05/07/2021:
VA is extending debt relief for Veterans through September 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VA will suspend collection of all Veteran benefit overpayments incurred between April 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021. No adverse actions or collection attempts will occur during this suspension period. Additionally, all copayments for medical care and pharmacy services incurred from April 6, 2020, through September 30, 2021, will be cancelled, along with any fees or interest. Any payments for this time period will be refunded.
VA is committed to keeping Veterans informed about their debt and the expansive relief options available.
What will happen next
With regard to benefit overpayments, Veterans will receive a letter from the VA Debt Management Center (DMC) showing current debt amount as well as available options. Subsequent letters will be sent showing updates to Veterans’ accounts.
What Veterans can do now
For benefit overpayments, no action is required through September 30, 2021. That said, if Veterans would like to resolve debts sooner, there are options they can exercise now. VA can work with Veterans to determine what option is best. Options include:
- Making a payment
- Establishing a repayment plan
- Submitting a compromise offer
- Disputing the debt
Requesting a waiver
For benefit debt, information is available online at https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/, or by calling the DMC at 800-827-0648, or via IRIS at https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/.
04/01/2021:
You have questions. VA has answers.
Call VA today.
1-800-MyVA411
(1-800-698-2411)
The number to call when you don’t know who to call.
You only need to remember one number for information on VA care, benefits, and services or to speak to a live agent for assistance!
03/25/2021:
Greetings from the VA Debt Management Center (DMC),
DMC recently shared a blog post about ongoing debt relief for students here. A copy of the text is also attached in letter format for ease of sharing. We are asking for your assistance in making sure students are aware of ongoing debt relief options from VA.
DMC also has a new website that includes a debt portal for Veterans. Veterans with benefit debt can log in to see their debt balance and letters. Please note: the portal is for Veterans only (dependents and school officials do not have access). Veterans can access the tool at www.va.gov/manage-va-debt.
Please encourage students to contact our office if they have any questions or concerns regarding repayment of VA education debt. We’ve also included some important reminders below.
Key Information:
Collection remains paused for all Veteran benefit overpayments incurred between April 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021
Relief options for Veterans with debts created prior to April 6, 2020, continue to be available. Veterans and beneficiaries should contact DMC if they are having difficulties making payments.
Students with questions about VA benefit debt can call the DMC (800-827-0648) from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/ to submit their requests online.
Notification letters to institutions continue to be sent on normal timelines.
Sincerely,
The VA Debt Management Center Outreach Team
One VA Debt Relief Letter.pdf
October 1, 2020
We are happy to share some great news with you regarding the impact of COVID-19 on your school’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® students!
With the passage of H.R.8337 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, the special COVID rules have been extended to December 21, 2021. Among other things, Post 9/11 GI Bill® students who pursue resident courses converted to an online modality solely due to COVID 19 will continue to receive the MHA rate for resident training.
We will provide more information soon via our FAQ page.
Respectfully,
Education Service
