Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972)

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status

No forms / supporting documents in this ICR. Check IC Document Collections.

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
220635	Alternate Signer Certification Form	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 2900-0849	ICR Reference No: 202512-2900-006
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No: 202210-2900-006
Agency/Subagency: VA	Agency Tracking No: VBA-COMP-KM
Title: Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972)
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 02/26/2026

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved	04/30/2026
Responses	22,278	18,575
Time Burden (Hours)	5,570	4,644
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

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Abstract: VA Form 21-0972 is used to collect the alternate signer information necessary for VA to accept benefit application forms signed by individuals on behalf of Veterans and claimants. The information collected is used to contact the alternate signer for verification purposes. Without this information, VA would be unable to verify information related to the alternate signer who has been appointed to represent the claimant in the prosecution of VA claims, the extent of such representation, and access to appropriate records.

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Authorizing Statute(s): PL: Pub.L. 112 - 154 502 Name of Law: Authority for certain persons to sign claims filed with VA on behalf of claimants
   US Code: 38 USC 5101 Name of Law: Claims and Forms
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	90 FR 58374	12/16/2025
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	91 FR 9695	02/26/2026
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Alternate Signer Certification	21-0972	Alternate Signer Certification

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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	22,278	18,575	0	3,703	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	5,570	4,644	0	926	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

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

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

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

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: The respondent burden has increased due to the estimated number of receivables averaged over the past year.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $167,965

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

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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: 02/26/2026

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