80 FR 46107 - Proposed Information Collection (VA Forms 21P-4706b, 21-4706c, 21-4718a) Activity: Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 148 (August 3, 2015)

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 with extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information provided by VA federal fiduciaries management of beneficiary funds.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46107-46108]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18923]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0017]


Proposed Information Collection (VA Forms 21P-4706b, 21-4706c, 
21-4718a) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 
with extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days 
for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits 
comments on information provided by VA federal fiduciaries management 
of beneficiary funds.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before October 2, 2015.

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

[[Page 46108]]

Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to [email protected]. 
Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0017'' 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: (a) VA Fiduciary's Account (VA Form 21P-4706b),
    (b) Court Appointed Fiduciary's Account (VA Form 21P-4706c), and
    (c) Certificate of Balance on Deposit and Authorization to Disclose 
Financial Records (VA Form 21-4718a).
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0017.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection and 
minor changes.
    Abstract: VA maintains supervision of the distribution and use of 
VA benefits paid to fiduciaries on behalf of VA claimants who are 
incompetent, a minor, or under legal disability. The forms are used to 
verify beneficiaries' deposit remaining at a financial institution 
against a fiduciary's accounting. The following forms will be used to 
ensure claimants' benefits payments are administered properly.
    (a) VA Forms 21P-4706b and 4706c are used by estate to determine 
proper usage of benefits paid to fiduciaries. The 21P-4706b are both 
necessary to conform to requirement of various State courts.
    (b) VA Form 21-4718a--Fiduciaries are required to obtain 
certifications that the balances remaining on deposit in financial 
institutions as shown on accountings are correct. Certifying official 
at a financial institution completing the form must affix the 
institution's official seal or stamp. The data collected is used to 
appoint an appropriate fiduciary for a VA beneficiary and to prevent 
fiduciaries from supplying false certification, embezzling funds, and 
possibly prevent and/or identify fraud, waste and abuse of government 
funds paid to fiduciaries on behalf of VA beneficiaries.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 17,850.
    (a) 21P-4706b: 12,600.
    (b) 21P-4706c: 3,500.
    (c) 21-4718a: 1,750.
    Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:
    (a) 21P-4706b: 27 minutes.
    (b) 21P-4706c: 30 minutes.
    (c) 21-4718: 3 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: Annually.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 35,000.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Kathleen M. Manwell,
Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office of Privacy and Records 
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2015-18923 Filed 7-31-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P