Rex Ledford is Veterans Service Officer for Clay County. Call (828) 389-6301 for an appointment. Email: rledford@claync.us.
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, President Biden signed the 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 eras.
• Expanding benefits eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances and their survivors.
How to apply for PACT Act benefits
We want veterans and survivors to apply now for their PACT Act-related benefits. You can learn more and sign up at: www.va.gov/PACT or call (800) 698-2411.
If you need help applying for benefits, VA accredited representatives and Veteran Service Officers are always standing by and ready to help. There’s no cost for the forms, no fees to apply and VA will never charge veterans for processing a claim.
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. To report suspected fraudulent activity, email: vaoighotline@va.gov or call (800) 488-8244.
Protect yourself against new scams with these tips:
• Do not provide personal, benefits, medical or financial details online or over the phone. Federal agencies will not contact you unless you make a request.
• Do not click on online ads or engage with social media that seem suspicious.
• Check for “https://” at the start of website addresses.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
• Work with veteran service providers you already know.
• Submit any suspected fraud to: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Visit the Cybercrime Support Network for additional resources to help veterans, service members and their families combat cybercrime.
Visit: www.VA.gov/PACT the official source of PACT Act details.
Rex Ledford is Veterans Service Officer for Clay County. Call (828) 389-6301 for an appointment. Email: rledford@claync.us.