2013-06871. Proposed Information Collection (Application for Cash Surrender or Policy Loan) 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 extension 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 determine a claimant's eligibility for a loan or cash surrender value on his or her Government Life Insurance policy.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 28, 2013.

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 [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0012 in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS at www.Regulations.gov.

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. 3501-21), 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:

a. Application for Cash Surrender, Government Life Insurance, VA Form 29-1546.

b. Application for Policy Loan, Government Life Insurance, 29-1546-1.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0012.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Claimants complete VA Forms 29-1546 and 29-1546-1 to request a cash surrender or policy loan on his or her Government Life Insurance.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 4,939 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 29,636.

Dated: March 21, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

Robert C. McFetridge,

Director, Office of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.