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Today we’re focusing on how dishonest “advisers” may try to get your pension benefits and disability compensation, including benefits under the PACT Act. Applying for VA benefits is free and you can also get legitimate free help. How can you protect your benefits and get free help filing your claim? 

  • If you want help with applying for benefits, use VA-accredited agents, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or accredited attorneys. Start by confirming that the person helping you is accredited by the VA. The VA’s Office of the General Counsel maintains a searchable list of approved individuals. Check this list before discussing your pension or other benefits with anyone outside of the VA.
  • Read all the papers and the contract carefully. Understand all the terms, conditions, and implications of what someone helping you — even a VA-accredited adviser — is asking you to do. Remember, no one can guarantee you’ll get benefits from the VA. Even accredited people on the VA’s Office of the General Counsel list can’t guarantee that you’ll get VA pension or disability benefits after you apply.
  • Don’t work with anyone who pressures you — especially if they pressure you or advise you to move your money around to qualify for a benefit.  When VA discovers you don’t qualify, you have to pay back any benefits they already paid you. And you might lose other government benefits or tie up money that you need to live on.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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CW
November 07, 2023

Im so doomed in 20 years from now because i tried to read that but don't understand hardly any of it

Orlando
November 08, 2023

Pleas italian speaker for the message to my send i'am in Italia

Message recipient
November 08, 2023

I’m not a veteran I’ve never been one.,no ties to military. Sorry but you have me confused !

Elder Cynthia …
November 13, 2023

Got a cyberattack on my back now. He trying to get in now if you put that equipment on my phone now you catch all of now!