On August 10, President Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) into law. This law helps millions of Veterans and their survivors by:

  • Extending VA health care eligibility for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 (Post-September 11, 2001) eras
  • Expanding benefits eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxic substances and their survivors

Tips to Avoid PACT Act Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There’s been an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting Veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf.

Veterans should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a lucrative financial benefit or service.

Do’s

  • You may submit your application securely online via VA.GOV or in person at any Regional Office. You may file your claim directly with VA and then, VA will assist in gathering evidence necessary to support it. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply.
  • Be cautious of companies who advertise VA benefits can only be obtained with their help. These companies may not be recognized by VA and may be attempting to charge illegal fees.
  • Be cautious of aggressive companies who may try to pressure you to sign their contract through frequent communications or by insisting “you must act now or lose your chance for benefits.”
  • Be cautious of companies who claim to be contacting you on behalf of VA or to have a special relationship with VA. Contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 if you are unsure about the authenticity of any message received.
  • Validate: If you are interested in working with a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), agent, or attorney, use the Office of General Counsel Accreditation tool to confirm and validate their credentials.

Don’ts

  • Do not sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for their assistance with your VA claim. If you need help
  • fling a claim, there are representatives of VSOs, agents, and attorneys who have been accredited by VA to assist you.
  • Do not sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. Always review the completed form before signing and keep a copy for yourself.
  • Do not be fooled by companies who advertise they have special relationships with medical professionals and can guarantee your benefits award. If they are defrauding the Federal government, you could be held responsible for paying those benefits back.
  • Do not provide your social security number, medical records, or other personally identifiable information to anyone offering claims assistance before confirming their credentials using the Office of General Counsel Accreditation tool.
  • Do not sign forms that are not VA generated or third-party authorization for someone to provide “behind-the-scenes” claims assistance.

www.VA.gov/PACT is the official source of PACT Act information.

We want Veterans and survivors to apply now for their PACT Act-related benefits.

To report suspected scams, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline (va.gov). File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Visit the Cybercrime Support Network for additional resources to help Veterans, service members, and their families combat cybercrime.