E8-17442. Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA/Railroad Retirement Board (RRB))-Match Number 1006

AGENCY:

Social Security Administration (SSA).

ACTION:

Notice of the renewal of an existing computer matching program, which is scheduled to expire on October 4, 2008.

SUMMARY:

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.

DATES:

SSA will file a report of the subject matching program with the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The renewal of the matching program will be effective as indicated below.

ADDRESSES:

Interested parties may comment on this notice by either telefaxing to [phone] or writing to the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management, 800 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401. All comments received will be available for public inspection at this address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

The Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management as shown above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. General

The Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (Pub. L.) 100-503), amended the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) by describing the conditions under which computer matching involving Federal government could be performed and adding certain protections for individuals applying for, and receiving, Federal benefits. Section 7201 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508) further amended the Privacy Act regarding protections for such individuals.

The Privacy Act, as amended, regulates the use of computer matching by Federal agencies when records in a system of records are matched with other Federal, State, or local government records. It requires Federal agencies involved in computer matching programs to:

(1) Negotiate written agreements with the other agency or agencies participating in the matching programs;

(2) Obtain the approval of the matching agreement by the Data Integrity Boards (DIB) of the participating Federal agencies;

(3) Publish notice of the computer matching program in the Federal Register;

(4) Furnish detailed reports about matching programs to Congress and OMB;

(5) Notify applicants and beneficiaries that their records are subject to matching; and

(6) Verify match findings before reducing, suspending, terminating, or denying an individual's benefits or payments.

B. SSA Computer Matches Subject to the Privacy Act

We have taken action to ensure that all of SSA's computer matching programs comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act, as amended.

Dated: July 11, 2008.

Mary Glenn-Croft,

Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management.

Notice of Computer Matching Program, Social Security Administration (SSA) With the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)

A. Participating Agencies

SSA and RRB.

B. Purpose of the Matching Program

The purpose of this matching program is to establish the conditions, safeguards and procedures under which the RRB agrees to disclose RRB annuity payment data to the SSA. This disclosure will provide SSA with information necessary to verify Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and Special Veterans Benefits (SVB) eligibility and benefit payment amounts. It also helps to ensure that correct recording on the Supplemental Security Income Record (SSR) of railroad annuity amounts paid to SSI and SVB recipients by RRB. The SSI program provides payments to aged, blind and disabled recipients with income and resources at or below levels established by law and regulations. The SVB program provides similar benefits to certain World War II veterans.

C. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

The legal authority for the SSI portion of this matching program is contained in sections 1631(e)(1)(A) and (B) and 1631(f) of the Social Security Act (“the Act”), (42 U.S.C. 1383 (e)(1)(A) and (B) and 1383(f)). The legal authority for the SVB portion of this matching program is contained in section 806(b) of the Act, (42 U.S.C. 1006 (b)).

D. Categories of Records and Individuals Covered by the Matching Program

On the basis of certain identifying information as provided by SSA to RRB, RRB will provide SSA with electronic files containing annuity payment data from RRB's system of records, RRB-22 Railroad Retirement, Survivor, and Pensioner Benefits System, entitled Checkwriting Integrated Computer Operation (CHICO) Benefit Payment Master. SSA will then match the RRB data with data maintained in the SSR, SSA/OASSIS, 60-0103 system of records. SVB data also resides on the SSR.

E. Inclusive Dates of the Matching Program

The matching program will become effective no sooner than 40 days after notice of the matching program is sent to Congress and OMB, or 30 days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register, whichever date is later. The matching program will continue for 18 months from the effective date and may be extended for an additional 12 months thereafter, if certain conditions are met.