Mandatory Verification of Dependents (VA Form 21-0538)

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
Form VA Form 21-0538 Mandatory Verification of Dependents (VA Form 21-0538) Form	Modified
2023-27052, 30-Day FRN (2900-0500).pdf Supplementary Document	2023-12-13
2023-22267, 60-Day FRN (2900-0500).pdf Supplementary Document	2023-12-06
2900-0500, Supporting Statement (VAF 21-0538).docx Supporting Statement A	2023-12-13

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
28684	Mandatory Verification of Dependents (VA Form 21-0538) Form	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 2900-0500	ICR Reference No: 202309-2900-011
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No: 202009-2900-017
Agency/Subagency: VA	Agency Tracking No: VBA-COMP-NK
Title: Mandatory Verification of Dependents (VA Form 21-0538)
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 12/13/2023

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved	02/29/2024
Responses	123,246	175,400
Time Burden (Hours)	20,541	29,233
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	438,490

---

Abstract: VA Form 21-0538 is used to gather information from veterans about the status of dependents for whom additional compensation is being paid. Without this collection of information, VA would not be able to determine continued eligibility for an additional allowance for dependents.

---

Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 38 USC 501 Name of Law: Rules and Regulations
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

---

Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

---

Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	88 FR 22267	10/06/2023
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	88 FR 27052	12/11/2023
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

---

Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Mandatory Verification of Dependents (VA Form 21-0538)	VA Form 21-0538	Mandatory Verification of Dependents

---

ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	123,246	175,400	0	-52,154	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	20,541	29,233	0	-8,692	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	438,490	0	-438,490	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Reduction Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Short Statement: The burden estimate has decreased due to the number of receivables averaged over the past year.

---

Annual Cost to Federal Government: $2,001,323

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

---

Common Form ICR:  No

---

On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).

The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(i) Why the information is being collected;

(ii) Use of information;

(iii) Burden estimate;

(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);

(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and

(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.

Certification Date: 12/13/2023

---