01-24501. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to audit accountings of fiduciaries.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 30, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0168” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Request for Estate Information, VA Form Letter 21-439.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0168.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The form letter is used in VA's Fiduciary and Field Examination Program, which is responsible for carrying out a Congressional mandate that VA maintains supervision of the distribution and use of VA benefits paid to a fiduciary on behalf of a beneficiary who is incompetent, a minor or under legal disability. Title 38, U.S.C., Section 5503(b)(1)(A), requires discontinuance of benefits when an estate reaches a specific limit and other conditions exist. The information collected is used to determine whether an estate exceeds the limit and discontinuance is warranted.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,300 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 13,800.

Dated: September 19, 2001.

By direction of the Secretary:

Donald L. Neilson,

Director, Information Management Service.