopt without change the final rules with request for comment published on December 10, 2007, at 72 FR 69616. This final rule amends the regulation at 20 CFR Part 401, Appendix A, which requires us to release an employee's location of duty station upon request. This final rule also revises the regulation at 20 CFR 402.45 that describes the availability of records.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Fri, May 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections, and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(SSA), Social Security Administration, DCBFM, Attn: Reports Clearance

Establishment of the Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel

Thu, May 1 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Commissioner of Social Security is establishing the Future Systems Technology Advisory Panel under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). In making this decision, the Commissioner has found that the Panel is necessary and in the public interest. It will contribute to the performance of duties imposed upon SSA in carrying out its statutory mission. The Commissioner consulted with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration (GSA).

Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA/ Department of Labor (DOL) Match Number 1003))

Wed, Apr 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with DOL.

Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Malignant Neoplastic Diseases

Mon, Apr 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to revise the criteria in parts A and B of the Listing of Impairments (the listings) that we use to evaluate claims involving malignant neoplastic diseases. We apply these criteria when you claim benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). The proposed revisions reflect our adjudicative experience, as well as advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating malignant neoplastic diseases.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Mon, Apr 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB): Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk

Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

Mon, Apr 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer [[Page 21401]]
to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA,

Use of Master and Sub Accounts and Other Account Arrangements for the Payment of Benefits

Mon, Apr 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are issuing this notice to obtain public input regarding an anticipated change to an Agency payment procedure that permits benefit payments to be deposited into a thirdparty's ``master'' account when the third party maintains separate ``sub'' accounts for individual beneficiaries. We anticipate changing our current procedure in light of concerns about how highinterest lenders are using this master/sub account procedure. We are also seeking comments on the practice that some beneficiaries follow of preauthorizing their banks to transfer their benefits to lenders immediately after the benefits are deposited into their accounts.

Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Cardiovascular Disorders

Wed, Apr 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are requesting your comments on whether and how we should update and revise the criteria we use to evaluate claims involving cardiovascular disorders in adults and children. These criteria are found in sections 4.00 and 104.00 of the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of our regulations (the listings). We are requesting your comments as part of our ongoing effort to ensure that the listings are uptodate.

After we have considered your comments and suggestions, other information about advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating cardiovascular disorders, and our program experience using the current listings, we will determine whether we should revise any of the cardiovascular listings. If we propose specific revisions to the listings, we will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register.

Retirement Research Consortium Request for Applications (RFA) Program Announcement No. SSA-ORES-08-01

Thu, Apr 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The growing share of older Americans in the population has profound long term effects on Social Security. Social Security's Board of Trustees projects that the program will be in poor fiscal shape over the long term at currently legislated payroll tax and benefit levels as a result of demographic changes. Through education and research efforts, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to addressing these difficulties and ensuring responsive programs and sustainable solvency. SSA's research efforts will support informed public discussion and creative thinking that relates the principles of the program to economic and demographic realities and changing needs and preferences of American households.

As authorized under section 1110 of the Social Security Act, SSA announces the solicitation of applications for a cooperative agreement to recompete a Retirement Research Consortium to help inform the public and policymakers about Social Security issues. In the first year, the Consortiu

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Fri, Mar 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB): Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk

Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; New Systems of Records and New Routine Use Disclosures

Thu, Mar 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and (e)(11)), we are issuing public notice of our intent to establish three new systems of records entitled, the Recordings of Service Observations, Call Detail Management Information Report, and the Service Observation Database.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

Wed, Mar 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This notice includes new information collections, revisions to OMB approved information collections, and extensions (no change) of OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer to the addresses or fax numbers listed below.
(OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn:

Privacy Act of 1974; as Amended; New System of Records and New Routine Use Disclosures

Tue, Mar 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and (e)(11)), we are issuing public notice of our intent to establish a new system of records entitled Identity Protection Program (IPP) System, 600360, and routine uses applicable to this system of records. Hereinafter, we will refer to the proposed system of records as the IPP System. The proposed system of records will consist of information used to provide enhanced protection for employees who reasonably believe that they may be at risk of injury or other harm by the disclosure of their work location and telephone number information, supporting documentation, and the dispositions of the requests for program participation. We invite public comments on this proposal.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Fri, Mar 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages included in this notice are for new information collections and revisions to OMB approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Submit written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) to the SSA Reports Clearance Officer. Mail, fax or email the information to the address and fax number listed below: (SSA), Social Security Administration, DCBFM, Attn:

Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Immune System Disorders

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are revising the criteria in the Listing of Impairments (the listings) that we use to evaluate claims involving immune system disorders. We apply these criteria when you claim benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). The revisions reflect our adjudicative experience, as well as advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating immune system disorders.

Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating HIV Infection

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In a separate notice in today's edition of the Federal Register, we are publishing final rules revising the criteria we use to evaluate immune system disorders, found in sections 14.00 and 114.00 of the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of our regulations (the listings). In those rules, we indicate that we will issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) inviting public comments on how we might update and revise listings 14.08 and 114.08, our listings for evaluating HIV infection. We are now requesting your comments and suggestions about possible revisions to those listings.

After we have considered your comments and suggestions, other information about advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating HIV infection, and our program experience using the current listings, we will determine whether we should revise listings 14.08 and 114.08. If we propose specific revisions to the listings, we will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemakin

Supplemental Security Income, Youth Transition Demonstration

Thu, Mar 13 2008 11:00:00 GMT

On October 7, 2003, the Commissioner of Social Security published a Notice in the Federal Register (68 FR 57950) announcing the beginning of a demonstration project designed primarily to test the effectiveness of altering certain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other program rules as an incentive to encourage individuals with disabilities or blindness to work or increase their work activity and earnings. In order to complete a more thorough evaluation of this project, we are extending the duration of the altered program rules in three of the seven original project locations and adding three new project locations that will also offer the alternative program rules.

The Commissioner of Social Security is publishing this notice in accordance with 20 CFR 416.250(e) and conducting the project pursuant to authority in sections 234 and 1110 of the Social Security Act. Background

In October 2003, at the start of the Youth Transition Demonstration (we have slightly altered the project name f

Representative Payment Under Titles II, VIII and XVI of the Social Security Act

Tue, Mar 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to amend our rules governing how we investigate representative payee applicants. Under these proposed rules, any payee who has previously satisfied the payee investigation process including a facetoface interview and is currently serving as a payee, need not appear for another facetoface interview when making a subsequent application to become a payee, unless we determine, within our discretion, that a new facetoface interview is necessary. This change would streamline our representative payee application process, thereby allowing payee applicants to become qualified in a shorter timeframe when they have already been investigated. This should expedite the payment of benefits in certain representative payee situations. It will also reduce the burden to the public and reduce traffic in our field offices when a payee applicant has already satisfied the facetoface interview required by law.

Modifications to the Disability Determination Procedures; Reinstatement of ``Prototype'' and ``Single Decisionmaker''

Fri, Mar 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Effective March 23, 2008, we are reinstating New Hampshire as a ``prototype'' State in the disability redesign tests we are conducting under the authority of our regulations. We are also reinstating Maine and Vermont as States that use ``single
decisionmakers'' under the same authority. These three States stopped participating in the disability redesign tests on August 1, 2006, when they began to participate in the Disability Service Improvement (DSI) initiative that we have been testing in our Boston region since that date. On January 15, 2008, we published a final rule in the Federal Register suspending the Federal Reviewing Official review level of the DSI process. The final rule will be effective on March 23, 2008. Therefore, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will resume their participation in the disability redesign tests on the effective date of the final rule.

Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended; Computer Matching Program; (SSA/ Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Match Numbers

Wed, Mar 5 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces the renewal of an existing computer matching program that SSA is currently conducting with OPM.

Amendment to the Attorney Advisor Program

Mon, Mar 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are issuing this final rule to adopt without change the interim final rule we published on August 9, 2007, which temporarily modifies the prehearing procedures we follow in claims for Social Security disability benefits and supplemental security income (SSI) payments based on disability or blindness. Under this final rule, we are permitting certain attorney advisors to conduct certain prehearing proceedings, and where the documentary record developed as a result of these proceedings warrants, issue decisions that are wholly favorable to the parties to the hearing.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages requiring clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages included in this notice are for new information collections, approval of existing information collections, revisions to OMBapproved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance

Compassionate Allowances for Cancers; Office of the Commissioner, Hearing

Thu, Feb 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are considering ways to quickly identify diseases and other serious medical conditions that obviously meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act (the Act) and can be identified with minimal objective medical information. We are calling this method ``Compassionate Allowances.'' We held one public hearing already and plan to hold additional public hearings this year. This is the second hearing in the series. The purpose of this hearing is to obtain your views about the advisability and possible methods of identifying and implementing compassionate allowances for children and adults with cancers. Our first hearing, on December 45, 2007, dealt with rare diseases. We will address other kinds of medical conditions in later hearings.

Suspension of New Claims to the Federal Reviewing Official Review Level; Correction

Wed, Feb 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on January 15, 2008 (73 FR 2411). The document amends our disability administrative adjudication processes to suspend new claims to the Federal reviewing official (FedRO) level, now operating in the Boston region. Claims already transferred to the Office of the Federal Reviewing Official (OFedRO) for FedRO review will continue to be processed by the OFedRO and a related component of the disability determination process, the Medical and Vocational Expert System (MVES), commonly known as the Office of Medical and Vocational Expertise (OMVE).

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Wed, Feb 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages that may be included in this notice are for new information collections, approval of existing information collections, revisions to OMBapproved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and on ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Mon, Feb 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages that may be included in this notice are for new information collections, approval of existing information collections, revisions to OMBapproved information collections, and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and on ways to minimize burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports

Privacy Act of 1974; as Amended New System of Records and Routine Use Disclosures

Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and (e)(11)), we are issuing public notice of our intent to establish a new system of records entitled, Social Security Administration Unified Measurement System/Managerial Cost Accountability System (SUMS/MCAS) 600371, and routine uses applicable to this system of records. SUMS/ MCAS will consist of information related to five interrelated Agency initiatives: (1) Workload counts, (2) performance measures, (3) time allocation, (4) customer service records, and (5) managerial cost accountability. We invite public comments on this proposal.

Social Security Ruling (SSR) 94-4p; Rescission of SSR 94-4p, Policy Interpretation Ruling; Title II of Social Security

Fri, Jan 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains a correction to the notice of rescission of SSR 944p that was published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2008 (73 FR 2074). The effective date shown in one place in that notice was incorrect.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Thu, Jan 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law (Pub. L.) 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages included in this notice are for new information collections, revisions to OMBapproved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and how to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Reports Clearance Officer. The information can be mailed,

Suspension of New Claims to the Federal Reviewing Official Review Level

Tue, Jan 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are modifying our disability administrative adjudication processes to suspend new claims to the Federal reviewing official (FedRO) level, now operating in the Boston region. Claims already transferred to the Office of the Federal Reviewing Official (OFedRO) for FedRO review will continue to be processed by the OFedRO and a related component of the disability determination process, the Medical and Vocational Expert System (MVES), commonly known as the Office of Medical and Vocational Expertise (OMVE). We are making these changes to ensure that we continually improve our disability adjudication process.

Social Security Ruling (SSR) 94-4p.; Rescission of SSR 94-4p, Policy Interpretation Ruling; Title II of the Social

Fri, Jan 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with 20 CFR 402.35(b)(1), the Commissioner of Social Security gives notice of the rescission of SSR 944p.

Methods for Conducting Personal Conferences When Waiver of Recovery of a Title II or Title XVI Overpayment Cannot Be

Fri, Jan 11 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We are revising our title II regulations and adding title XVI regulations on personal conferences when waiver of recovery of an overpayment cannot be approved. These final rules allow for the conferences to be conducted facetoface, by telephone, or by video teleconference in these circumstances.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Mon, Jan 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 10413, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. The information collection packages that may be included in this notice are for new information collections, approval of existing information collections, revisions to OMBapproved information collections and extensions (no change) of OMBapproved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the Agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and on ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection(s) should be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer and the SSA Report