Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) wants to know what people think about their plan to check if students aged 18-19, who get special money because their parents worked on trains, are really going to school full-time. They are using some forms to do this check-up and want to make sure it's done right, with no changes to the forms. 📝
Summary AI
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is seeking public comments on their proposed data collection regarding student beneficiary monitoring. This data collection is needed to determine if students aged 18 to 19 are entitled to certain benefits if they are attending school full-time. The RRB uses specific forms to verify school attendance but does not propose any changes to these forms. Comments must be submitted within 60 days of the notice's publication.
Abstract
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: Student Beneficiary Monitoring; OMB 3220-0123. Under provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), there are two types of benefit payments that are based on the status of a child being in full-time elementary or secondary school attendance at age 18- 19: (1) A survivor child's annuity benefit under Section 2(d)(1)(iii) (45 U.S.C. 231a) and (2) an increase in the employee retirement annuity under the Special Guaranty computation as prescribed in Section 3(f)(2) (45 U.S.C. 231b) and 20 CFR 229. The survivor student annuity is usually paid by direct deposit to a financial institution either into the student's checking or savings account or into a joint bank account with a parent. The requirements for eligibility as a student are prescribed in 20 CFR 216.74, and include students in independent study and home schooling. To help determine if a child is entitled to student benefits, the RRB requires evidence of full-time school attendance. This evidence is acquired through the RRB's student monitoring program, which utilizes the following forms. Form G-315, Student Questionnaire, obtains certification of a student's full-time school attendance as well as information on the student's marital status, social security benefits, and employment, which are needed to determine entitlement or continued entitlement to benefits under the RRA. Form G-315A, Statement of School Official, is used to obtain, from a school, verification of a student's full-time attendance when the student fails to return a monitoring Form G-315. Form G-315A.1, School Official's Notice of Cessation of Full- Time School Attendance, is used by a school to notify the RRB that a student has ceased full-time school attendance. The RRB proposes no changes to Forms G-315, G-315A, or G-315A.1.
Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register outlines a proposal by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) concerning the collection of data related to student beneficiary monitoring. This collection aims to determine the eligibility of certain benefits for students between the ages of 18 and 19 who attend school full-time. The RRB employs specific forms to execute this verification process but does not propose any changes to these forms at this time.
General Summary
The notice is a call for public comments on the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection process. It seeks input on the accuracy of the RRB's burden estimates related to information collection, suggestions to improve clarity and utility, and recommendations to minimize the burden on respondents. The forms involved in this process, namely Form G-315, Form G-315A, and Form G-315A.1, are used to certify and verify students' full-time attendance and to notify changes in school attendance status.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One primary issue with the document is the lack of detailed information regarding the estimated burden of the information collection. Without this, it is difficult for readers and stakeholders to evaluate whether the RRB's estimates are reasonable or accurate. Additionally, the document does not address the potential costs or budget implications of maintaining the data collection program, making it hard to assess financial efficiency.
The language within the document is somewhat technical, catering perhaps to legal or governmental professionals. References to legal codes and sections are not elucidated in simpler terms, possibly hindering comprehension for the general public without a background in these areas.
Moreover, while the document invites comments on minimizing the burden through automation or technology, it does not provide insights into how this might be achieved. Further, the document fails to detail the content and user-friendliness of the forms mentioned, leaving an open question about their complexity.
Public Impact
From a broad perspective, this document could impact the community significantly, particularly students receiving benefits based on their educational status. Clarity and accessibility in the reporting process are crucial to ensuring that beneficiaries can efficiently and effectively comply with the requirements.
Specific stakeholders, such as students and educational institutions, might be directly affected by any procedural changes or burdens associated with the forms. Ensuring these forms are clear and straightforward could streamline compliance and reduce any unnecessary stress on beneficiaries and school officials responsible for verification.
On a positive note, the establishment of such a monitoring system helps maintain the integrity of benefit allocations, ensuring that only eligible students receive the financial support intended for them. This could contribute to the equitable distribution of benefits and support for those genuinely in need.
Conclusion
The RRB's proposal is an essential step in maintaining oversight of students' eligibility for certain benefits. However, the notice would benefit from more detailed explanations and accessible language for broader public understanding and effective stakeholder participation. Addressing these concerns could foster a more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly system that aids in the RRB's mission to support eligible students.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details on the estimated burden of the collection of the information, making it difficult to assess whether the RRB's estimation is accurate.
• No information is provided regarding the cost or budget implications related to the proposed data collection and maintenance of the student monitoring program, making it challenging to evaluate potential wasteful spending.
• The language used in the document is somewhat technical and may be difficult for respondents without legal or governmental background to understand. For instance, references to legal codes such as 'Section 2(d)(1)(iii) (45 U.S.C. 231a)' are not explained in layman's terms.
• The document lacks detailed explanation on how automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology could potentially minimize the burden on respondents.
• The forms mentioned (Forms G-315, G-315A, and G-315A.1) are not described in detail, making it hard to assess if the collection tools are user-friendly or overly complex for respondents.