VA this month announced its commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by COVID-19 to the end of 2020 by suspending certain debt collection actions.
The department recognizes Veterans and beneficiaries are still being greatly impacted by the coronavirus prompting the extension of financial relief.
“Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the pandemic,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times.”
VA is suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Treasury Department. This includes the suspension of collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, whichever the Veteran prefers.
For benefit debts, Veterans should contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648.
For health care debts, Veterans should contact the Health Resource Center at 1-866-400-1238 or https://www.pay.govfor payments.
More information
Ordinarily, Veterans, members of the Armed Forces and family members who incur debts as a result of their participation in most VA compensation, pension and education programs as well as home loans closed before January 1, 1990, would receive letters from the Debt Management Center notifying them of their rights as well as their obligation to reimburse VA.
Topics in this story
More Stories
This new MOU with The Cherokee Nation opens the door for Veterans, service members and their spouses to apply for a NADL to buy, build or modify a home on federal trust lands.
Claims predators are a serious concern, but with proper knowledge and vigilance, Veterans can defend themselves against such aggressive exploitative tactics.
As technology advances, scammers are becoming smarter. Here's how to protect yourself.
I have been dealing with the same issues va dental for years, policy is to push off ,extend, do more exrays ,exams, cleaning, any thing, appointments are a month or more apart, even in normal times, because policy is to extract, not fix , after 3 appointments,months apart, 6 months later you will get a temp fix that will break ,and the proccess will start again , go to clinic ,they take emergency walk in ,for pain ,disregard the people on the phone ,when speaking to customer service, ask for supervisor, like you would any other place you call, anyone you speak with ask and write down names, times dates, if you are not fixed as walk in ,set appointment with supervisor, if not satisfied then , do as you would in the military and work your way up the chain ,do not quit or get angry, work the chain of command, names dates, emails ect. If you are over 1 hr drive from dental clinic ,work to get to see civilian dentist, semper fi brother
I was told that since the covid 19 virus, all appointments for in person have been suspended, also choice n community care have been suspended.
What do we do need now? I need to see a dr.
I have to agree that social security and our VA benefits should not be held hostage because you receive one or the other. I’ve paid into social security for 34 years and was told that if you collect disability from the VA you’re not eligible for social security. Yet our ” representatives” collect every benefit known to man regardless of service or not. We did our duty and earned what we get.
I am a disabled vet and there was no extra stimulus for veterans outside of an unemployment check. What about the disabled vets, there should be some sort of stimulus for disabled vets. This is a struggle and the conversation of helping all disabled vets has not come up, why not?
Im an honorably discharged United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran (0351) After a 9 year battle with the VA For an appropriate rating, I was awarded 100% P&T rating on June 1 2020. I’m accustomed to living on almost nothing and the additional $ is always nice however my excitement was in the fact that I require some very much needed dental care. One of my front teeth is cracked among other issues. Before and even now my dental work doesn’t take president over the 2 small children and severely disabled wife that I care for daily and given my 70% rating prior dental was not avail to me. As of today I’ve called the Cincinnati VA Dental every two weeks just trying to make an appointment. But, do to a virus, that has a survival rate of 99.96% thees clowns are not Even making future appointments, BUT they can put you on a LIST and they’ll let ya know whenever they are again making appointments. On a side note; When I spoke to the emergency dentist On call, I was informed that “The ONLY Authorized dental work where extractions” and only “if you have “noticeable” facial swelling”, When I inquired about the VA allowing me to go to a private dentist and them pay for it? Well, this joker proceeded to inform me that I was “allowed” to go and revive private dental treatment but I’d have to pay out of pocket for it be the va has has apparently suspended such things…… My thought was “gee, no sht”. So while the Va Dental Dept essentially remains on strike. I’ll get to continue to be embarrassed of this broken smile, people just he and think I’m mad be I don’t smile when I would love nothing more then to once again be smile at my wife children Without embarrassment. In closing, I though Trump said no more waiting list at the VA, yet here I am. Thanks for reading this, I just need to vent this somewhere, and this seemed a good a place as any.
Please Be Well Patriots.
I work at a medical clinic that also provides dental care but is not the VA. Our dentist has the same restrictions as the VA. When I inquired it was explained that much dental work is aerosolized. Since COVID19 is spread through droplets there is a much higher risk to the patient and to the dental staff and so more PPE is needed as well-especially when so much PPE is needed elsewhere . That “Joker” who gave you an answer you didn’t want to hear was saving your life and everyone else’s. Stop with the entitlement. Nobody is out to ruin your day. Things will eventually change. At some point, you will have your smile fixed and it‘ll be lovely. In the meantime, I’m guessing you could just wear your face mask….?
Sure was nice for federal govt to give everyone 600$ a week on top of regular unemployment. A lot of people were actually collecting more than they made. Now disabled veterans who have already been struggling far before the pandemic received nothing different. I have personally always had amazing va healthcare dude to my disability I believe I owe it to my region and the facility here. Part of the reason I don’t move, but to see everyone else being financially taken care of in time of crisis with nothing included for our disabled struggling veterans seems a bit in fair. I’ve even heard of some veterans not getting their stimulus checks. I’ve personally not had income in almost a half a year, and being not 100% disabled , I struggle greatly as I get very little relief a month.
I am a Veteran of over eleven (11) years, In the army I was a very dedicated soldier, I was injured while serving my country, my back, ears, female problems etc, when I was station in Germany getting ready for work one night I found myself not being able to move, stand up or walk, I went to the emergency and from that night on varies occasions I had to slide on the floor I had little children that I wasn’t able to lift out of there cribs, I lost hearing in my ear, when I got out no one really assisted me with my disability benefits, I submitted papers that got kicked out, I have no reason to lie about my injuries while in the military. Now I’m afraid and not sure if one day I will be wheelchair bounded. I’m 59 and I struggle with my back and joints so bad. I thought I had someone to help me with my papers but they failed to send in my doctors report and it got kicked back, If anyone can really help me please contact me. I love walking and now it’s very hard to enjoy. Afraid Joann
Hi Joann. My name is Rebecca and I just read your story. I have finally after 13yrs of getting out of the navy have been diagnosed as a 100% disabled veteran. The bad is t help me and I’ve been denied a few times. And never followed up and gave up after a while. I finally hired an outside company to help me last May..2019. I finally got 100% just this April 1st. I was at 60% as of getting out of the navy.
Rebecca,
Who do I need to talk to bout reviewing my medical so I can try and get it bumped? I got out at 40%, 2 yrs ago I got up to 80% and I’m duel military army and Navy.
Contact the disabled American veterans association give them power of attorney it’s free and they’re the only organization that can go into your comp and pension exam and speak on your behalf I have user service for 30+ years and help many friends gets 100% the Social Security contact your local DMV office give him power of attorney and asked for them to help you it’s free and can be done by phone! Bless , Be Safe in this Flu
I myself am from MN. I gave my power attorney to the American Legion. They did an excellent job of keeping me up to date.
The best part about the entire deal as the VA was is in the same bldg as the Legion. So I would call the legion and they knew the people over at the VA ( in same Federal Bldg) and s.in a day or two my rep from the legion would give me the most recent news where my case was ( I.e. there were 20 cases Ahead of me, I forgot to fill in a blank so my rep called me and said give me a answer ( if my case would of been moved to bottom again if she saved me frying getting a rejection letter)).
You make like the VfW or whoever but find out what organization is in same bldg as VA that is making rating decision because everybody knows everyone and they can relay info you might of forgot saving you that rejection letter. Just my 2 cents.
The DAV was who I went with and had excellent service from them, I just signed over authorization for them to take care of it and I didn’t have to do anything else. They were able to get my benefits increased
Something I don’t understand about applying for forbearance due to COVID-19. Forbearance is designed to help those who are unable to make payments such as mortgage. But if at the end of the forbearance period the veteran is required to continue making the regular mortgage payment PLUS the missed payments, the extra financial burden becomes too great to handle. It’s like jumping from frying pan to fire. What are we supposed to do? What options are there besides filing bankruptcy or something along that line?
need help getting a VA loan to buy a house before i’m out on the streets, please help…
I think all vets should get medical care even if they don’t have a service connected disability.
Increase VA benefits for 100 permanent and total to help during this hard and difficult time.
VA Disability Compensation should not be tied together with Social Security Benefits. These are two
entirely different entitlements. At present, the VA Disab. Comp. only gets a COLA if Soc. Sec. gets one, and at the same percentage. I feel that the young men & women deserve more for their patriotism and dedication in fighting for other countries causes. I ought to know I’m 100% disabled from the Vietnam war. The amendment was passed by Congress years ago and it should be repealed or revised.
THE VETERAN
What is a Veteran do people really know I ask myself
They were men and women who joined the armed forces and gave oneself
They were young men who were drafted and given no choice to pledge himself
They were a combat force that faced atrocities far above anyone’s visualization
Then came home to a nation that offered little thanks for their unwavering dedication
There are two days of the year that we recognize and hold dear
One is Memorial Day for those who gave their lives
The other is Veterans Day for those who survived
Now there’s one more Veteran of another kind
The Permanently Disabled Veteran who has been left behind
Whether joined or drafted the impaired Vet is in need of accommodations
Because their patriotism has left them to a lifetime of physical complications.
FB
Thank you Fred for the Veteran….!!!
A-men
I also suggest an increase in disability payments. If the government can give a $600 a week increase for those making more money than they did while working?? I don’t understand how the government can give extra to unemployment but those such as myself whom are disabled would have been greatly appreciated considering I can’t work nor can I get higher education! If anything you took money from me during these times…..
Everyone always says they’re there for us but honestly no one is!!! It’s always the same old song and dance between health and finances it’s like a big joke to those sitting around a table in a/c drinking coffee eating donuts getting paid six figures while us the Veteran suffers!!!!
The VA won’t up our benefit amount, we f anything they are cutting programs and talk of cutting benefits. Wheee do you think the extra $600 a week for the slackers comes from ?
[Editor: VA administers benefits based on the laws your elected leaders write, including compensation and pension amounts. Adjustments to these amounts are made most years under COLA.]
well said
I believe the VA should increase 100 percent disabled vets monthly payments.. I use to offset the cost by going to school but that’s not happening for awhile. We deserve more than $3100 a month. All disabled vets deserve an increase in their monthly payments, because these times are impacting us greatly!
Hi, I’m currently rated at 60% service connected and I am 100% disabled per: social security
I thank you for tour service and sacrifices.
I personally believe that every govt system need to be updatedv 10% to 100%
Being forced to live in POVERTY because I chose to serve my country when I was 18 is not what I expected
You are exactly right everything goes up except our pay This is garbage we are left behind How about giving us the money We served our country but that is not good enough There are people in our congress that despise us and they have never served a day i would like to drag their ass into a combat zone and leave then there and they might learn to appreciate the military does and what it goes through No one says anything about the disabled veterans I get letters from disabled vets to donate I tell what can you do for me they never call back It is this kind of bullsht that I hate used and abused and sent packing Who of them has to drive 82 miles to go to emergency room or the hospital This is not right
Too bad when you call in, they claim they haven’t received any guidance and can only do this until July 31st. Also, their customer service is absolutely terrible, just like their magical accounting practices that continually add more debt while withholding benefits.
My mother is 95 and a ww2 Veteran. She needs help with windows, doors installation. Will buy materials.
How many doors and windows does your Mom need replacing. The doors should be pre-hung style. What is the location the work needs to be done at. I am also a Disabled Veteran but a former installation contractor for Lowe’s Home Improvement. I have some friends in the business and I’ll check with them. Thanks!
Tom
Hi Mary,
I am a veteran and real estate investor with friends in many states. Where does your mom live? I can see if I have any contacts in her area that would be happy to assist with installing the doors and windows.
Can they relieve debt for arrears of child support for grown children in another state that is stopping a veteran from getting his VA loan to buy a home?
Many of us vets withdrew money from our IRA’s to make ends meet. Can something be done to reduce the taxes incurred ?
Especially MEDICARE Medicaid and SD social security. Please notify private companies like pleasant valley rehabilitation GARLAND tx.
Any way Vets can get help on other things such as electric gas and other loans besides VA loans
How?
Does the VA offer any loans for medical emergency travel so we can travel to the Minnesota Rchester Mayo clinic from south texas. The heart surgery is so difficult VA ist able to perform it. Only Mayo clinic can. Have exhausted my personnel funds. VA there wont even let me use Domicllliary facilities because procedure is not done at VA. Am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Each day that passes can be another day off my life because I need that 2nd heart bipass procedure.please help.
James Schultz, if the VA refers you to the Mayo Hospital/Doctor and you have an actual appointment to see the Doctor then the VA will pay for your travel. And if the VA is not referring you then you need to check with the Mayo hospital in Rochester. As they sometimes are able to help you with travel to get there! Otherwise check with the DAV or the American Legion in your town and see if they can help as they are Veteran Clubs that helps Veterans. Blessings. I hope you get there and get better! Blessings, Light and Prayers! Mrs. Delray Glade Nitzel
You need to go to Your nearest VA or Military Base and ask for a Veterans Choice Card which is a card that allows You to go to different facilities if they won’t help You then You need to call 866 606 8198. Even though You have the card You will still have to call them to make sure that the treatment is pre-approved.
Also You’re gonna need to call either one of these #s and tell them You want to know about non health care VA benefits
800 827 1000 or. 877 222 8387
I’m surprised You haven’t gotten Your cards yet but then this is the VA System we’re talking about. I pray that 2 of these #s will assist You. If possible just tell the VA Intake Officer that You need Your
VA HEALTH BENEFITS CARD & YOUR
VETERANS CHOICE CARD so You can get help outside of the VA and the VA will pay for it.
WoW, I am a female Vet with 100%p&t I have seizures and about 2months ago I had abad episode that I don’t even remember; but the following day my mouth was busted,gums swollen,tooth missing, leg scared and bleeding,worst of all I am not able to walk alone and in Extreme PAIN.I originally was taken to my VA in Tx,they did not and would not help me my son was told to take me to an EMERGENCY ROOM?? SO,he did now that I am going to have to have surgery? Thr VA won’t assist in paying for it; I need an MRI B4 the surgery the VA won’t even do that,they to claim that since I am having the surgery through an outside hospital?? I have to pay for the MRI? MYSELF.??
The VA needs to update the IRRRL Program, and drop the credit score parameters, so fellow Veterans can take advantage of the Low Interest Rates, and lower their Mortgage Payments, also they should Drop the Funding Fees of 3% on VA loans till the end of 2020. This would provide more money for struggling VA Families.
[Editor: VA has no minimum credit score requirement. If your bank or lender imposes one on you that you don’t meet, try another bank or lender.]
I think it’s great you’re suspending the debt going to collections, but stopping their statements isn’t a good idea. The veterans bill is going to get higher & higher; they won’t think about it. When the statements start dropping, there are going to be a lot of them who are going to freak out. I work at MACPAC, Asheville NC. I deal with the veterans. You have some that don’t care, some that want & do pay their bill and some that freak out because of their bill & talk about stopping their meds or seeing their doctors. You think there’s a pandemic now, just wait until the statements start dropping. This hurting the veterans. Send the statements out and still suspend them going to collections. Extend repayment plans to 48 months vs 36. ICARE