2010-24246. 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 a renewal of an existing computer matching program that is scheduled to expire on March 1, 2011.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces a renewal of an existing computer matching program that we are currently conducting with RRB.

DATES:

We 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 Executive Director, Office of Privacy and Disclosure, Office of the General Counsel, 617 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 Executive Director, Office of Privacy and Disclosure, Office of the General Counsel 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 the Federal government could be performed and adding certain protections for persons 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 persons.

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 a person's benefits or payments.

B. SSA Computer Matches Subject to the Privacy Act

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

Jonathan R. Cantor,

Executive Director, Office of Privacy and Disclosure, Office of the General Counsel.

Notice of Computer Matching Program, SSA With 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 RRB will disclose RRB annuity payment data to us. This disclosure will provide us 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 the 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 (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 Persons Covered by the Matching Program

RRB will provide SSA with an electronic data file 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 match the RRB data with data maintained in the SSR, Supplemental Security Income Record and Special Veterans Benefits, SSA/ODSSIS, 60-0103. SVB data also resides on the SSR.

E. Inclusive Dates of the Matching Program

The effective date of this matching program is March 1, 2011; provided that the following notice periods have lapsed: 30 days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register and 40 days after notice of the matching program is sent to Congress and OMB. 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.