We are issuing these interim final rules to reflect and implement section 207 of the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Public Law (Pub. L.) 106-169). This provision amended the Social Security Act (the Act) by adding a new section 1129A which provides for the imposition by SSA of a penalty on any person who knowingly (knew or should have known or acted with knowing disregard for the truth) makes a statement that is false or misleading or omits a material fact for use in determining any right to or the amount of monthly benefits under titles II or XVI. The penalty is nonpayment for a specified number of months of benefits under title II that would otherwise be payable to the person and ineligibility for cash benefits under title XVI (including State supplementary payments made by SSA according to Sec. 416.2005). Although we are issuing these rules as interim final rules, we are also asking for public comments on the changes made by these rules.