February 5, 2023
On August 10, 2022, the Honoring our PACT Act — possibly the largest expansion of veterans benefits in history — was signed into law.
The PACT Act expands Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to #burnpits and other #toxic substances, and it helps VA provide generations of veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
However, predatory companies are targeting veterans’ retroactive #benefit payments and DAV hopes to educate veterans and their #survivors about the types of fraud tactics being used against them – especially now that the PACT Act has been passed.
Some predatory companies are targeting veterans by offering to assist them with their VA benefits claims. These companies charge absurd fees or require those applying to pay a portion of their VA benefits for this ‘help’. DAV will never charge veterans or their family members for assistance in applying for the benefits they’ve earned.
•Be suspicious of media advertisements from companies which provide information about the #PACTAct and suggest you can only obtain benefits with their help. These companies may not be accredited with VA and may be attempting to charge you illegal fees.
•Be cautious of aggressive law firms or companies expressing a sense of urgency and insisting you must act now.
•Do not sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized company a fee to help you with your VA claim. DAV can assist you with filing your claim for free.
Helpful Resources and Tools:
Veterans and their survivors who think they might be eligible should apply for PACT Act benefits right now. Visit www.benefitsquestions.org for help filing your #claim or go to www.va.gov/PACT for more information.
Veterans and their survivors who suspect a company is using predatory practices, should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how to avoid scams, go to https://www.fcc.gov/veterans-targeted-benefits-scams.
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