Part B - Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods 0960-0133

Supporting Statement for Form SSA-8508 BK

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) -

Quality Review Case Analysis

OMB No. 0960-0133

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. The sample universe consists of about 8 million recipients. We have completed at least 95 percent of each sample using Form SSA-8508 BK since beginning sample reviews in September 1973. There is no reason we expect a change in future response rates.

2. The sample is a random sample. SSA divides the nation into 10 regions. We select a random sample for each region. Since the probability of selection varies by region, we have the capability to use the final sample data to produce regional as well as national data.

We collect and report information from Form SSA-8508 BK on an annual cycle, and we can generalize the reported data to the sample universe with a confidence level of 95 percent within a range of plus or minus 3 percent for the nation.

3. Initially, we solicit respondents’ cooperation by mailing an advance notification letter, a return contact sheet, and a Form SSA-97 (a checklist for the respondents’ use), OMB No. 0960-0432. Whenever a reviewer encounters an uncooperative respondent, we solicit SSA field office (FO) assistance, and may reassign the case to another reviewer. If we are unable to complete an interview with the potential respondent, we may request FO case file material and, if it contains sufficient information, we use it in lieu of the recipient interview. The reviewer will exclude a case from the sample only after we have explored all reasonable alternatives. The sample size allows for a reasonable number of exclusions without affecting confidence levels. Whenever we cannot locate the sampled individual, we request FO assistance to find the recipient. If the FO cannot locate the recipient, we suspend payments pending further investigation. This is one of SSA's payment safeguards.

4. We are not taking any formal testing of Form SSA-8508-BK information collection and reporting methods at this time.

5. Daniel Zabronsky is the agency's statistician responsible for reviewing and approving the statistical aspects of the survey design. Mr. Zabronsky’s contact number is (410) 965-5953. SSA’s Office of Quality Review collects, analyzes, and reports on the information obtained from the review.