The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act required the Education Department and Treasury Department to pause debt collection for those type of debts owed to the Federal government. However, the Act did not do the same for those who owe a debt to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
After outcry from the Veteran community, the VA has re-evaluated that position. The VA financial relief actions include the following until further notice:
· Suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department.
· Suspending collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, as the Veteran prefers.
If you are affected by COVID-19, have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to request assistance. For health care debts, Veterans can contact the Health Resource Center at 1-888-827-4817.
As representatives advocating for those Veterans with disabilities, we understand this is a trying time. Our office is open for calls and online assistance and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible. If you have questions about VA disability benefits, please contact the experienced Veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly serves Veterans across the United States from their home office in Mobile, Alabama. Please feel free to call the office at 251-343-1111 or 1-800-332-1529 for a free consultation.
