SSA uses the information it collects on Form SSA-21 to determine continuing entitlement to Social Security benefits and the proper benefit amounts of alien beneficiaries living outside the United States. SSA also uses the information to determine whether benefits are subject to withholding tax. The respondents are individuals entitled to Social Security benefits who are, will be, or have been residing outside the United States.
There have been no program changes in this form and there is no change in the public reporting burden. However, prior to ROCIS, SSA was unable to show the separate time estimates for each form. Because ROCIS now allows us to separate the collection instrucments, we are reporting the burdens per form separately; therefore, the burden estimate is more accurate.
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.