2020-04201. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Periodically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish a summary of information collection requests under OMB review, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these documents, call the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Project: SAMHSA SOAR Web-Based Data Form (OMB No. 0930-0329)—EXTENSION

In 2009 SAMHSA created a Technical Assistance Center to assist in the implementation of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) effort in all states. The primary objective of SOAR is to improve the allowance rate for the Social Security Administration's (SSA) disability benefits for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and who have serious mental illnesses.

During the SOAR training, the importance of keeping track of SSI/SSDI applications through the process is stressed. In response to requests from states implementing SOAR, the Technical Assistance Center under SAMHSA's direction developed a web-based data form that case workers can use to track the progress of submitted applications, including decisions received from SSA either on initial application or on appeal. This password-protected web-based data form is hosted on the SOAR website (https://soartrack.prainc.com). Use of this form is completely voluntary.

There are two parts to the SOAR Web-based Data Form. Part I of the SOAR Web-based Data Form is intended for SOAR-trained case workers to enter the outcomes of SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications. Part II of the SOAR Web-based Data Form includes two sections reserved for SOAR State Team Leads to report annually. The first section of Part II collects quantitative summary data from states that do not track SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR Web-based Data Form Part I. The second section of Part II collects qualitative (open-ended) questions on annual SOAR accomplishments, identified challenges, and collaborations.

Data from Part I of the form can be compiled into reports on decision results and the use of SOAR critical components, such as the SSA-1696 Appointment of Representative, which allows SSA to communicate directly with the case worker assisting with the application. These reports will be reviewed by agency directors, SOAR state-level leads, and the SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center to quantify the success of the effort overall and to identify areas where additional technical assistance is needed.

There are no proposed changes to Part I of this form. These questions will be answered by all 700 case worker respondents, on average 3 times per year. There are no proposed changes to Part II. These questions will be answered by 75 respondents once per year.

The estimated response burden is as follows:

Form name	Number of respondents	Responses per respondent	Total responses	Hours per response	Total hour burden
SOAR Web-based Data Form (Part I)	700	3	2,100	.25	525
Annual Report Questions (Part II)	75	1	75	1	37.50
Total	775		2,175		562.50

Written comments and recommendations concerning the proposed information collection should be sent by April 1, 2020 to the SAMHSA Desk Officer at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB). To ensure timely receipt of comments, and to avoid potential delays in OMB's receipt and processing of mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail]. Although commenters are encouraged to send their comments via email, commenters may also fax their comments to: 202-395-7285. Commenters may also mail them to: Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, Washington, DC 20503.

Jennifer Wilson,

Budget Analyst.