01-30219. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 29, 2001.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted the following public information collection requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of each individual ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Department of Labor. To obtain documentation contact Marlene Howze at ([phone] or e-mail [e-mail]).

Comments should be sent to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for PWBA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503 ([phone]), within 30 days from the date of this publication in the Federal Register.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate 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;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA).

Title: Suspension of Pension Benefits Regulation Pursuant to 29 CFR 2530.203-3.

OMB Number: 1210-0048.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Individuals or households, and Not-for-profit institutions.

Frequency: On occasion.

Number of Respondents: 74,872.

Number of Annual Responses: 74,872.

Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 18,718.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (operating/maintaining systems or purchasing services): $62,892.48.

Description: Section 203(a)(3)(B) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) governs the circumstances under which pension plans may suspend pension benefit payments to retirees who return to work or to participants who continue to work beyond normal retirement age. The requirement that retirees or participants be notified in the event of a suspension of benefits is intended to protect their non-forfeitable right to their normal retirement benefits. The information collection requirement ensures that the retiree or participant is informed at the initiation of every withholding or suspension of benefits.

Ira L. Mills,

Departmental Clearance Officer.