Proposed Information Collection (Dependents' Request for Change of Program or Place of Training) 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 revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the revision of the form to remove the statement that chapter 35 recipients cannot choose Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 22, 2016.

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 nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0099” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632-8924 or FAX (202) 632-8925.

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.

Title: Dependents' Request for Change of Program or Place of Training, VA Form 22-5495.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0099.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Spouses, surviving spouses, and children who are eligible for Survivor's and Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under chapter 35, and children eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) under chapter 33, title 38, U.S. Code, complete VA Form 22-5495 to change their program of education or place of training. VA uses the information collected to determine if the new program is suitable to their abilities, aptitudes, and interest; and to verify the new place of training is approved for benefits.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 36,038 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 144,333