Justification for the Non-Substantive Changes - 0062

Justification for Non-Substantive Changes for Form SSA-24

Application for Survivor’s Benefits

20 CFR 404.611(a) and (c)

OMB No. 0960-0062

Background

Surviving family members of armed services personnel can file for Social Security and veterans’ benefits with Social Security Administration (SSA) or at the Veterans Administration (VA). To file for Title II survivor benefits, applicants complete Form SSA-24 at the VA, which is then forwarded to SSA for processing. SSA uses the information to determine eligibility for benefits.

SSA developed a fillable, printable version of the SSA-24, as some individuals may find it easier to use. The fillable version allows the respondents to complete the form electronically using a personal computer, or other computing device, print the completed form, and submit it to SSA. We developed this fillable version, as we want to ensure SSA provides effective communication and remains in compliance with the requirements of 45 CFR 85.51 of the Code of Federal Regulations and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We propose the fillable PDF version as a more accessible modality. In addition, the new fillable modality will enhance our electronic services and recordkeeping efforts.

Revisions to the Information Collection

• Change #1: SSA intends to provide Form SSA-24 in a fillable PDF file on our website, in place of the non-fillable PDF version we currently provide. We propose to make all form entries fillable.

Justification #1: This change will allow the respondents to continue to print and complete the form by hand, or, alternatively, complete the form using a computing device, such as a personal computer or handheld (mobile) device, print, and submit the form to SSA for processing.

After OMB approves the addition of the new fillable version of the form, SSA will phase out the standard PDF versions from our Internet and Intranet websites and replace them with the fillable PDF file.

This action does not affect the public reporting burden.