Claimants or beneficiaries, both United States (U.S.) citizens and aliens entitled to benefits, living outside the U.S. complete Form SSA-21 as a supplement to an application for benefits. SSA collects the information to determine eligibility for U.S. Social Security benefits for those months an alien beneficiary or claimant is outside the U.S., and to determine if tax withholding applies. In addition, SSA uses the information to: (1) allow beneficiaries or claimants to request a special payment exception in an SSA Restricted country; (2) terminate Supplemental Medical Insurance coverage for recipients who request it, because they are, or will be, out of the U.S.; and (3) allow claimants to collect a lump sum death benefit if the number holder died outside the U.S. and we do not have information to determine the whether the lump sum death is payable under the Social Security Act. The respondents are Social Security claimants, or individuals entitled to Social Security benefits, who are, will be, or have been residing outside the U.S. for three months or longer. We are making non-Substantive changes to make the macros easier to understand and use.
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.