One of the deadlines for eligible veterans to apply for PACT Act-related benefits has been extended due to website technical issues. Applications for retroactive benefits to Aug. 10, 2022 must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.
Those who are newly eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act must apply before Sept. 30.
According to the VA’s message, "Due to high volume, some Veterans have received error messages when submitting their intent to file PACT Act claims. If you received one of these messages, don’t worry! We have logged your intent to file and saved your effective date for benefits. "
To expedite assistance, veterans should contact their county veteran services office if you are experiencing issues with the online portal, wrote Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, in an email notice to constituents. Listed below is contact information for MI-07 county offices:
Oakland County: Pontiac Office: (248) 858-0785 or Troy/South Oakland Office: (248) 655-1250
Livingston County: (517) 546-6338
Ingham/Clinton County: (517) 887-4331
Shiawassee County: (989) 743-2231
Genesee County: (810) 257-3068
Eaton County: (517) 543-3740
Eligibility under the PACT Act includes people who served in combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or who served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after Nov. 11, 1998. To receive benefits under the PACT Act, you must have been discharged or released between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, and must have not enrolled in VA health care before now. Veterans that have left service after Oct. 1, 2013 have ten years from their separation date to apply for benefits as allowed by the regulations.
"Many of our nation’s heroes are suffering as a result of being exposed to harmful substances like Agent Orange or toxic burn pits during their service," wrote U.S. Senator Gary Peters in an email to constituents. "That’s why I was proud to help pass the Honoring Our PACT Act into law to finally ensure these veterans, along with their survivors, can obtain their long-overdue health care and benefits through the VA."
Veterans can file claims and apply for PACT Act-related benefits by calling the Veterans Administration (VA) at (800) 698-2411 or filing a claim online for disability benefits and/or VA health care.
Please click here for Peters' press release about the PACT Act.
Click here for a Q & A and more PACT Act details.
For further assistance navigating the new benefits, contact Sen. Peters office toll free at (844) 506-7420.
