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Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know

Our call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. To help us address the most urgent needs first, we ask that you use our online tools and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for routine or non-urgent questions. We’ll continue to update this page as the situation changes.

On this page

VA coronavirus chatbot

You can also use our VA coronavirus chatbot to get answers to your questions.

Go to the chatbot

Coronavirus-specific concerns

What's COVID-19?

The CDC defines COVID-19 as a disease caused by a new type of coronavirus (or “novel coronavirus”). The virus that causes COVID-19 belongs to a large family of viruses that are common in people and different animal species. On rare occasions, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and then spread from person to person. This is how the virus that causes COVID-19 started.

People with COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache

Other symptoms may include:

  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

To learn more about COVID-19, prevention steps, guidance for high-risk groups, travelers, and more, visit the CDC website.

If you’d like to talk to someone about coronavirus concerns, like testing, exposure, and prevention at VA, you can also call our MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room. You can also send your doctor a secure message.

Contacting us first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients.

If you’re not sure about your symptoms, our Annie text messaging service can help you monitor them and advise you when to contact your VA care team or your facility’s advice nurse.

The messages also provide general wellness tips and steps you can take to protect yourself. You can subscribe to Annie coronavirus precautions messages yourself, or ask your VA care team to assign it to you.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19.

 

What's VA doing to deal with COVID-19?

We have activated VA’s emergency management coordination cell (EMCC), and have started clinical screenings at all VA facilities.

Learn about VA’s public health response

As one of the nation’s leaders in health research, we’re also working to find ways to better prevent and treat COVID-19.

Learn more about volunteering for coronavirus research at VA

 

I don’t have symptoms, but I feel anxious and overwhelmed. What can I do?

First, know that you're not alone. We're here for you. Concerns about COVID-19 can be stressful for many people. You can take steps to manage stress and get support.

  • Stay connected and healthy. Stay in touch with friends and family by phone and social media. Follow your normal routine as much as possible, and get enough sleep and exercise. 
  • Get the flu vaccine this fall. If you’re worried about your risk of serious illness, one of the best things you can do is get your flu shot as early as you can. Learn more about getting your flu shot 
  • Keep your existing mental health appointments. If you currently have regular sessions, you can change them to telehealth (phone or video) appointments by sending your provider a secure message.
  • Ask for a new mental health appointment. If you need same-day mental health care—or want to request a new appointment—call your local VA health facility. Find a VA location

Get more VA tips for maintaining your mental health

Visit the CDC to learn more about managing COVID-19 stress and anxiety

 

When will VA start offering COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans?

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves or authorizes a vaccine, we plan to offer it to our health care staff and Veterans with the highest risk of getting or spreading the virus, or becoming severely ill from COVID-19. As more vaccines become available, we'll offer a free COVID-19 vaccine to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

If you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you can send a secure message to your provider.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, go to the CDC website.

 

Should I get a flu shot this year?

Yes. Both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to serious illness and even death. They may be even more dangerous if you get them at the same time. Your risk of serious illness is even higher if you’re over age 65 or if you have a health problem like diabetes. So get your flu shot as early as you can this year. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family. 

If you’re enrolled in VA health care

You can get a no-cost flu shot safely from any of these locations:

  • Your nearest VA health facility. Contact your provider or your nearest VA health facility to ask when you can come in to get your flu shot. Or ask your provider if you can get your flu shot at your next scheduled appointment.
    Find your nearest VA health facility
  • A VA-approved retail pharmacy in our community care network. Call ahead to confirm services and hours and to make sure they have the type of flu shot you need. Be sure to bring a valid, government-issued ID (like your Veterans Health ID card or driver’s license).
    Find community pharmacies in our network
  • ​​​​A VA-approved urgent care provider in our community care network. To use this option, you must have received care from a VA or in-network community provider in the past 24 months. Call ahead to confirm services and hours and to make sure they have the type of flu shot you need.
    Find community urgent care providers in our network

Note: You don’t need a VA referral to get your flu shot from a community provider. But bring our flu shot information flyer (PDF) to share with the provider. To check your eligibility, call your nearest VA health facility. You can also call us at 800-698-2411, select option 1 and then select option 1 again.

If you’re not enrolled in VA health care

You may be able to get a no-cost flu shot through your private health insurance or a program like Medicare. To learn more about flu prevention and to find where to get a flu shot, visit the CDC website.

 

More coronavirus-specific questions

  • At VA, we've completed thousands of research studies with the goal of improving the health and well-being of Veterans. Because of this research history, we have the long-term data to best understand how illnesses, vaccines, and treatments affect Veterans.

    We're now working to find ways to prevent and treat COVID-19 for Veterans and others. Because COVID-19 is so new, we have a lot to learn. We can’t learn without doing research. And we can’t do research without people who volunteer to participate in research studies. 

    As a research study participant, you can help us:

    • Better understand how COVID-19 affects different people
    • Find ways to prevent and treat COVID-19 for you, your family, and your community
    • Make sure vaccines and treatments are safe and effective in people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities

    As a research participant, you may also:

    • Learn more about your own health
    • Receive more regular health check-ins as part of your study visits
    • Get early access to a new vaccine or treatment

    Learn more about volunteering for coronavirus research at VA

COVID-19 testing at VA

Can I be tested for COVID-19 at a VA health care facility?

We offer diagnostic testing for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care and meet the CDC testing criteria. At this time, we’re not charging a copay for testing. 
Learn how to apply for VA health care 

To get a test, you must have an appointment. You can request an appointment in any of these 3 ways: 

For your safety, please don’t go in person to a VA health care facility without an appointment.  

Please also be aware that everyone who enters our facilities will be screened for COVID-19, and must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose. If you have more questions about testing, please call our MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

If I got a COVID-19 test at VA, when and how can I get my results?

We usually have test results in about 3 to 4 days.  

If you were tested at a VA health facility and you have a My HealtheVet Premium account, you can get your test results online as soon as we have them. If you don’t have a My HealtheVet Premium account, you can get one now. 
Learn how to get your results through My HealtheVet  

Your VA or community care provider will also call you with your test results when they’re available. If you have concerns about your results, call or send a secure message to your provider.

 

What should I do while I’m waiting for the results?

1. Monitor your symptoms. Our Annie text messaging service can remind you when to contact your care team or a nurse advice line.
 
If your symptoms get worse, contact your provider or nearest VA health facility:

If you or someone else has any of these symptoms, call 911 to get help now: 

  • Trouble breathing 

  • Persistent (continuing) pain or pressure in the chest 

  • Bluish lips or face 

  • Suddenly feeling or acting confused 

  • Trouble waking up or staying awake 

Get the latest symptom information on the CDC website 
 

2. Follow CDC guidelines to prevent spreading the virus to others. Until you get your results, you won’t know if you have an active infection or not.
Go to the CDC website for COVID-19 prevention advice  

 

What should I do after I get my test results?

If your results are positive 

This means you had an active infection at the time of testing. Your provider will give you advice on what to do next to make sure you get any care you need. You’ll also need to continue to monitor your symptoms and separate yourself from others to prevent spreading the virus. 
Get CDC advice on what to do when you have COVID-19 
 

If your results are negative 

This means you didn’t have an active infection at the time of testing. It doesn’t mean you haven’t been infected since that time or won’t become infected in the future. Continue to follow safe practices, like wearing a mask, physical distancing, and washing your hands often. 
Get CDC advice on how to prevent COVID-19 

Note: This test also won’t tell you if you were infected with the coronavirus in the past. That’s a different type of test called an antibody test. Learn more about COVID-19 tests on the FDA website  
 

Health care, appointments, and more

What should I do if I need to schedule a VA health appointment?

If you need care, please don’t delay. We’re here and we can provide safe care to meet your needs. If you or VA canceled an appointment due to COVID-19, you can contact us anytime to reschedule. 

The fastest way to schedule an appointment is to contact your VA health care provider directly. You can do that in either of these 2 ways:

You can also request some types of appointments—such as primary care and mental health—online through our VA appointments tool. 

We encourage you to consider a phone or video appointment for routine needs. 

If your provider schedules a video telehealth appointment

Your provider will give you instructions about where to go for your video appointment. Or they’ll send you a link to join VA Video Connect. You can also join video appointments through our VA appointments tool.

If you go to a VA health facility for an in-person appointment

You’ll need to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. You’ll also need to complete our COVID-19 symptom screening when you arrive. 
Learn more about how we’ll keep you safe 

 

 

What should I do if VA canceled my appointment or procedure?

For safety reasons, we’ve canceled some in-person appointments and elective procedures due to COVID-19. But we want to make sure you get the care you need as soon as possible.

If we haven’t contacted you to reschedule your appointment or procedure, please contact us. We’ll help you schedule a new appointment.

Find the phone number for your VA provider 

Send a secure message to your provider 


 

Is my VA health facility open for in-person care?

This depends on the facility and the current conditions in your local area.

Your safety is our top priority. We continue to expand services at VA facilities that meet VA, federal, state, and local criteria for safe in-person care. And we continue to carefully monitor conditions.

Access to in-person services may change based on the conditions in your area. But you’ll still have access to telehealth appointments by phone or video, and your provider may recommend telehealth for you.

If the number of COVID-19 cases rises or there are other facility or community needs, your VA facility may temporarily:

  • Hold at its current level of expanded in-person services
  • Reduce select in-person services
  • Add or change safety measures (like not allowing anyone except patients and staff to enter the facility)

We appreciate your support, patience, and understanding as we work to protect you, other Veterans, and our staff.

To find out which services your facility is now offering, you can:

If you do go for care, please contact your care team first. This helps us keep you safe. And please know that you’ll need to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. You'll also need to complete our symptom screening before entering the facility.

 

How do I refill my prescriptions?

Please request refills as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days before you need more medication.

Please also check that we have your current mailing address on file in your VA.gov profile so we send your prescriptions to the right address. If you need to, you can sign in to change your address online.

Note: If you currently get your prescription sent to you by mail, you’ll continue to receive your refill requests as normal.

You'll need to actively request your refill in one of these ways:

  • Online with the My HealtheVet prescription refill and tracking tool.
  • Through your mobile device with our new Rx Refill mobile app.
  • By phone. Call the number on your prescription label for your VA pharmacy's automated refill line or to speak to a pharmacy representative. Be sure to have your Rx number from the prescription label and Social Security number ready.
  • By mail. Complete the prescription refill form that came with your medication. Mail the form to the VA pharmacy address listed on your medication paperwork.

For questions about your prescriptions, send a secure message to your health care team through My HealtheVet or call your local VA medical center.

Find out what to do if you need more refills

 

How can I get more refills for my prescription?

You can request a prescription renewal in one of these ways:

If your prescription renewal requires an in-person evaluation

If you need to renew a prescription for a medication that requires an in-person evaluation, we've temporarily updated our policy to allow this type of evaluation through telehealth (phone or video) appointment.

To request a telehealth appointment for a prescription renewal, send a secure message to your provider.

More health care questions

  • Yes. To help us protect you, other patients, and our staff, we require everyone entering our facilities to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose.

    Please bring your own mask with you if you can. If you can’t, we’ll provide you with one to wear during your visit.

    If you wear an oxygen mask, you don’t need to wear a separate mask. We’ll work with you to keep you and others safe, and may ask you to wait in a designated space until your appointment time.

    If you have concerns about wearing a mask, please talk with your provider. They’ll work with you to get you the care you need while following safety guidelines.  
    Find your VA provider’s phone number

    For more information on how to wear, sanitize, and make a cloth mask, go to the CDC website.

  • Physical distancing means staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) away from other people when outside of your home, and avoiding large crowds. It’s one of the best ways we can prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

    This is because the virus spreads from person to person through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets from their mouth or nose can travel through the air and into the mouths, noses, or lungs of people nearby. The farther apart you are from someone who’s infected, the less likely you are to have contact with these droplets.

    We’re following VHA and CDC guidelines to ensure physical distancing in our facilities by:

    • Using remote check-in options by text or phone when possible
    • Keeping a physical separation between Veterans and staff with the use of desks, tables, Plexiglas, or other partitions
    • Providing more space in waiting rooms and other areas
    • Adding signs and floor markings to remind patients and staff about how to create safe physical distance
    • Changing processes for waiting for prescription, lab, and imaging services

    We encourage you to also practice physical distancing while in any public location. Even people who show no symptoms of COVID-19 can likely still spread the virus. To learn more about how to protect yourself and others, go to the CDC website.

  • We’re making every effort to protect you, other Veterans, and our staff from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. This includes:

    • Providing telehealth care by phone and video when possible and recommended by your provider
    • Following all CDC recommendations for cleaning our facilities
    • Screening all Veterans, caregivers, and staff for COVID-19 symptoms each time they enter a VA health facility
    • Requiring everyone who enters our facilities to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose. Like physical distancing, masks help prevent spreading the virus when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Read our question about masks for more information. For more information on how to wear, sanitize, and make a cloth mask, go to the CDC website.
    • Requiring our health care providers to use appropriate protective attire when providing care. This may include a face mask, eye protection, gloves, or a gown, depending on the provider’s level of contact and length of time spent with you.

    If you have questions about any of our safety measures, please talk to your provider. To learn more about how to protect yourself and others, go to the CDC website.

  • If you’re experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest ER.

    If you have an urgent care need, please don't delay seeking care. We're open and can provide safe care to meet your needs. 

    To help us protect you, other patients, and our staff, we do ask that you contact us first. You can use secure messaging or call your facility’s advice nurse before going to a clinic or walk-in urgent care facility. By not using the ER for nonmedical emergencies, you can help us protect you and others as well as help us address critical medical needs first during this period of COVID-19 outbreak. 

    Symptoms that may need emergency medical (immediate) attention include:

    • Chest pain
    • Numbness or tingling in your arms or on one side of your body
    • Severe fever or violent vomiting
    • Bleeding that doesn’t stop

    Symptoms that may need urgent care attention (within 24 to 48 hours) include:

    • Sore throat, earache
    • Sprains or strained muscles from sports or exercise
    • Minor cuts and injuries

    Note: For emergencies, you don’t need a referral or approval from VA to go to an ER in your community (an ER that's not a VA facility).

  • If you have a scheduled community care appointment

    Please contact your community care (non-VA) provider directly before going to your appointment. Some providers' hours or services may be affected by current CDC and local health department guidelines.

    If your community care provider cancels your appointment

    Work with the provider to reschedule. We're extending VA authorizations for community care referrals for many types of care during this time.

    If you have concerns about rescheduling your appointment, send a secure message to your VA provider.

    If you need a referral

    We'll work with you to assess your needs. We’re continuing to make community care referrals. But we’re prioritizing referrals for urgent or other medically necessary care.

    Please remember: You need VA approval for all community care appointments, except for emergency and urgent care needs. Getting a referral depends on eligibility, type of care, and other factors. At this time, community care eligibility requirements haven't changed.

    Learn about eligibility for community care

  • We apologize if you’re not able to get through or are experiencing long hold times. We’re currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. Our staff is working hard to handle the increase in calls.

    To help us address the most urgent needs first, we ask that you use one of our online tools for routine or non-urgent concerns. You can:

  • This depends on the facility and the current conditions in your local area. 

    Each facility follows VA, federal, state, and local guidelines for visitors. We’re working to balance these 2 goals:

    • Meet the needs of Veterans and families, and
    • Keep our patients, staff, and communities safe

    For outpatient appointments, procedures, or urgent care

    If you come to a VA health facility with a Veteran who needs care, staff will tell you if you can enter. This will depend on the facility’s guidelines and the Veteran’s needs.

    For nursing homes, inpatient hospital stays, and other long-term care facilities

    If your family member lives or is staying overnight in a VA health facility, the staff will help you stay in contact. This may include visits by phone or video. It may also include limited in-person visits. We also have exceptions in place for Veterans who are in their last stage of life. 

    Please know that everyone who enters a VA facility must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose. They must also complete our COVID-19 symptom screening. 

    We know this is difficult for families. We appreciate your support in helping us protect you and others—especially our most vulnerable Veterans.

  • We base eligibility for VA health care on several factors, like your military service, discharge status, and whether you have a service-connected disability.

    If you’ve lost your job or have a reduced income, you may qualify for enhanced eligibility status based on your income. This means we’ll place you in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits and affects how much (if anything) you’ll need to pay for care.

    Learn about VA health care eligibility 

    Find out how to apply for VA health care

    If you’re not eligible for VA health care, you may still be able to get care for:

    Call us at 800-827-1000 to find out what your care options may be. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
     

Benefit payments, claims, claim exams, and other services

Will my benefit payment be delayed because of COVID-19?

No. We’re currently processing all benefit payments as normal. This includes payments for disability, pension, education payments to your school, and more.  

View your VA benefit payments online

 

What happens to my GI Bill benefits if my school changes to online classes or temporarily closes?

This depends on your school’s actions, and your attendance. Please be sure we have your current email address on file. We can send certain information only electronically, and some schools have shifted to only electronic communication during this time.

You can sign in to update your email online through our "Ask a question” tool. Or call the Education Call Center toll-free at 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

If your school changes to online classes

If you’re currently receiving GI Bill benefits, payments will continue automatically. You don’t have to do anything. You’ll continue to receive the same monthly housing allowance payments you received for resident training until December 21, 2020, or until your school resumes normal operations.

We’re working closely with schools to ensure enrollments are accurately certified and processed.

If your school temporarily closes

We’ll continue paying your benefits through the end of the terms or 28 days, whichever is sooner.

If your school is in session, but you can’t attend due to COVID-19

We can pay you through your last date of attendance, but not through the end of the term. This may result in debts and overpayment. If this happens, you can submit a waiver request.

Learn more about how COVID-19 may affect your education benefits

Learn more about electronic communication

Get more information about on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and work study

 

Can I still file a claim or get help from my regional office?

Yes. We temporarily closed all of our 56 regional offices for in-person visits due to COVID-19. At this time, some offices have reopened with limited hours and services. These offices may be screening visitors for COVID-19 symptoms. We require everyone entering a VA facility to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose.

For your safety and convenience, we continue to offer help online and by phone. Please call first to confirm services or ask about getting help by phone or video.
Find a VA regional office

To file a claim for VA benefits:

You can still file a claim online, by mail, or with the help of a trained professional.  And we can still answer your questions by phone and through our online customer service tool. We’re also continuing to support services like educational counseling, collecting information for fiduciary claims, and specially adaptive housing assistance by phone or approved video conferencing tools.

Learn how to file a claim online, by mail, or with the help of a trained professional for:

To get help with education benefits:

Call 888-442-4551 toll-free. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.

To get help with other benefits:

Call 800-827-1000 toll-free. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.

To check on the status of your claim or appeal:

 Use our online claim status tool

To stay updated on closures or service interruptions:

VBA Facebook
VBA Twitter: @VAVetBenefits

Get more information about submitting paperwork and requesting extensions

 

Is VA still doing claim exams (also called compensation and pension, or C&P, exams)?

Yes. After temporary changes due to COVID-19, we’re starting to do in-person exams again in many locations. Our contract exam providers will conduct all in-person examinations.

Review locations where we’re now offering in-person exams

We’re also still doing many telehealth exams by phone or video. And we’re doing more records’ reviews using Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) exams. This means we’ll review your existing medical records and contact you for more information if needed, instead of requiring an in-person or telehealth exam.

If your claim requires an in-person exam and we can’t conduct the exam in person

Please make sure we have your up-to-date mailing address, phone number, and email address. 

Update your contact information online

A contract medical exam provider will contact you to reschedule an in-person exam for a later date when in-person exams are available in your area. You don’t need to do anything else at this time.

 

What if I had or need an in-person appointment for VA benefits or services?

We temporarily closed our regional offices and stopped in-person appointments due to COVID-19. At this time, some offices have reopened with limited hours and services. These offices may be screening visitors for COVID-19 symptoms. We require everyone entering a VA facility to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose.

For your safety and convenience, we continue to offer help online and by phone. Please call first to confirm services or ask about getting help by phone or video.
Find a VA regional office

Getting help online or by phone

We’re using virtual services to hold appointments for some benefit activities by telephone or online video through VA Video Connect or other approved video meeting tools. Once your video appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive a VA Video Connect link.

We’ll work with you to change your in-person appointment to a virtual appointment for benefits and services such as:

  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

  • Chapter 36 educational and career counseling

  • Military service coordinators

  • Home loans: We’re working with lenders and appraisers to offer temporary options to continue processing and closing loans remotely. You can continue to work with your lender to follow state and local laws for notarizing documents. And you can designate an attorney-in-fact to use a Power of Attorney to sign documents on your behalf at closing.

  • Specially Adapted Housing grants: Our staff can help you complete the grant application process by phone, video, and email.

  • Fiduciary claims: We can conduct many field exams by phone. In cases where a phone exam isn’t appropriate, we may do a field exam through VA Video Connect. Our staff will contact you to set up a phone or video exam.

  • Transition assistance: You can follow the VA Transition and Assistance Program (TAP) curriculum and other learning modules online. Use your Common Access Card- (CAC-)enabled device to access the course (number TGPS-US006) through the Department of Defense’s Joint Knowledge Online. You can also explore VA benefits and services online. For more help by phone, ask your DOD TAP manager to connect you with a VA benefits adviser.

Please work with your VA representative to reschedule appointments. If you have questions, you can also call us at 800-827-1000. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

More benefit and claim questions

  • We’re currently granting extensions under good cause provisions for any claim or appeal paperwork deadlines if:

    • You or your authorized representative requests an extension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and
    • The time limit on your claim or appeal expires on or after March 1, 2020

    To request an extension for filing a claim or appeal

    Simply add a note to your late-filed application that you’re requesting an exemption for timely filing due to COVID-19.

    If you’ve already filed a claim and need more time to submit evidence or other documents

    Continue to submit your requests for exemptions due to COVID-19 in writing or by phone at 800-827-1000.

    Please tell us how much extra time you need. We won’t take final action on your claim until you’ve submitted your additional evidence or other documents to support your claim, or the extension period ends.

    If you need to sign paperwork

    We don’t require physical or wet signatures (meaning signed in ink) on claims applications or other documents, as long as your claim information and signature show no irregularities. Please work with your VA representative to find out which type of signature you’ll need for a specific benefit or service.

    If you have any questions, please call us at 800-827-1000. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

  • Yes. We know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Veterans  may have challenges with finances or with visiting their health care provider to get their medical records.

    To help Veterans who may need more time to apply after separating from service, we're extending the period to apply for VGLI.

    If you're applying for VGLI between June 11, 2020, and June 11, 2021, you can:

    • Apply without needing to have a health review to provide proof of good health for up to 330 days after you separate from service. We've increased this by 90 days, from the standard period of 240 days.
    • Apply with a health review to provide proof of good health for up to 1 year and 210 days after you separate from service. We've increased this by 90 days, from the standard period of 1 year and 120 days.

    Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for VGLI

    If you have questions about VGLI, please call us at 800-419-1473. If you have hearing loss,  call  TTY: 711.

  • As of right now, we can’t pay you for hours you haven’t worked. But we understand the impact this pandemic is having on students. We’re working to follow both established and new, temporary guidance specific to COVID-19 to continue benefits for as many students as possible.

    For on-the-job training and apprenticeships

    If your training facility:

    • Changes to an online format, you’ll continue to receive your regular monthly housing payments.
    • Remains open, but you stop training due to furlough, illness, or other reasons, you’ll continue to receive your payments through the last day of your training.
    • Temporarily closes, you’ll receive your payments through the end of the program or 28 days, whichever is sooner.

    For work-study students

    If:

    • We’ve processed a new contract and you requested advanced payment, we’ll still process your advancement as long as we’ve received your signed agreement.
    • Your work-study facility temporarily closes, you can switch your contract location as long as the new site supervisor accepts you and we receive a new application for the new site.
    • Your school can offer you temporary off-campus remote work, we’ll continue to pay for submitted hours as long as the work satisfies your work-study requirements.
    • Your school cancels classes completely and you won’t be enrolled at that or any other facility or taking online classes paid for by VA, we’ll pay you for the hours you worked until the end of your contract term or until 4 weeks after the date the school closed, whichever comes first.

    Learn more about how COVID-19 may affect your education benefits

    Learn more about electronic communication

Debt, copays, appeals, and other financial concerns

Is VA helping to make sure I get my stimulus check?

Yes. If you receive VA disability or pension benefits, you’ll automatically receive a $1,200 stimulus check from the IRS, even if you don’t file tax returns. You don’t need to do anything to receive your check. 

We’re working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Department of the Treasury to make sure you receive your payment as soon as possible. You can track your payment on IRS.gov.

If you have 1 or more dependent children under the age of 17

You may qualify for an extra $500 per child.

If you filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, or if you registered as a non-filer on IRS.gov by May 5, 2020, you’ll receive this added amount in your automatic stimulus check.

Note: The IRS has reopened registration for people who didn’t file tax returns to get this added amount. You can now register as a non-filer on IRS.gov until midnight ET on November 21, 2020.

If you miss this deadline, you can get this added amount when you file your tax return for 2020.

If you’ve already started using the IRS’s Economic Impact Payments (EIP) portal

You can continue using the portal to give the IRS your information and track your stimulus check. This won’t cause any problems with getting your check.

Note: Use only IRS.gov to register or get information about your stimulus check. Be careful of scams. Unless you’ve asked to be contacted, the IRS will never contact you by email, phone, or text to ask for personal or financial information or to open an attachment or visit a website link.

 

Will my COVID-19 stimulus check lower my VA payments?

No. We won’t count any money received as part of the COVID-19 stimulus package as income for VA disability compensation, individual unemployability (TDIU), VA pension, or parent Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) beneficiaries. This means your payments will stay the same.

 

Will I still have to pay my VA copays during the pandemic?

Since April 6, 2020, we’ve put our monthly copay patient statements on hold. We’ll start sending patient statements again in January 2021.

You don’t have to make any copay payments until January 2021. But please read below to know what to expect at that time.

In January 2021, you’ll receive a patient statement that may include the total amount of any:  

  • New copay charges for medical care and prescriptions you received from April 6, 2020, through December 31, 2020 
  • Unpaid copay charges for medical care and prescriptions you received before April 2020  

If you’d like to make payments before January

Find out how to pay your VA copay bill now

If you use an HSA or FSA to pay your VA copays

Please contact the company that manages your health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) plan. Ask them when you should make payments to make sure you’re using your funds for 2020.  

If you can’t make your payments when billing starts again

Call us at 866-400-1238 or 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). We can work with you to determine your debt relief options.

Learn more about requesting financial hardship assistance
Watch a video about financial hardship options (YouTube)

 

What if I can’t pay my existing VA debt?

As of April 3, 2020, we’ve taken action to stop collection on newly established Veteran debt and make it easier for Veterans to request extended repayment plans and address other needs during this time. Please check back regularly for updates.

If you have VA debt that we’ve already transferred to the U.S. Department of the Treasury 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury won’t take any more action on your debt during this time. This means they won’t add more fees or interest, reduce or withhold part of your federal or state payments or job wages to pay your debt, or refer your account to a private collection agency.

If you have VA debt being managed by VA

We’ll work with you to decide whether you’d prefer us to temporarily stop collection action, including stopping the addition of fees and interest, during this time or extend your repayment terms.

  • If you have debt related to VA benefits, please contact the VA Debt Management Center at 800-827-0648 to make arrangements. We’re here Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

  • If you have debt related to VA health care, please contact the Health Resource Center at 888-827-4817 to make arrangements.  Be sure to have your account number ready.

 

What if I’m having trouble paying my VA direct or VA-backed home loan during this time?

If you’re experiencing financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19, call your loan servicer right away to request a forbearance plan. Your loan servicer is the company that collects your mortgage payments.

Forbearance lets you pause or reduce your loan payments for a period of time, without paying late fees or other penalties. Under a recent law, you may be able to request up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance on a VA direct or VA-backed home loan.

Note: Forbearance doesn’t lower or forgive the amount of money you owe on your loan. You’ll need to work with your servicer at the end of the forbearance period to set up a repayment plan.

If you have a VA-backed home loan

Call 877-827-3702 to talk with a VA home loan representative to request a forbearance plan or other help. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

If you have a Native American Direct Loan (NADL)

Your loan servicer is BSI Financial Services. To request a forbearance plan, contact the BSI default resolution team at 800-327-7861 or customercare@bsifinancial.com. 

You can also call 877-827-3702 to talk with a VA home loan representative about other ways we can help you. 

Learn more about how we can help you avoid foreclosure

Get more help from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):

 

More financial questions

  • Yes. If you're struggling because of life situations like losing your job, having a sudden decrease in income, or having an increase in out-of-pocket family health care expenses, we can help. You can request financial hardship assistance to manage your current VA copay debt or request an exemption from future copays. 

    Learn more about requesting financial hardship assistance

    Watch a video about financial hardship options (YouTube)

    You can also call our Health Resource Center at 866-400-1238 to talk to someone about your options.

  • The Board of Veterans' Appeals will offer you a priority review to move your appeal to the front of the line. This is called “Advanced on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Docket” (or AOD). 

    Find out how to file for AOD and required documents

    Check your VA claim or appeal status online

  • We base eligibility for VA health care on several factors, like your military service, discharge status, and whether you have a service-connected disability.

    If you’ve lost your job or have a reduced income, you may qualify for enhanced eligibility status based on your income. This means we’ll place you in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits and affects how much (if anything) you’ll need to pay for care.

    Learn about VA health care eligibility 

    Find out how to apply for VA health care

    If you’re not eligible for VA health care, you may still be able to get care for:

    Call us at 800-827-1000 to find out what your care options may be. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

  • We offer many programs and services that may help—including free health care and, in some cases, free limited dental care. We can also help you connect with resources in your community, like homeless shelters or faith-based organizations.

    Find the support you need:

    • Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.
    • Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to talk with a VA social worker. If you're a female Veteran, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
      Find the nearest VA medical center

  • The coronavirus pandemic has brought new scams, including those that target stimulus checks, online tools, promises of new treatments, and charity donations.

    You can take these steps to protect your identity and finances during this time:

    • Use only IRS.gov to register for or get information about your stimulus check (also called an economic impact payment). Remember, unless you’ve asked to be contacted, the IRS will never contact you to ask for personal or financial information or ask you to open an attachment or visit a website link. For more information, go to the IRS website.
    • Protect your information when using online tools and mobile applications. For step-by-step instructions on how to securely access and manage your VA health care and other benefits, visit our videos for privacy best practices for Veterans (YouTube) and authentication methods for signing in to mobile apps and VA.gov (YouTube).
    • Stay aware of the latest scams. Go the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for tips on how to avoid coronavirus-related scams.
    • Protect your identity at all times. Research shows scammers and identity thieves often target Veterans. Visit our identity theft prevention website for tips and resources to help you protect your identity.

Status of VA national cemeteries and burials

Are VA national cemeteries open?

Yes. VA national cemeteries remain open but, for the safety of employees and visitors, we ask that visitors follow physical distancing and travel restrictions based on CDC and local health department guidelines.

Some cemetery areas may be closed to the public. You should contact the cemetery for more information.

Find updates on the operating status of individual national cemeteries 

 

Can I still schedule a burial at a national cemetery? 

Yes. To schedule an interment, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. VA national cemeteries remain open for direct interments of Veterans and eligible dependents.

Families must follow all COVID-19 safety requirements for attendee limits, masks, and physical distancing. 
Learn more about cemetery safety requirements

If you would like to cancel or postpone an interment that’s already scheduled, please contact the cemetery directly to cancel the service and to reschedule future services when ready.

 

Can I schedule a committal service or a military funeral honors service?

Yes. We're holding committal and memorial services again at VA national cemeteries. We've been contacting families who were unable to hold a service due to the pandemic so we can help them arrange one. Military honors are based on local availability.

Families must follow all COVID-19 safety requirements for service attendee limits, handling floral arrangements, wearing masks, and physical distancing. 
Learn more about cemetery safety requirements

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