Categories:
Pension
The VA is warning everyone of potential pension poaching scams. Be cautious if someone offers to move your assets around in order for you to qualify for VA pension. This type of scam is often directed toward veterans and family members who “do not” actually qualify for VA pensions. Other examples:
- Organizations who cold-call veterans or survivors, charge money for assisting with a VA pension claim, and take credit card information from veterans over the telephone.
- People who charge as much as $6,000 upfront to represent claimants before VA, with a percentage of any eventual back payment from VA as a portion of the ultimate fee.
Individuals and organizations are available to help you file a VA pension claim free of charge. A searchable list of VA-accredited representatives including Veterans Service Organizations, agents, and attorneys is available at the VA Office of General Counsel website: www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
For more information about VA pension eligibility requirements, go to www.benefits.va.gov/pension or call toll-free 1-800-827-1000. To download a pension poaching awareness postcard, go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/PensionPoachingPostcard.pdf.