Department of Education Notice on Student Aid Verification Information Collection

Detected March 23rd, 2026

Summary

The Department of Education has issued a notice proposing an extension without change of an existing information collection request (ICR) related to student aid verification. The notice provides details on the collection, estimated burden hours, and invites public comment.

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What changed

The Department of Education, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), has published a notice proposing to extend an approved information collection request (ICR) concerning the verification and updating of student aid application information. This ICR, identified by OMB control number 1845-0041, pertains to Subpart E of Part 668 and governs the verification of information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The Department is seeking public comment on the necessity, timeliness, accuracy of burden estimates, and potential improvements to the collection.

This notice is primarily for informational purposes and to solicit public feedback on the continuation of an existing data collection process. While it does not introduce new requirements or penalties, regulated entities and individuals who interact with the student aid application process should be aware of the ongoing information collection. The comment period closes on May 22, 2026, and comments can be submitted electronically via regulations.gov or by mail.

What to do next

Submit comments on the proposed extension of the information collection by May 22, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Department is proposing an extension without change of a
currently approved information collection request (ICR).

DATES:

Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before May 22, 2026.

ADDRESSES:

To access and review all the documents related to the information collection listed in this notice, please use http://www.regulations.gov by searching the Docket ID number ED-2026-SCC-0531. Comments submitted in response to this notice should be submitted electronically
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov by selecting the Docket ID number or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. If the regulations.gov site is
not available to the public for any reason, the Department will temporarily accept comments at ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Please include the docket ID number and the title of the information collection request when requesting documents or submitting
comments. Please note that comments submitted after the comment period will not be accepted. Written requests for information
or comments submitted by postal mail or delivery should be addressed to Zelma Barrett, U.S. Department of Education, Federal
Student Aid, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-1200.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Zelma Barrett, (202) 245-8012.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Department, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general
public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information.
This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting
burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's information collection requirements and provide the requested
data in the desired format. The Department is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that
is described below. The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this
collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely
manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of
the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents,
including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice
will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: Student Assistance General Provision—Subpart E—Verification Student Aid Application Information.

OMB Control Number: 1845-0041.

Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: Private Sector; State, Local, and Tribal Governments; Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 2,345,626.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 371,252.

Abstract: This request is for an extension of the information collection supporting the policies and reporting requirements contained
in Subpart E of Part 668—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 information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form
which is used to calculate an applicant's need for student financial assistance under Title IV of Higher Education Act of
1965, as amended (HEA). The regulations have not changed since the prior information collection filing.

Ross Santy, Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2026-05615 Filed 3-20-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P