2023-16711. Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Claim for Continuance of Compensation, CA-12

AGENCY:

Division of Federal Employees' Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP/DFELHWC), Labor.

ACTION:

Request for public comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance request for comment to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request helps to ensure that: requested data can be provided in the desired format; reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized; collection instruments are clearly understood; and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, OWCP/DFELHWC is soliciting comments on the information collection for Claim for Continuance of Compensation, CA–12.

DATES:

All comments must be received on or before October 6, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comment as follows. Please note that late, untimely filed comments will not be considered.

Written/Paper Submissions: Submit written/paper submissions in the following way:

• Mail/Hand Delivery: Mail or visit DOL–OWCP/DFELHWC, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Division of Federal Employees' Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S–3323, Washington, DC 20210.

• OWCP/DFELHWC will post your comment as well as any attachments, except for information submitted and marked as confidential, in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anjanette Suggs, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Division of Federal Employees Longshore, and Harbor Workers' Compensation, OWCP/DFELHWC, at [e-mail] (email) (202) 354–9660 (voice).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs administers the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, which provides for continuation of pay or compensation for work related injuries or disease that resulted from Federal employment. Under 5 U.S.C. 8133 of the Act, eligible survivors of deceased employees receive compensation benefits on account of the employee's death. OWCP has to monitor death benefits for current marital status, potential for dual benefits, and other criteria for qualifying as a beneficiary under the law. Under 5 U.S.C. 8149, the Secretary of Labor may prescribe rules and regulations necessary for the administration and enforcement of this subchapter. Under CFR 10.414, the CA–12 is sent annually to beneficiaries in death cases to verify that their marital and/or beneficiary status has not changed to remain entitled to benefits.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

OWCP is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection related to the Claim for Continuance of Compensation, CA–12. OWCP is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of OWCP/DFELHWC's estimate of the burden related to the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used in the estimate;
• Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Minimize the burden of the information collection 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.

Background documents related to this information collection request are available at https://regulations.gov and at DOL–OWCP/DFELHWC located at 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room S–3323, Washington, DC 20210. Questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

This information collection requests concerns the Claim for Continuance of Compensation, CA–12. OWCP/DFELHWC has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request from the previous information collection request.

Type of Review: Extension, without change, or a currently approved collection.

Agency: Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Division of Federal Employees' Longshore, and Harbor Workers' Compensation, OWCP/DFELHWC.

Title of Collection: Claim for Continuance of Compensation.

OMB Number: 1240–0015.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 2,894.

Frequency: Annually.

Estimated Annualized Burden Hours and Cost Table: $6,895.00.

Number of Responses: 2,894.

Annual Burden Hours: 241.

Total Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $1,483.00.

OWCP Form: Form CA–12, Claim for Continuance of Compensation.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the proposed information collection request; they will become a matter of public record and will be available at https://www.reginfo.gov.

Anjanette Suggs,

Certifying Officer.