The VA began collecting debts from beneficiaries Oct. 1, a process suspended in April 2020 as part of COVID-19 relief efforts.

These debts include recouping overpayments as well as medical copays created prior to the COVID-19 relief period (April 6, 2020) as well as any new debts. The department announced the move in an Oct. 1 press release.

While collections are underway now, the VA will not deduct debts from benefit payments until January 2022, per the release.

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An April 2020 executive order from President Donald Trump suspended all VA debt collection in the early months of the pandemic. A January 2021 order from President Joe Biden extended the suspension. The VA will continue to offer relief options in certain circumstances, the release states, including for those who’ve been affected by natural disasters.

VA Debt Resources

If you owe money to the VA and have questions or concerns about the repayment process, you can:

• Visit the VA Debt Management Center (DMC) homepage, which includes contact information, details on relief options, answers to COVID-19 relief period questions, and more.
• Visit DMC’s Frequently Asked Questions page, which has detailed information on the collection process.
• Submit a question, comment, or request for status update via the VA’s Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS).
• Call DMC at (800) 827-0648.