Press Releases
03/27/2019
ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WARN AGAINST FEE FOR BENEFITS SCHEME
Federal Law Prohibits Fees for Preparation and Presentation of Veterans' Benefits Applications in Most Circumstances
(Hartford, CT) -- After becoming aware that Connecticut veterans have been charged potentially illegal fees for preparation of veterans' benefit applications, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas Saadi urged veterans and their families to immediately report such schemes and reminded the public that it is illegal to charge for preparation or presentation of veterans' benefit applications in most circumstances.
The Office of the Attorney General is aware of at least two veterans allegedly charged $500 and $750 to apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing those allegations and conferring with the United States Attorney's Office.
Federal laws govern the preparation and presentation of veterans' applications for benefits. Preparers must be accredited by the VA and they are generally prohibited from charging applicants for these services. Click here for a list of the State Department of Veterans Affairs, Advocacy and Assistance Offices.
"Charging veterans to access benefits they served and sacrificed for is not only morally abhorrent, it's illegal. There are accredited entities available to assist for free throughout Connecticut. If you are aware of anyone attempting to take advantage of veterans and their families by charging bogus fees, I want to know," said Attorney General William Tong.
“I applaud Attorney General Tong and the U.S. Attorney for their actions to protect our Veterans. These men and women served our nation so that we may live free and we have a duty to ensure that they are not victimized by scam artists and conmen. To assist our Veterans the State Department of Veterans Affairs has experienced Veteran Service Officers in each Congressional district providing free federal benefits preparation and filing, I urge Veterans with questions about applying for benefits to contact the DVA office in their district," said Commissioner Saadi.
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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
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