To Claim VA Benefits, Veterans Told to Set Up Direct Deposit

Washington, DCIn order to claim their VA benefits, veterans are being encouraged by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to set up electronic deposit, as paper checks will stop being issued in March 2013, the Cherry Hill Courier Post reports.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">Veterans who do not arrange for electronic deposit prior to the deadline will receive their benefits through a prepaid debit card, according to a recent release from the department.

The changes are similar to new policies enacted by the Treasury Department that also affect those receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and other payments, the news provider said.

Veterans who have already arranged for the electronic deposit and those who will receive pension benefits or compensation for the first time after May 1 will not be affected by the new policy, according to the news source.

According to its Web site, the Department of Veterans Affairs strives to "provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned—and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship."