04-2044. 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 authorize advance payment of educational assistance benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 2, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail comments to: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0325” in any correspondence.

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: Certificate of Delivery of Advance Payment and Enrollment, VA Form 22-1999V.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0325.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 22-1999V serves as the certificate of delivery of the advance payment and to report any changes in the student's training status. Schools are required to report the following to VA: (1) The failure of the student to enroll; (2) an interruption or termination of attendance; or, (3) a finding of unsatisfactory attendance, conduct or progress. VA uses this information from the current collection at the beginning of each school term to ensure that advance payments were delivered.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal Government.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,133 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,000.

Estimated Total Number of Respondents: 13,600.

Dated: January 20, 2004.

By direction of the Secretary.

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.