SSA developed the Annual Earnings Test Direct Mail Follow-up Program to improve beneficiary reporting on work and earnings during the year, and earnings information at the end of the year. SSA may reduce benefits payable under the Social Security Act when an individual has wages or self-employment income exceeding the annual exempt amount. SSA identifies beneficiaries likely to receive more than the annual exempt amount, and requests more frequent estimates of earnings from them. When applicable, SSA also requests a future year estimate to reduce overpayments due to earnings. SSA sends letters (SSAL9778, L9779, L9781, L9784, L9785, and L9790) to beneficiaries requesting earnings information the month prior to reaching full retirement age. We send each beneficiary a tailored letter, which includes relevant earnings data from SSA records. The Annual Earnings Test Direct Mail Follow-up Program helps to ensure Social Security payments are correct. The respondents are working Social Security beneficiaries.
This is a non-substantive change request. We are making minor revisions to the collection instruments to provide more clarity to the form.
US Code:
42 USC 403
Name of Law: The Social Security Act
US Code:
42 USC 405
Name of Law: The Social Security Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.