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Veterans Benefits Newsletter
October 2026
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Safeguard your benefits from Cyber-Attacks
October is globally recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. VA is committed to protecting Veterans’ benefits against fraudulent activity and raising awareness of the various cyber scams impacting Veterans and their beneficiaries. As technology advances, scammers are becoming more sophisticated with their attacks. Staying informed of evolving fraud tactics is important to protect yourself and your benefits. Fraudsters deploy cyber-attacks aimed at VA benefits, including phishing, identity theft, spoofing, and payment redirection.
As VA focuses on keeping Veterans and beneficiaries safe from online threats, take a moment to learn how to safeguard personal payment data from fraudsters by watching VA’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Jeanine Gilson’s warning video on direct deposit payment redirection fraud. You are your strongest defense; keep personal information secure.
If a Veteran is missing a VA benefit payment, notices a discrepancy in payments, or finds suspicious activity with their direct deposit account, contact the VA right away at 1-800-827-1000.
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VA Health and Benefits Mobile App
More than 4.6 million Veterans already use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app to manage their care and benefits, and now, Veterans can view lab results and manage VA benefit overpayment debts directly in the app. These new features give you faster access to important information and make it easier to manage your healthcare and benefits from your phone. Download today.
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Veterans can use their VA-guaranteed home loan benefit more than once
You can use your VA-guaranteed home loan benefit more than once. Many Veterans and surviving spouses think it’s a one-time benefit, but it isn’t. Learn more about your home loan benefits.
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Claims process streamlined for Veterans affected by 1973 NPRC records fire
VA is making the claims process easier for Veterans whose records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Learn more about this advancement.
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SBA | Expand Your Business Worldwide
Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs can tap into SBA’s global resources to expand their businesses worldwide. Through specialized counseling, export training programs, and access to international financing tools, the SBA helps #VetBiz owners navigate new markets and connect with buyers across the globe. Whether you're ready to start exporting or looking to scale your international reach, explore SBA programs designed to strengthen your global strategy and open doors abroad: sba.gov/veterans.
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Object 30: President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
Lincoln’s second inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1865, during the final weeks of the Civil War, was destined to become one of his most famous speeches. Almost a century later, his appeal “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” inspired Sumner Whittier, the head of the Veterans’ Administration to adopt those words as VA’s motto.
Read more about Object 30 in the History of VA in 100 Objects digital exhibit.
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Job Scams: A Growing Threat
Job scams rank among the top predatory schemes Veterans encounter. Hiring scams are particularly deceitful, targeting not just money, but also personal information and documentation.
According to the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau, Veterans and their families reported total losses of $584 million.
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Apply for VA Life Insurance
You may question why life insurance is important but at every stage of life, there are different needs and life insurance serves a purpose. It’s more than just a death benefit – it’s a financial tool. Life insurance makes sure that your affairs are handled and your legacy remains secure. Check out which programs VA offers!
Apply ort learn more
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Stay Connected with Team RWB
Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. By providing in-person and virtual opportunities, Team RWB can help you focus on your mental and physical health to ensure the best days are ahead. Download their free mobile app to meet local community members, access virtual challenges, and much more!
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Get Screened for Breast Cancer
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder to get screened! VA health care gives eligible Veterans access to comprehensive women’s care services, including breast cancer screenings and care.
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