Dependent Questionaire

[john999]

The VA sent me a questionaire about my dependents today. They asked if my dependents have changed. Behind that was a threat to cut off my dependent compensation if they did not get the questionaire back in 60 days. They remind me that it is my responsibility to inform them if dependents change. What if the letter got lost in the mail, or if I moved and the letter was not forwarded by the post office. I would have my compensation reduced. I would watch for this little gem. It looks like one of those letters you get from the VA reminding you that you have an appointment at the VAMC. There is always that implied idea that vets are most likely trying to defraud the government, but have just not be caught yet.

[sharon]

If you do not return the questionnaire they will remove your dependents back to the date they last knew who had them. This is usually the date you added them on or your last questionnaire. If you respond within one year of the action they add them back on. They will send you a detailed letter of the action taken.

[john999]

Why do they bother to tell me that it is my responsibility to tell them if dependents change if they are going to drop the hammer on me if I don't respond to their letter? They know a certain percentage of vets won't reply for various reasons and they can then cut compensation and pay no interest on money they save.

Thanks for the update on procedure to reinstate dependents.

[purple]

Is this something new? I've never gotten one of these letters (knock on wood).

But I did just take my boys to have their ID cards re-newed and they would only re-new my oldest son's ID card until his 21st b-day, even though he had proof that he is enrolled in college! The lady said that since he isn't actively taking classes now (uh...duh it's summer and he's changing colleges) that they aren't allowed to re-new it any further.