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VA is transitioning to electronic benefit payments

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The Central Virginia VA Health Care System and its clinics are transitioning to electronic benefit payments.

The Central Virginia VA Health Care System and its clinics are transitioning to electronic benefit payments. If veterans are currently receiving their medical travel reimbursements by paper check, they must sign up for electronic payment by September 30, 2023, to continue to receive their medical travel reimbursements without interruption. 

Why the change? This change is required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s regulation 31 USC § 208.1, requiring all U.S. federal benefit payments to be made through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). 

What are your payment options? The first option is direct deposit, and the second option is the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard®. With direct deposit, the veteran's benefit payment will be automatically deposited into their account at their financial institution. If veteran does not have a current bank, they can contact Veterans Benefits Banking Program via https://veteransbenefitsbanking.org or www.benefits.va.gov/banking. The Direct Express® card is a prepaid debit card available to veterans if they do not have an account at a financial institution. 

How should you prepare? Visit Central Virginia VA Health Care System’s agent cashier to complete the necessary forms for direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card.  

Electronic payments are very safe and reliable, with no delays in payment due to severe weather, lost, stolen or misdirected checks. Avoid delay of your payment – Veterans should select their payment option before September 15, 2023.