VA Form Gets More Users: Snore-Inducing Paperwork Update
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for public feedback by March 30, 2026, on a form that lets someone else sign benefit applications for veterans. This form helps the VA verify who’s authorized to act on a veteran’s behalf. While the form itself isn’t changing, more people are expected to use it, which means a bit more paperwork for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Alternate signer form required
If someone else signs VA benefit applications for you, the VA uses VA Form 21-0972 (Alternate Signer Certification) to collect that person's contact and authorization information so VA can verify they are allowed to act for the veteran or claimant.
Increased paperwork burden
Filling out VA Form 21-0972 takes about 15 minutes per person. The VA estimates 22,278 respondents per year, for a total estimated annual burden of 5,570 hours.
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