While not updating your address cannot stop your veteran benefits, it can cause delays and complications in receiving your benefits. This is because the VA uses your address to send important correspondence including benefits checks, healthcare information, and notifications about changes in your benefits. You may miss out on all the crucial information or payment if the VA does not have your current address. This may lead to unnecessary stress and financial strain.
Impact of not Updating Your Address.
Failure to update your current address to the VA can cause impact on the following;
Impact on Healthcare
For veterans who receive healthcare through the VA, an outdated address can lead to delays in receiving medications, appointment notifications, and other vital healthcare communications. This lack of communication can lead to serious consequences such as severe health implications.
Financial Impact
The lack of updates on address can lead to financial strain due to delays in receiving disability compensation, pension payments, and other financial benefits. This might be bad, especially for veterans who are dependent on these benefits.
Impact on Eligibility
The VA reviews and updates eligibility for certain benefits periodically. If the VA staff cannot contact you for information verification, you might lose access to some benefits temporarily until your information is updated.
How to Change My Veteran Information?
Updating your address and other personal information with the VA is easy, especially if done online.
Here’s how you can do it:
Online Update
The quickest and most convenient way to update your information is through the VA’s online portal, VA.gov. Here’s how:
- Log in to VA.gov
- Sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account
- Navigate to Profile: Click on your profile in the top right corner
- Update Contact Information: Select the “Edit” option next to your address, phone number, or email address.
- Enter the new information and save your changes.
By Phone
If you prefer to update your information by phone, call the VA directly.
- The VA’s main number for general inquiries and assistance is 1-800-827-1000.
- For healthcare-related information, contact the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
- For education benefits, call 1-888-442-4551.
In Person
You can also update your information yourself at a VA regional office or healthcare facility. It’s advisable to call ahead and schedule an appointment to ensure you receive prompt assistance.
By Mail
Although not common, you can update your information by mailing a written request to the VA. Ensure your request includes your full name, Social Security number, old address, new address, and a signature.
Mail your request to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Things That Can Make You Lose Veteran Benefits
Although not updating your address doesn’t directly cause loss of benefits, there are several other reasons veterans might lose their benefits.
Here are some things that can make you lose your veteran benefits
Fraudulent Claims
The VA takes fraud very seriously and has measures in place to detect and prevent it. Therefore submitting fraudulent claims or providing false information to obtain benefits can lead to the termination of benefits and potential legal consequences.
Failure to Comply with Eligibility Requirements
Some specific eligibility requirements must be maintained to have access to veterans’ benefits. Failure to meet these standards can result in the loss of benefits.
Changes in Disability Status
If you are disabled and receiving disability compensation, your status may be reviewed after a while. If at some point, you do not attend the medical exams as scheduled or do not provide the requested documents, it might lead to termination of benefits.
Non-Use of Benefits
Some veteran benefits have time limits, an example is education assistance. If you do not use this benefit within the timeframe in which it is still valid, it might result in forfeiture.
