E8-26857. Proposed Information Collection (Notice of Change in Student Status) 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 revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to report changes in students' enrollment status.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 12, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0156” 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.

Title: Notice of Change in Student Status (Under Chapter 30, 32, or 35, Title 38 U.S.C.; Chapters 1606 and 1607, Title 10 U.S.C.; or Section 901 and 903 of Pub. L. 96-342; the National Call to Service Provision of Public Law 107-314; the “Transfer of Entitlement” Provision of Pub. L. 107-107; and the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986), VA Form 22-1999b.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0156.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Educational institutions use VA Form 22-1999b to report a student's enrollment status. Benefits are not payable when the student interrupts or terminates a program. VA uses the information to determine the student's continued entitlement to educational benefits or if the benefits should be increased, decreased, or terminated.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 51,667 hours.

a. VA Form 22-1999b (Paper Copy)—16,667 hours.

b. VA Form 22-1999b (Electronically Filed)—35,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:

a. VA Form 22-1999b (Paper Copy)—10 minutes.

b. VA Form 22-1999b (Electronically Filed)—7 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,500.

Estimated Total Number of Responses Annually: 400,000.

a. VA Form 22-1999b (Paper Copy)—100,000.

b. VA Form 22-1999b (Electronically Filed)—300,000.

Dated: November 5, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.