When the Social Security Administration intends to collect certain information or data from groups or individuals via routine submissions or forms, those collection activities must first be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with Public Law 104-13, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. Typically, these collection activities are published in the Federal Register with the opportunity for the general public to submit comments. Any comments submitted are considered by the agencies before the proposed changes are finalized.

The agency’s latest information collection package, which can be read in full here, sought comment on several changes including a proposed New Applicant Survey and changes to the Statutory Benefit Continuation Election Statement and Disability Report-Appeal forms. NOSSCR submitted comments and those comments can be read in full below.