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Veterans Benefits Newsletter
March 2026
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VA May Contact You By Email and SMS Text About Your Claim - Respond Securely through the new Claim Assist Portal
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began using email and SMS text to let you know if more information is needed for your benefits claim.
These messages will include a link to the Claim Assist Portal—a fast, secure way to respond without mailing, scanning, or searching through VA.gov. On the portal, you will be able to quickly respond to questions and sign forms electronically.
What is the Claim Assist Portal?
The Claim Assist Portal is a secure online tool that makes it faster and easier for you to respond when VA needs more information for your claim. You can securely provide the requested details, complete short forms, or verify information online—no printing, mailing, or scanning needed.
What to know:
- The link is safe and secure
- Messages will clearly show they’re from the Department of Veterans Affairs ()
- These are official VA messages—not spam or third-party solicitations
Using the portal is not a requirement; however, responding quickly helps keep your claim moving.
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VA benefits claims backlog under 100K for first time since 2020
We recently announced that the backlog of VA disability compensation and pension benefit claims is consistently below 100,000 for the first time since May 2020, during the first Trump Administration.
Hitting this milestone means the department has now cut the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by 63% since Jan. 20, 2025, after it increased 24% under the previous administration.
VA encourages all Veterans to visit choose.va.gov to learn more and apply for the care and benefits they have earned.
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Consumer Protection Week and Slam the Scam Campaign
It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and we need your help to #SlamTheScam on government imposters. Veterans and their loved ones are frequent targets of government imposter scams, with millions lost each year. VA is committed to help Veterans on how to spot and "Slam the Scam." Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and demand immediate payment. Don’t be fooled! #SlamTheScam and HANG UP! Report the scam at: oig.ssa.gov. Learn more about government imposter scams and preventative measures to avoid experiencing fraud.
Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.
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Pension Payments for Eligible Survivors
VA’s Survivors Pension program offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. If you're a surviving spouse or child of a deceased wartime Veteran, find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
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Empowering Women Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs with SBA Resources
Women veterans and military spouses have access to tailored SBA programs designed to help them build and grow successful businesses. From Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) to Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Programs, these tools open doors to funding, training, and opportunities for women-owned small businesses in federal contracting. Discover your pathway to success: sba.gov/wosb.
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Request a Higher-Level Review for Your Appeal
Disagree with VA's decision on your claim? Veterans can request a higher-level review (HLR) This allows a Veteran or their representative to speak directly with a higher-level reviewer assigned to complete the decision review. Learn how to sign up for an HLR informal conference.
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VA History: Widow's Pension Claim
Long before there was any kind of social safety net, a woman who lost her husband in war could apply to the state for financial support. From the American Revolution through the Spanish-American War, more than100,000 women collected a widow’s pension from the Federal government.
Read more about Object 16 in the History of VA in 100 Objects digital exhibit and watch the companion video on VA’s YouTube channel.
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Disabled American Veterans: Life Changing Support for Those Who Served
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free, professional assistance to help Veterans and their families get the benefits they’ve earned. DAV works with you to achieve personal victories, great and small, such as being able to provide for your families, overcome homelessness, finish your education, access vital funds, and even gather together with fellow Veterans to share good times. Find DAV programs and services that meet your specific needs!
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We're here to help. Give us a call today.
We're here to connect you to your benefits. Do you have questions about eligibility, access to benefits, or other concerns? Give us a call today:
MyVA411 Main Information Line: 800-698-2411
GI Bill hotline: 888-442-4551
Special issue hotline (Blue Water Navy Act, Gulf War, Agent Orange, and other information): 800-749-8387
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