02-21482. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of information collection packages that will require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with P.L. 104-13 effective October 1, 1995, The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection package(s) that may be included in this notice are for new information collections, revisions to OMB-approved information collections and extensions (no charge) of OMB-approved information collections.

SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility and clarity; and on ways to minimize burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments and recommendations regarding the information collection should be submitted to the SSA Reports Clearance Officer. The information can be mailed and/or faxed to the address or fax number listed below: (SSA) Social Security Administration, DCFAM, Attn: Reports Clearance Officer 1300 Annex Bldg., 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235, Fax: [phone].

The Internet Social Security Benefits Application (ISBA)—0960—0618. One of the requirements for obtaining Social Security benefits is the filing of an application so that a determination may be made on the applicant's eligibility for monthly benefits. ISBA, which is available at the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Internet site, is one method that an individual can choose to file an applicant for benefits. Individuals can use ISBA to apply for retirement insurance benefits (RIB), disability insurance benefits (DIB) and spouse's insurance benefits based on age. SSA gathers only information relevant to the individual applicant's circumstances and will use the information collected by ISBA to entitle individuals to RIB, DIB and/or spouses benefits. Below is an estimate of the public reporting burden:

Type of Request: Revision of an OMB-approved information collection.

Number of Respondents: 169,000.

Frequency of Response: 1.

Average Burden Per Response: 21.4 minutes.

Estimated Annual Burden: 60,277 hours.

Dated: August 19, 2002.

Nicholas E. Tagliareni,

Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Social Security Administration.