2014-23523. Proposed Information Collection (Eligibility Verification Reports); 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 revision 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 determine and verify entitlement to income-based benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through 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. 2900-0101” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through 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.

Titles: Eligibility Verification Reports (EVR).

a. Eligibility Verification Report Instructions, VA Form 21P-0510.

b. Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse), VA Form 21P-0512S-1.

c. Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran), VA Form 21P-0512V-1.

d. Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Children Only), VA Form 21P-0513-1.

e. DIC Parent's Eligibility Verification Report, VA Forms 21P-0514-1.

f. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With No Children), VA Forms 21P-0516-1.

g. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With Children), VA 21P-0517-1.

h. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse With No Children), VA Forms 21P-0518-1.

i. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Child or Children), VA Forms 21P-0519C-1.

j. Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse With Children), VA Forms 21P-0519S-1.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0101.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA uses Eligibility Verification Reports (EVR) forms to verify a claimant's continued entitlement to benefits. Claimants who applied for or receives Improved Pension or Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation must promptly notify VA in writing of any changes in entitlement factors. EVRs are required annually by beneficiaries whose social security number (SSN) or whose spouse's SSN is not verified, or who has income other than Social Security. Recipients of Old Law and Section 306 Pension are no longer required to submit annual EVRs unless there is a change in their income.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 25,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.

Dated: September 29, 2014.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

Department Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.