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###### Department of Veterans Affairs

          - [OMB Control No. 2900-0215] 

# AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

# ACTION:

Notice.

# 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 proposed 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 determine a schoolchild's eligibility to VA death benefits.                     

# DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 18, 2005. 

# ADDRESSES:

                        Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail:                         *irmnkess@vba.va.gov.*                         Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0215” 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. 3501-3521), 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:*                     Request for Information to Make Direct Payment to Child Reaching Majority, VA Form Letter 21-863.                 

*OMB Control Number:*                     2900-0215.                 

*Type of Review:*                     Extension of a currently approved collection.                 

*Abstract:*                     VA Form Letter 21-863 is used to determine a schoolchild's continued eligibility to VA death benefits and eligibility to direct payment at the age of majority. Death pension or dependency and indemnity compensation is paid to an eligible veteran's child when there is not an eligible surviving spouse and the child is between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school. Until the child reaches the age of majority, payment is made to a custodian or fiduciary on behalf of the child. An unmarried schoolchild, who is not incompetent, is entitled to begin receiving direct payment on the age of majority.                 

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households.                 

*Estimated Annual Burden:*                     3 hours.                 

*Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:*                     10 minutes.                 

*Frequency of Response:*                     One-time.                 

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     20.                 

Dated: November 4, 2004. 

By direction of the Secretary. 

Cindy Stewart,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service. 

[FR Doc. 04-25480 Filed 11-16-04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 8320-01-P