[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 199 (Friday, October 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 53347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26136]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 199 / Friday, October 11, 1996 /
Notices
[[Page 53347]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Consumer Service
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Form FCS-209, Status of Claims Against Households
AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment
on proposed information collections. Requirements in sections 5, 11,
and 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (the Act) are the basis for the
information collected on Form FCS-209, Status of Claims Against
Households. The Act requires that State agencies submit reports and
other information which the Secretary deems necessary to determine
compliance with the Act and its implementing regulations. The Act
provides that when coupons are overissued to households due to
Inadvertent Household Error (IHE), Intentional Program Violation (IPV)
or Administrative Error, State agencies are required to determine the
amount of overissuances and establish claims against the households to
collect the overissued amounts. The Act authorizes the Secretary to
settle and adjust established claims by compromise or denial of all or
part of any such claim arising under the Act or regulations issued
pursuant to the Act.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 10,
1996.
ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection
of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions
of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond,
including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology. Comments may be sent to: James I. Porter, Assistant Branch
Chief, State Administration Branch, Food Stamp Program, Food and
Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of
public record.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Requests for additional information or copies
of the information collection form and instructions should be directed
to James Porter, (703) 305-2385.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Status of Claims Against Households.
OMB Number: 0584-0069.
Form Number: FCS-209.
Expiration Date: 9/30/96.
Type of Request: Reinstatement, without change, of this previously
approved collection of information.
Abstract: 7 CFR 273.18(i) of the Food Stamp Program regulations
requires that State agencies submit quarterly Form FCS-209, Status of
Claims Against Households, reports. The required information provided
on this report must be obtained from an accountable system of
established claims, repayment demand letters, satisfied and compromised
claim amounts, and outstanding claims. The regulations make a
distinction between nonfraud claims caused by State agency
miscalculation or error and those caused by inadvertent household
error. The fraud category of Form FCS-209 includes those cases in which
the household committed intentional misrepresentation in order to
obtain benefits. States may retain a percentage of fraud and
intentional misrepresentation collections as an incentive to pursue
action on those cases. In addition, States may also retain a percentage
of collections in regard to inadvertent household error. The FCS-209
accommodates the reporting of amounts collected, calculation of amounts
to be retained by the State and calculation of amounts due the Federal
Government through an offset against the State's administrative funds
as a method of payment.
Affected Public: State governments.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 53.
Estimated Time per Response: 3.5 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Burden: 742 hours.
Dated: October 4, 1996.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 96-26136 Filed 10-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U
