BEVE and iBEVE

Electronic Benefit Verification (BEVE) and Internet Benefit Verification (iBEVE)

OMB No. 0960-0595

Justification for Non-Substantive Changes to the Collection

Background

SSA established the Electronic Benefit Verification (BEVE) Internet service to provide Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients the convenience of requesting a proof-of-income statement through the Internet. To obtain a BEVE, requesters must identify the type of information from Social Security Administration (SSA) records they need by selecting one or more check blocks on the electronic request form. Requesters must also provide name and social security number (SSN) or claim number (the SSN under which they receive payments; e.g., spouse’s SSN) and several identifying elements required for authentication. Beneficiaries and SSI recipients may request a BEVE letter for proof of income for obtaining housing, food stamps or other public services.

The iBEVE Internet service allows the same BEVE service the public uses to access proof-of-income and benefit information. However, the iBEVE service/application allows the public instant online access to their benefit information. This service allows instant access to benefit information (unlike the BEVE service that mails the information via U.S. Postal Service). iBEVE users are required to pass SSA’s Public Credentialing and Authentication Process, prior to entering into the iBEVE application.

The respondents are Social Security title II and Medicare beneficiaries, and SSI recipients.

Non-Substantive Changes

SSA would like to remove one screen in the iBEVE application, and incorporate the screen’s function into the iBEVE letter screen. Users would be able to customize their iBEVE letter (the removed screen’s function) and see those selected customizations simultaneous in their letter all on one screen. The functionality that allowed users to tailor their letter is now in the letter screen (PDF) rather than a separate screen with the application. (See screens below.)

Burden

This change will not affect the ICR burden.

Justification

This change improves on line service delivery to the public.

We now present the user with a screen that allows them to make the iBEVE letter selections and another screen showing the iBEVE letter (PDF).

Now this screen will be incorporated into the PDF to be able to make selections (or edit) the letter from the PDF: