2011-20856. 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—NEW

In 2009 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created a Technical Assistance Center to assist in the implementation of the SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) effort in all states. SOAR's primary objective is to improve the allowance rate for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who have serious mental illnesses. SOAR has three main components: strategic planning for systems change, training for case managers and ongoing technical assistance.

During the SOAR training, the importance of keeping track of SSI/SSDI applications through the process is stressed, since the process is complex and involves several steps. In response to requests from states implementing SOAR, the Technical Assistance Center under SAMHSA's direction developed a web-based data form that case managers 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 will be housed on the SOAR Web site (http://www.prainc.com/​soar). Use of this form is completely voluntary.

In addition, data from the web-based form can be compiled into reports on decision results and the use of SOAR core components, such as the SSA-1696 Appointment of Representative which allows SSA to communicate directly with the case manager assisting with the application. These reports will be reviewed by agency directors, SOAR state-level leads, and the national SOAR Technical Assistance Center and SOAR national evaluation team to quantify the success of the effort overall and to identify areas where additional technical assistance is needed.

The estimated response burden is as follows:

Information source	Number of respondents	Responses per respondent	Total responses	Hours per response	Total hours
SOAR Data Form	800	36	28,800	.25	7,200

Written comments and recommendations concerning the proposed information collection should be sent by September 16, 2011 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 e-mail to: [e-mail]. Although commenters are encouraged to send their comments via e-mail, 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.

Cathy J. Friedman,

SAMHSA, Public Health Analyst.