The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that recipients of benefits through the VA, including everyone receiving disability benefits, will automatically receive coronavirus checks without needing to file a tax return. This will help VA beneficiaries to survive in this difficult time, as unemployment soars and people struggle to make ends meet. The timing on when the checks will be issued has yet to be announced, however.
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a highly infectious disease that has caused serious difficulties as governments struggle to contain the pandemic. Hospitals, including those in the VA system, have been overwhelmed by patients in need of emergency care, and businesses have been closed to slow the spread of the disease. This has left many people without income streams they previously relied upon, including many people receiving disability benefits through the VA.
The announcement that VA beneficiaries would receive the full $1,200 check without needing to file a tax return is likely a relief to many, when so much uncertainty remains about the coronavirus. Many VA benefit recipients don’t file tax returns, so there was a chance that they might be overlooked during the distribution of the coronavirus relief check, which require most people to fill in information about their tax return before they can receive the check. By allowing veterans to automatically receive the check, it ensures they’ll receive coronavirus relief without needing to navigate IRS bureaucracy to get it.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Although the courts are closed except for essential proceedings, our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395 -7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
