[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 185 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51120-51121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25553]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0270]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 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 help veteran-borrowers who 
are seriously delinquent on guaranteed or insured VA home loans.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
20420. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0270'' in any 
correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 
or FAX (202) 275-5947.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 
U.S.C., 3501-3520), 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 and Form Number: Financial Counseling Statement, VA Form 26-
8844.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0270.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The form is part of VA's supplemental servicing program 
for helping veteran-borrowers who are seriously delinquent on 
guaranteed or

[[Page 51121]]

insured VA home loans. In VA's supplemental servicing effort, financial 
counseling is performed in appropriate cases to afford veteran-
borrowers the maximum assistance possible to retain their homes during 
periods of temporary financial difficulty. The information collected is 
used by VA to make recommendations to the borrower in an effort to help 
the borrower cure the default status of the loan.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 3,750 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 45 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,000.

    Dated: August 24, 1998.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25553 Filed 9-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P