2018-03908. Agency Information Collection Activity: Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 30, 2018.

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 (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0098” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cynthia Harvey-Pryor at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3311 (as amended by P.L. 113-146, section 701, effective August 7, 2014), 3513, 3697A, 5113, 5101, 5102, and 5103, 38 CFR 21.3030 and 21.9510.

Title: Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits, VA Form 22-5490.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0098.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA claims examiners use the information from this collection to help determine whether an applying individual qualifies for DEA or Fry Scholarship benefits. The information will also be used to determine if the program of education the applicant wishes to pursue is approved for educational assistance. The form is used to obtain the necessary information from the claimant, and a determination cannot be made without this information.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 29,739 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 45 and 25 min (paper and electronic, respectively).

Frequency of Response: One-time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,981.

By direction of the Secretary.

Cynthia Harvey-Pryor,

Department Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Privacy and Risk, Department of Veterans Affairs.