#Middlebury #Veterans
A law currently making its way through Congress is called the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act. Its purpose is to add another tool to the arsenal to prevent frauds against veterans. Those convicted could be fined, imprisoned for five years, or both.
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) is behind this bill focusing on what they call pension poaching, specifically, criminals who purport to help veterans get their benefits faster and who charge a fee for services. They prowl Department of Veterans Affairs clinics, assisted-living centers, hospitals and senior housing, claiming they know all the ropes and can get veteran benefits much faster – for a fee.
These poachers seem to focus on veterans who might be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, which can put thousands of dollars in a veteran’s pocket each month to pay for in-home care, assisted living and private nursing. What they want in return is a percentage – up front. (Yes, attorneys can charge fees for their services, but they need to be approved by the VA.) While most of us would call this fraud, there apparently aren’t any laws against charging fees.
And yet some people are against making this illegal, claiming we already have laws against fraud. The bill has come before the last two Congresses, passing easily in the House and getting stalled in the Senate. The short text of the bills hasn’t changed.
If you’re invited to a seminar that promises to help you get your benefits, don’t go. Instead, contact the closest veterans group, such as the American Legion. Ask for the Veterans Service Officer. They won’t charge you for their services.
Remember: The more cash you’re likely to get in retroactive benefits, the more of a target you’re going to be to scammers who want a piece of that money.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.