2011-27488. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title and purpose of information collection:

Student Beneficiary Monitoring; OMB 3220-0123

Under provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), there are two types of benefits whose payment is based upon the status of a child being in full-time elementary or secondary school attendance at age 18-19; a survivor child's annuity benefit under Section 2(d)(2)(iii) and an increase in the employee retirement annuity under the Special Guaranty computation as prescribed in section 3(f)(3).

The survivor student annuity is usually paid by direct deposit at a financial institution to the student's checking or savings account or a joint bank account with the parent. The requirements for eligibility as a student are prescribed in 20 CFR 216.74, and include students in independent study or home schooling.

The RRB requires evidence of full-time school attendance in order to determine that a child is entitled to student benefits. The RRB utilizes the following forms to conduct its student monitoring program. Form G-315, Student Questionnaire, obtains certification of a student's full-time school attendance. It also obtains information on a student's marital status, Social Security benefits, and employment which are needed to determine entitlement or continued entitlement to benefits under the RRA. Form G-315a, Statement of School Official, is used to obtain verification from a school that a student attends school full-time and provides their expected graduation date. Form G-315a.1, School Officials Notice of Cessation of Full-Time Attendance, is used by a school to notify the RRB that a student has ceased full-time school attendance. Completion is required to obtain or retain benefits. The RRB proposes no changes to the forms.

The estimated annual respondent burden is as follows:

Form(s): G-315, G-315a and G-315a.1.

Estimate of Annual Responses: 900 (860 Form G-315's, 20 Form G-315a's and 20 Form G-315a.1's).

Estimated Completion Time: The completion time for Form G-315 is estimated at 15 minutes per response. The completion time for Form G-315a is estimated at 3 minutes per response. The completion time for Form G-315a.1 is estimated at 2 minutes.

Estimated Annual Burden: 217 hours.

Additional Information or Comments: Copies of the forms and supporting documents can be obtained from Charles Mierzwa, the agency clearance officer at [phone] or [e-mail].

Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Patricia Henaghan, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611-2092 or [e-mail] and to the OMB Desk Officer for the RRB, Fax: [phone], E-mail address: [e-mail].

Charles Mierzwa,

Clearance Officer.