Under the new bankruptcy Act, Pub.L. 109-8, the United States Trustee is charged with creating an approved list of debt education course providers. Each course provider must meet minimum qualifications established by Congress in the new law. The UST needs the information in the application in order to evaluate whether the applicants meet these qualifications established by Congress. The respondents to the application will be debt education providers who will educate individuals regarding personal finances after they file for bankruptcy.
The total annual hour burden decreased from 17,288 hours to 10,620 hours for two reasons. First, the total annual hour burden decreased because fewer applicants are now seeking approval each year. Previously, the Program estimated that 147 applicants would seek approval whereas the Program now estimates that 135 applicants will seek approval. Second, the total annual hour burden decreased because fewer debtors in 2020 completed a satisfaction survey. Previously, the Program estimated that 996,970 debtors will complete the survey whereas the Program now estimates that 602,344 will complete the survey. The total annual cost burden was reduced from $7,350 to $6,750 because fewer applicants are now seeking approval each year. Previously, the Program estimated that 147 applicants would seek approval whereas the Program now estimates that 135 applicants will seek approval.
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.