Per OMB request, agency modified survey instrument and supporting statements regarding survey plan and methodology.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2011
6 Months From Approved
347
0
0
260
0
0
0
0
0
On April 19, 2010 Treasury, SSA, VA, RRB and OPM published a proposed rule to implement statutory restriction on the garnishment of Federal benefits. The Agencies took this action to alleviate the hardships being experienced by recipients of Federal benefit payments, which are statutorily exempt from garnishment, and to establish procedures for financial institutions to follow so that they are not compelled to freeze funds in an account as a result of the receipt of a court ordered garnishment. This collection of information is needed so that Treasury can gain a thorough understanding of the existing processing of court ordered garnishments served specifically on credit unions. The information obtained is necessary to devise a workable solution that balances the interests of individuals receiving federal benefit payments, which are statutorily exempt from garnishment, and financial institutions which provide deposit accounts.
The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) respectfully requests emergency processing and approval for a collection of information requested from credit unions asking for information on how credit unions process court order garnishments. This information is necessary to finalize two important policy initiatives for which time is of the essence: one that would require Federal beneficiaries to receive their payments electronically, and another that would provide better force and effect to Federal anti-garnishment statutes.
Treasury cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under 5 C.F.R. Part 1320 because the information is needed within the next several weeks in order to assess the current processing environment in credit unions and determine a comprehensive solution.
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.