FSA plans to make significant revisions to the SAR for the 2008-2009 school year. At the time of revision, FSA will examine and report to OMB on whether it is appropriate to continue to reduce the burden for response time due to electronic submissions (as they have done in this and previous submissions) or whether they have reached the saturation point for burden reduction due to electronic submission.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2008
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2007
26,322,270
0
24,767,197
5,359,055
0
5,242,388
0
0
0
The SAR is used to notify FAFSA applicants of their eligibility to receive federal student aid under the student financial assistance programs authorized under the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and provide an opportunity for applicants to correct or update the information they provided on their FAFSA.
The 116,667 increase in burden hours is a result of more individuals enrolling in postsecondary education and applying for federal assistance thereby increasing the overall number of FAFSA applicants and SAR recipients. Despite the increase in burden hour s shown, ED is projecting a decrease in the time spent on each FAFSA and SAR in the future because more recipients are opting to submit their information via electronic processes, which is less burdensome to applicants than the paper process.
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:
(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;
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.