2012-25750. Proposed Information Collection (Verification of VA Benefits) Activity: 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 by lenders to determine whether any benefits related debts exist in the veteran-borrower's name prior to the closing of any VA-guaranteed loans on an automatic basis.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 18, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0406” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through at FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), 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: Verification of VA Benefits, VA Form 26-8937.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0406.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Lenders authorized to make VA-guaranteed home or manufactured loans on an automatic basis are required to determine through VA whether any benefits related debts exist in the veteran-borrower's name prior to the closing of any automatic loan. Lenders cannot close any proposed automatic loan until evidence is received from VA stating that there is no debt, or if a debt exists, or the veteran has agreed on an acceptable repayment plan, or payments under a plan already in effect are current. VA Form 26-8937 is used to assist lenders and VA in the completion of debt checks in a uniform manner. The form restricts information requested to only that is needed for the debt check and to eliminate unlimited versions of lender-designed forms. The form also informs the lender whether or not the veteran is exempt from paying the funding fee, which must be collected on all VA home loans unless the veteran is receiving service-connected disability compensation.

Affected Public: Individuals of households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 10,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One-time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 120,000.

Dated: October 15, 2012.

By direction of the Secretary.

William F. Russo,

Deputy Director, Office of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.