Attorney General's News Release

June 24, 2008

Nixon: Some Missourians are paying for veterans benefits they could be getting for free

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Jay Nixon says some Missouri veterans or their widows may be paying fees to help them access veterans benefits, when that assistance is free from several government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Nixon says some insurance companies, so-called veterans benefits specialists and others offer assistance for a fee to veterans and their family members with filling out forms, contacting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and helping determine what level of benefit may be available.

While it is not illegal to charge a fee for these services, Nixon reminds veterans and their families that there are a number of government agencies and non-profit organizations whose mission is to provide this assistance at no charge. Nixon says another risk is that the for-profit companies may give faulty advice about which benefits to apply for. That could cause consumers to be overpaid by the VA, which means they might have to repay money in the future.

"Although applying for veterans benefits may seem complex and intimidating, there are experts who can help consumers with this process," Nixon said. "Those experts don't charge a fee, and they're accredited by the VA. That means veterans and their families can count on them for good, accurate advice."

Some of the agencies that provide free assistance to Missouri veterans and family members:

"The Missouri Veterans Commission and its service partners have a dedicated staff of over 70 accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) located across the state. They are trained to help veterans, at no charge, obtain a full range of VA benefits," said Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Hal Dulle. "Our VSOs stand ready to help our veterans obtain the benefits they have earned."

Dulle says Missourians can locate the nearest VSO by calling the Missouri Veterans Commission at the toll-free number above.

In dealing with any non-accredited organization, Nixon and Dulle say to be suspicious of any company that says:

• The benefits are guaranteed or your money back. No third party can guarantee eligibility or dollar amounts for benefits.
• It has exclusive information that can't be found anywhere else. Again, free information is available from the Internet, libraries and the organizations listed above.
• It does all the work. Veterans and their families will still need to apply for benefits.
• The government charges a fee to qualify for benefits. While companies may charge a fee or a commission to process benefits, the VA does not.
• It will take care of all details and applicants should not contact the VA or an accredited organization.

Consumers who have questions or complaints about products and services being offered to veterans can contact Nixon's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or online at ago.mo.gov.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818