Addendum to the Supporting Statement 0960-0062

ADDENDUM TO THE SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

FORM SSA-24

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVOR’S BENEFITS

20 CFR 404.611(a) and (c)

OMB No. 0960-0062

Revision to the Collection Instrument

Change 1: We are changing the language in item #10 f or the box designed for “SURVIVING SPOUSE” to show “SURVIVING SPOUSE OR SURVIVING DIVORCED SPOUSE.”

Justification 1: The form needs to provide a box for respondents to check for all possible dependents of the veteran. Therefore, there is a need in item #10 to show surviving divorced spouse to check as a relationship of applicant to the veteran.

Change 2: We are changing the language in item #13 from “(including natural children, adopted children and stepchildren)” to “(including adopted children and stepchildren).”

Justification 2: We are removing the phrase “natural children” because the term “natural” is not in the Social Security Act nor defined in the regulations. Additionally, we are deleting the whole phrase because if we remove “natural,” the term “children” becomes redundant.

Change 3: We are removing the following text in the instructions (page 10):

"Please understand that Social Security may, in certain instances, disclose the information on this form to another Federal, State or local agency or individual without your written consent. This would be done in order to:

• enable a third party or an agency to assist Social Security in establishing an individual's right to benefits or coverage;

• comply with Federal laws which require or authorize the release of information from social security records; and

• facilitate statistical research and audit activities necessary to assure the integrity and improvement of the social security programs."

Justification 2: We are removing this text in the instructions, as it is redundant with the information provided in the revised Privacy Act (PA) Statement.

Other Minor Revisions to the Collection Instrument

SSA is also making the following revisions:

We are revising the PRA statement to reflect our current boilerplate language.  The current language, which dates back to the last reprint of the form, is now outdated.

SSA’s Office of the General Counsel is conducting a systematic review of SSA’s PA statements on agency forms. As a result, SSA is updating the PA statement on the form.