2022-12151. Agency Information Collection Activity: Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility-Unmarried Surviving Spouses

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 revision 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 August 8, 2022.

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. 2900-0055” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 1717 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0055” 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 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility—Unmarried Surviving Spouses.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0055.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 26-1817 is used by VA to determine an unmarried surviving spouse's eligibility for Loan Guaranty benefits, and the amount of entitlement available. Each completed form is normally accompanied by proof of the deceased Veteran's military service and is submitted by the applicant to the appropriate VA office. If eligible, VA will issue the applicant a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be used in applying for Loan Guaranty benefits.

This form is also used in restoration of entitlement cases. Generally, if an applicant has used all or part of their entitlement, it may be restored if (1) the property has been sold and the loan has been paid in full or (2) a qualified Veteran-transferee agrees to assume the balance on the loan and agrees to substitute their entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the applicant to get the loan. The buyer must also meet the occupancy and income and credit requirements of the law. Restoration is not automatic; an applicant must apply for it by completing VA Form 26-1817.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 4,250 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,500.

By direction of the Secretary.

Maribel Aponte,

VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.