The Department of Veterans Affairs will resume overpayment notifications for new benefit debts and debts carried over from April 6, 2020 to September 30, 2021, due to the COVID pandemic.
VA suspended debt collection on April 6, 2020 and resumed debt collection on October 1, 2021. However, VA will not deduct debts from benefit payments until January 2022.
Collections on medical user fees created before April 6, 2020 and on new medical user fees also resumed on October 1, 2021.
Debt notification letters sent to veterans and affected beneficiaries will include options to seek debt relief for those who continue to need financial relief from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ministry will continue to provide relief options such as extended repayment plans, waivers and temporary hardship suspensions during these difficult times. It has been and will remain a priority for the department to work individually with each veteran.
Veterans and beneficiaries with questions or needing help with debt management can access the following resources:
• For information on benefit debts, see frequently asked questions, submit requests online, or call 1-800-827-0648.
• For debts related to medical care and pharmaceutical services, contact the Health Resource Center at 1-866-400-1238.