This request is to include the
attached versions of the Debt Relief Application Form - Spanish
(online and paper versions) in the emergency clearance for the
Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Application and Verification Forms
Request, OMB Control Number 1845-0167. There are no changes to the
number of respondents/responses/burden hours in the currently
approved collection.
The Department has
determined that this information must be collected prior to the
expiration of time periods established under 44 U.S.C. 3507(j), and
that this information is essential to ED’s ability to effectively
implement the initiative. Due to the limited time available before
the end of loan payment deferment on December 31, 2022 and the
urgency of providing financial relief from the ongoing economic
impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we request that OMB
approve the collection associated with the implementation of the
application forms and verification process using the emergency
clearance procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
outlined in 44 U.S.C. 3507(j), by October 7, 2022 or as soon as
possible. If this request is not granted, the Department would be
unable to implement this loan discharge before the end of the loan
payment deferral policy on 12/31/2022, which would result in a
large number of affected borrowers being obligated to restart
payment before their discharge could be processed, causing them
further financial harm. Additionally, we are requesting that the
full clearance package be filed at the same time and that the
Department will initiate the 60-day public comment period upon
notification of emergency approval.
US Code:
20 USC 1070 et seq. Name of Law: Higher Education Act of 1965,
as amended
US Code:
20 USC 1018(f) & 1087e(h) Name of Law: Higher Education Act
of 1965, as amended
US Code: 20
USC 1098bb Name of Law: Higher Education Relief Opportunities
for Students Act of2003
The increase in burden is due a
newly established Federal Student Loan Discharge directed by the
U.S. Secretary of Education. The annual increase of burden to
individuals is an estimated maximum 8,236,075 hours based on an
estimated 33,000,000 borrowers with a maximum 38,237,500
responses.
$101,300,000
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
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.