[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13363-13364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6612]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0165]


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), 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 extension of a 
currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in 
response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information 
needed to evaluate claimant's eligibility for waiver of collection, 
payment plans or compromises on VA benefits debts.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed

[[Page 13364]]

collection of information should be received on or before May 19, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
David Sturm, VA Debt Management Center, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal 
Building, 1 Federal Drive, Room 156D, Ft. Snelling, MN 55123 or e-mail 
to: [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0165'' 
in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Sturm at (612) 970-5702 or FAX 
(612) 970-5687.

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: Financial Status Report, VA Form 5655.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0165.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 5655 is attached to first collection letters sent 
to debtors owing VA benefit debts. Submission of the completed form is 
voluntary on the part of the debtor unless he or she requests waiver of 
collection, makes a compromise offer, wishes to make installment 
payments or establish his or her inability to pay the debt under any 
circumstances. Federal employees subject to salary offset may use Form 
5655 to support their contention that the proposed offset schedule 
would create extreme hardship. The information obtained is used to 
determine the financial status of the debtors, his/her ability to pay, 
and the feasibility of exploring compromise.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 45,553 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 1 hour.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 45,553.

    Dated: February 26, 2003.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Martin L. Hill,
Acting Director, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6612 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am]
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