This request is for a revision of the information collection supporting the policies and reporting requirements contained in Subpart E of Part 668 â Verification and Updating of Student Aid Application Information. Sections 668.53, 668.54, 668.55, 668.56, 668.57, 668.59 and 668.61 contain information collection requirements (OMB control number 1845-0041). This subpart governs the verification and updating of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid used to calculate an applicantâs Expected Family Contribution for purposes of determining an applicantâs need for student financial assistance under Title IV of Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The collection of this documentation helps ensure that students (and parents in the case of PLUS loans) receive the correct amount of Title IV program assistance by providing accurate information to calculate an applicantâs expected family contribution.
The increase of 1,072,578 burden hours is due to the change in the procedure for applicants to request required documentation. The ability of an individual to retrieve his or her financial information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has decreased the number of verification interactions institutions must have with students who are using the FAFSA on the Web application and helps to prevent and combat fraud, waste and abuse. However, for those who are selected for verification, the change in the process for the applicant to request the necessary documentation from the IRS has increased the burden on the applicants to meet the regulatory requirements.
$0
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Beth Grebeldinger 202 708-8242
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:
(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.