[Federal Register: May 10, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 91)]
[Notices]               
[Page 31760-31761]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10my02-24]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

 
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request: Food Stamp Program Web-Based Pre-Screening Tool

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on proposed information collections. The information collection being 
proposed involves the use of a web-based pre-screening tool for the 
general public to use to determine potential eligibility for Food Stamp 
Program benefits. Some data provided by the users will be captured and 
retained for analytical purposes.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 9, 2002, to 
be assured consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Pat Seward, Outreach Coordinator, State 
Administration Branch, Food Stamp Program, Food and Nutrition Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 820, 
Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), 
comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways 
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who 
are to respond, including through the use of appropriate, automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    All comments will be summarized and included in the request for 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information 
collection. All comments will become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Requests for additional information should be 
directed to Pat Seward at (703) 305-2328.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Food Stamp Program Web-Based Pre-Screening Tool.
    OMB Number: To be assigned by OMB.
    Form Number: None.
    Expiration Date: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is requesting 
approval from OMB for three years.
    Type of Request: This is a new information collection request.
    Abstract: FNS is developing an interactive web-based food stamp 
pre-screening tool to be utilized by the general public to determine 
potential Food Stamp Program eligibility pursuant to 7 USC 2014. Once 
the user enters household size, income, expenses and resource 
information, the tool will calculate and provide the user with an 
estimated range of benefits that the household may be eligible to 
receive. Since food stamp eligibility and benefit amount may vary by 
location, FNS will provide a disclaimer that the tool is only an 
estimator, and the household will need to contact the local agency to 
determine actual eligibility and the appropriate benefit amount.
    While FNS will not capture and retain any specific identifying or 
eligibility-related information about the household itself that uses 
the tool, it will request and retain the following information:
     The State where the user resides;
     Whether the user is using the tool for personal reasons or 
on behalf of others; and
     If the user is using it on the behalf of others; the user 
will be asked to identify him/herself (i.e., relative of a person in 
need, advocacy organization, faith-based group, etc.) using a drop down 
menu.
    This information will help FNS determine the degree and type of 
system usage as well as potential areas for further study. There may 
also be a formal survey appended to this tool but any such survey and 
proposed information collection will be announced under a separate 
notice.
    Affected Public: Potential food stamp applicants and those using 
the tool on their behalf.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 48,000 per year.
    Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

[[Page 31761]]

    Total Number of Annual Responses: 48,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 8,000 hours.

    Dated: April 25, 2002.
Eric M. Bost,
Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
[FR Doc. 02-11674 Filed 5-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P