Veteran Resources

COVID-19 UPDATES FOR VETERAN BENEFITS

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.

This means when you are looking for courses to enroll in the academic calendar year 2021, you have the flexibility to enroll in online courses and receive your housing. The Veteran Services Team will continue to keep you up to date with information as we receive it.

VA DEBT MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT (COVID)

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/.

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE RESOURCES

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