The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to pause debt collection from veterans and extend benefits deadlines during the coronavirus pandemic.
The move is intended to provide relief to veterans during the crisis, VA officials said. It follows President Donald Trump's announcement that he had directed VA to do exactly that. Previously, members of Congress called on VA to postpone debt collection and provide flexibility for benefits claims.
“As all Americans come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we want veterans to be focused on their health and safety,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. “That’s why we’re taking action to give those with pending debts, claims and appeals greater flexibility during these challenging times.”
VA also is accepting typed/digital signatures on its forms.
For veterans diagnosed with COVID-19 who need immediate action on their appeals, as opposed to a filing extension, the Board of Veterans' Appeals will advance their appeal on the docket. For more information on that process, click here.
Veterans with benefit debt questions can call 1-800-827-0648.
Veterans with healthcare debt questions can call 1-888-827-4817.
For claims extension questions, call 1-800-827-1000.
-
VA moves patients out of New Orleans to Mississippi over coronavirus
Senators to VA: Work with IRS to ensure all veterans get federal $1,200 relief checks
VA opens more hospital beds for non-veterans to help with coronavirus response
VA activates 'fourth mission' to back up civilian hospitals during coronavirus
VA coronavirus plan: 40 percent of staff could be absent during severe outbreak
