Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Application for Work Study Allowance; Student Work-Study Agreement (Advance Payment); Extended Student Work-Study Agreement; Student Work-Study Agreement
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Veterans Benefits Administration wants to collect information using some forms to help give work-study jobs to veterans, and they need permission from another office before they can start. People can tell them what they think about this plan before a deadline.
Summary AI
The Veterans Benefits Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is submitting an information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection involves forms related to the Application for Work-Study Allowance and Work-Study Agreements. The information gathered will help determine eligibility and payment details for veterans participating in work-study programs. Public comments on this collection are invited within 30 days of the notice's publication.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand is a notice from the Veterans Benefits Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, regarding the submission of an information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This submission is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates federal agencies to seek approval before collecting information from the public. The purpose of this particular information collection is to gather data through the Application for Work-Study Allowance and Work-Study Agreements, which will help determine eligibility and payment details for veterans participating in work-study programs.
General Summary
The document outlines the procedural steps the Veterans Benefits Administration is taking to comply with federal regulations in collecting information necessary for the operation of its work-study programs. It highlights the necessity for public input and comments within a 30-day window post-publication as part of the review process by the OMB.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several potential issues arise upon examining the document. Firstly, the expected cost involved in the information collection activity is not specified. This omission can be significant as understanding the costs associated with administering these programs is essential for evaluating potential efficiency or lack thereof in government spending.
Furthermore, the density of technical language used in areas such as the DATES section may pose a barrier to general public understanding. Simplifying such sections could enhance transparency and accessibility for the lay reader.
The repeated compliance language like the statement regarding the OMB control number, while legally necessary, could indeed be simplified to better convey its essence to a non-specialist audience. Additionally, citations such as "85 FR 255" could benefit from contextual explanations to enhance clarity.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The broader public could be affected by how efficiently and effectively the Veterans Benefits Administration manages these programs, as efficient use of government resources is in the public interest. However, without outline of expected costs and benefits, it remains difficult for citizens to gauge this independently.
Specific stakeholders, particularly veterans utilizing the work-study program, directly stand to benefit from timely and accurate administration of these allowances. Providing improved and clear documentation, along with straightforward procedures, can enhance their experience and perhaps increase program accessibility.
Conclusion
While this document fulfills regulatory obligations by informing the public and seeking comments, the communication could benefit from being more transparent regarding costs and potential advantages. Also, ensuring information is accessible to those outside the administrative or military circles is crucial for fostering a more inclusive understanding. Enhancing clarity and reducing jargon could significantly aid in achieving these aims.
Issues
• The document doesn't specify the expected cost of the information collection activity, which may be important for assessing potential wasteful spending.
• The abstract and summary sections are repetitive and could be streamlined for clarity.
• The language in the DATES section is dense and might be difficult for the general public to follow.
• The phrase 'An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number' is complex and could be simplified for clarity.
• The reference to '85 FR 255' is technical and might not be easily understood by a layperson without additional context.
• The document does not elaborate on what types of 'individuals or households' are eligible under 'Affected Public', which may be important for clarity.
• The document does not provide information on potential benefits or impacts of the program beyond administrative details.