Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: August 15, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 158)]

[Notices]

[Page 53366-53367]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15au02-78]

RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

Proposed Data Collection Available for Public Comment and Recommendations

Summary: In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title and Purpose of Information Collection

Evidence of Martial Relationship, Living with Requirements; OMB 3220-0021.

To support an application for a spouse or widow(er)'s annuity under Sections 2(c) or 2(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act, an applicant must submit proof of a valid marriage to a railroad employee. In some cases, the existence of a marital relationship is not formalized by a civil or religious ceremony. In other cases, questions may arise about the legal termination of a prior marriage of an employee, spouse, or widow(er). In these instances, the RRB must secure additional information to resolve questionable marital relationships. The circumstances requiring an applicant to submit documentary evidence of marriage are prescribed in 20 CFR 219.30.

In the absence of documentary evidence to support the existence of a valid marriage between a spouse or widow(er) annuity applicant and a railroad employee, the RRB needs to obtain information to determine if a

[[Page 53367]]

valid marriage existed. The RRB utilizes Forms G-124, Statement of Marital Relationship; G-124a, Statement Regarding Marriage; G-237, Statement Regarding Marital Status; G-238, Statement of Residence; and G-238a, Statement Regarding Divorce or Annulment to secure the needed information. One response is requested of each respondent. Completion is required to obtain benefits. The RRB proposes minor non-burden impacting cosmetic, editorial and formatting changes to all the forms in the collection.

Estimate of Annual Respondent Burden

The estimated annual respondent burden is as follows:

Annual

Burden Form #(s)

responses Time (Min) (Hrs)

G-124 (In person)................

125

15

31 G-124 (By mail)..................

75

20

25 G-124a...........................

300

10

50 G-237 (In person)................

75

15

19 G-237 (By mail)..................

75

20

25 G-238 (In person)................

150

3

8 G-238 (By mail)..................

150

5

13 G-238a...........................

150

10

25

Total........................

1,100 ...........

196

Additional Information or Comments: To request more information or to obtain a copy of the information collection justification, forms, and/or supporting material, please call the RRB Clearance Officer at (312) 751-3363. Comments regarding the information collection should be addressed to Ronald J. Hodapp, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 N. Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Chuck Mierzwa, Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 02-20676Filed8-14-02; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7905-01-M