2020-01940. Agency Information Collection Activity: Financial Statement

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The 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 3, 2020.

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. 2900-0047” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Danny S. Green, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0047” in any correspondence.

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: Public Law 89-754, Section 1013; 8 U.S.C. 3702(b)(2), 38 U.S.C. 3714.

Title: Financial Statement (VA form 26-6807).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0047.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 26-6807 is used to determine a borrower's financial condition in connection with efforts to reinstate a seriously defaulted, guaranteed, insured, or portfolio loan. In addition, the form is used in determining the financial feasibility of a veteran or service member to obtain a home with the assistance of a Specially Adapted Housing Grant under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 21. Also, VA Form 26-6807 may be used to establish eligibility of homeowners for aid under the Homeowners Assistance Program, Public Law 89-754, which provides assistance by reducing losses incident to the disposal of homes when military installations at which the homeowners were employed or serving are ordered closed in whole or in part. Finally, the form is used in release of liability and substitution of entitlement cases. Under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 3714, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may release original veteran obligors from personal liability arising from the original guaranty of their home loans, or the making of a direct loan, provided purchasers/assumers meet the necessary requirements, among which is qualifying from a credit standpoint. Substitution of entitlement is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 3702(b)(2) and prospective veteran-assumers must also meet the creditworthiness requirements.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,250 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 45 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,000.

By direction of the Secretary.

Danny S. Green,

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