Request VA Financial Hardship Assistance

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} </script> </va-breadcrumbs></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <div id="content" class="interior"> <main class="va-l-detail-page" lang="en"> <div class="usa-grid usa-grid-full"> <nav data-template="navigation/sidebar_nav" aria-label="Secondary" id="va-detailpage-sidebar" data-drupal-sidebar="true" class="va-drupal-sidebarnav usa-width-one-fourth va-sidebarnav"> <div> <button class="va-sidenav-btn-close va-sidebarnav-close" type="button" aria-label="Close this menu"> <va-icon icon="close" size="3" class="vads-u-color--gray-dark"></va-icon> </button> <div class="vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center left-side-nav-title"> <va-icon icon="medical_services" size="3" class="hub-icon vads-u-color--white vads-u-background-color--hub-health-care vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center vads-u-justify-content--center vads-u-margin-right--1"></va-icon> <h4>Health care</h4> </div> <div class="sidenav-previous-page"> <a href="/health-care/pay-copay-bill">Review and pay your VA copay bill</a> </div> <ul class="usa-sidenav-list"> <li> <a href="/health-care/pay-copay-bill/dispute-charges" id="d907aaed16252d78de70703c4832da29">Dispute your VA copay charges</a> </li> <li class="active-level"> <a class="usa-current" href="/health-care/pay-copay-bill/financial-hardship" id="56eebb50e89460e484e624582605e6bd">Request VA financial hardship assistance</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <div class="usa-width-three-fourths"> <div class="va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger" id="sidebar-nav-trigger">  <div class="button-background"></div> <div class="button-wrapper"> <button aria-controls="va-detailpage-sidebar"> <strong>In this section</strong> <va-icon icon="menu" size="3" class="vads-u-color--link-default"></va-icon> </button> </div> </div> <div class="trigger-placeholder"></div> <script nonce="seFkJEGeP00QYwHboRHxIU3NhM9MHutg" type="text/javascript"> var mobileMediaQuery = window.matchMedia('(max-width: 767px)') var navTrigger = document.getElementsByClassName('va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger')[0] var buttonWrapper = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-wrapper' ) var buttonBackground = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-background' ) var navTriggerPlaceholder = document.querySelector('.trigger-placeholder') var navTriggerPosition // Helper to get the height of the nav button, with or without the bottom // padding. 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This simple hack // ensures that the height is not computed until the next run of the event // loop setTimeout(() => { navTriggerPlaceholder.style.height = getButtonHeight(true) + 'px' buttonBackground.style.height = getButtonHeight(false) + 'px' }, 0) } function setMenuTriggerPosition() { navTriggerPosition = navTriggerPlaceholder.offsetTop } function pinTrigger() { if (mobileMediaQuery.matches) { if (navTriggerPosition < window.pageYOffset) { navTrigger.classList.add('fixed-trigger') } else { navTrigger.classList.remove('fixed-trigger') } } } // As the document loads, make sure the height and trigger positions are // updated document.onreadystatechange = () => { setElementHeights() setMenuTriggerPosition() } window.addEventListener( 'resize', () => { // The height of the trigger can change at extreme browser widths setElementHeights() // The trigger can be pushed up/down as elements above it change height as // the browser width changes setMenuTriggerPosition() // We might need to pin/unpin the trigger if we transitions from/to mobile // browser widths pinTrigger() }, false ) window.addEventListener( 'scroll', () => { // We are resetting the trigger button's position on scroll just in case any // elements have been removed from above the menu trigger, such as a // dismissible alert. setMenuTriggerPosition() // Primarily scrolling will pin/unpin the trigger from the top of the // viewport pinTrigger() }, false ) </script> <article class="usa-content vads-u-padding-bottom--0"> <div data-widget-type="i18-select"></div> <h1>Request VA financial hardship assistance</h1> <div class="va-introtext"> <p>If you lost your job or if you have a sudden decrease in income or an increase in out-of-pocket family health care expenses, we can help. Read this page to find out how to request help with current VA copay bills or an exemption from future copays.</p> </div> <va-on-this-page></va-on-this-page> <script type="application/ld+json" nonce="seFkJEGeP00QYwHboRHxIU3NhM9MHutg"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What can I do if I can鈥檛 afford to pay my current VA copay bills?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my income has decreased and I won鈥檛 be able to pay future copays?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } } ] } </script> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a_section" data-entity-id="4286"> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="4281" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="What can I do if I can’t afford to pay my current VA copay bills?"> <div id="4281"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="what-can-i-do-if-i-cant-afford"> What can I do if I can’t afford to pay my current VA copay bills? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="4281"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="4276"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You can request either of the 2 financial hardship assistance options on this page, depending on your situation. To avoid late charges, including interest and other fees, you’ll need to take action within 30 days of receiving your bill.</p> <p><a href="/health-care/pay-copay-bill#collection" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-uuid="f895a314-87c0-4826-9490-2372438dab69" title="Review and pay your VA copay bill">Learn more about VA late charges and debt collection</a></p> <h3 id="option-1-request-help-to-get-d">Option 1: Request help to get debt relief</h3> <p>If you don’t think you can pay your copay bills, you can request help.</p> <p>You can request one of these types of debt relief:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Request a waiver for all or part of your balance.</strong> If we accept your request, we’ll stop collection and forgive your debt.</li> <li><strong>Make a compromise offer. </strong>If we accept your offer, we’ll agree on a smaller, one-time payment to resolve your debt.</li> </ul> <p>If we accept part or all of your request, you won’t have to pay the amount of the balance we agree to relieve. </p> <h4>Online</h4> <p>You can request debt relief for copay bills online now.</p> <p><a class="vads-c-action-link--green" href="https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/request-debt-help-form-5655">Request help with copay bills</a></p> <h4><strong>By mail or in person</strong></h4> <p>You can also request debt relief by mail or in person.</p> <p>Fill out a Financial Status Report (VA Form 5655).</p> <p><a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e001a698-c100-444b-8ab1-db84987f4027" href="/find-forms/about-form-5655" title="About VA Form VA5655">Get VA Form 5655 to download</a></p> <p>Write a letter describing the financial issues that make it hard for you to pay your copay debt. If you want to request a hearing to help explain your financial issues, include this request in your letter.<strong>  </strong></p> <p>Submit your completed form and supporting letter to the business office or health administration office at your nearest VA medical center.</p> <p><a href="/find-locations/">Find the address of your nearest VA medical center</a></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="131994"> <div itemprop="text"> <h3 id="option-2-set-up-a-repayment-pl">Option 2: Set up a repayment plan to pay your bills over time</h3> <p>If you can’t pay your copay bills all at once, you can set up a monthly repayment plan at any time. We’ll review your proposed payment plan based on the amount of money you owe and your ability to pay within a reasonable time. We usually require you to pay off the full debt within 3 years.</p> <p>To set up a repayment plan, fill out an Agreement to Pay Indebtedness (VA Form 1100). </p> <p>In paragraph 1A, tell us how much you can pay each month.</p> <p><a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="272ab3d9-a785-43f3-93ab-c0f717950492" href="/find-forms/about-form-1100" title="About VA Form VA1100">Get VA Form 1100 to download</a></p> <p>Then submit your completed form and any other needed documentation to us. You can send these by mail, or bring them in person, to the business office or health administration office at your nearest VA medical center.</p> <p><a href="/find-locations/">Find the address of your nearest VA medical center</a></p> <h4>What to do after we approve your repayment plan</h4> <p>After we approve your repayment plan, you can begin sending your monthly payments. If you receive a coupon book with your approved repayment plan, please send payments to the address on the coupon. You can also make a payment by mail or in person at your VA medical center’s revenue office.</p> <h4>What to do if you receive new charges</h4> <p>Repayment plans don’t include new charges you may receive after submitting your proposed plan. If you submit your plan and then receive a bill with new charges, submit a new VA Form 1100 for the new charges.</p> <p>If you keep receiving new charges, call us at <a aria-label="8 6 6. 4 0 0. 1 2 3 8." href="tel:+18664001238">866-400-1238</a> (<a aria-label="TTY. 7 1 1." href="tel:711">TTY: 711</a>) every 90 days to request a new repayment plan. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="4285" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="What if my income has decreased and I won’t be able to pay future copays?"> <div id="4285"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="what-if-my-income-has-decrease"> What if my income has decreased and I won’t be able to pay future copays? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="4285"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="4282"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You may be eligible for a hardship determination, which would qualify you for a copay exemption. This means we’ll assign you to a higher priority group, and you won’t have to pay any VA copays for the rest of the calendar year.</p> <p><strong>To request a VA hardship determination and copay exemption:</strong></p> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/process" data-entity-id="4283" class="process schemaform-process"> <va-process-list> <va-process-list-item><p><strong>Fill out a Request for Hardship Determination (VA Form 10-10HS).</strong></p> <p><a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2434c13f-6c81-488d-8df5-330c63cba986" href="/find-forms/about-form-10-10hs" title="About VA Form 10-10HS">Get VA Form 10-10HS to download</a></p></va-process-list-item> <va-process-list-item><p><strong>Write a letter explaining why you’re requesting a hardship determination.</strong></p> <p>The letter should describe the financial issues that make it hard for you to pay your copays.</p></va-process-list-item> <va-process-list-item><p><strong>Submit your completed form and letter to us.</strong></p> <p>You can send these by mail, or bring them in person, to the business office or health administration office at your nearest VA medical center.</p> <p><a href="/find-locations/">Find the address of your nearest VA medical center</a></p></va-process-list-item> </va-process-list> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="4284"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><strong>Note:</strong> A hardship copay exemption doesn’t apply to copays for pharmacy medications.</p> <p>If you need more information or help with filling out your forms, call us at <a aria-label="8 6 6. 4 0 0. 1 2 3 8." href="tel:18664001238">866-400-1238</a> (<a aria-label="TTY. 7 1 1." href="tel:711">TTY: 711</a>). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="usa-content"> <aside class="va-nav-linkslist va-nav-linkslist--related"> <section data-template="paragraphs/list_of_link_teasers" data-entity-id="4291" class="field_related_links"> <h2 id="other-information-you-may-need" class="va-nav-linkslist-heading" tabindex="-1"> Other information you may need </h2> <ul class="va-nav-linkslist-list"> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="4287" data-links-list-header="Dispute your copay charges" data-links-list-section-header="Other information you may need"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id> <va-link href="/health-care/pay-copay-bill/dispute-charges" text="Dispute your copay charges"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">If you disagree with the charges or amounts on your copay bill, find out how to file a dispute.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="4288" data-links-list-header="Copay rates" data-links-list-section-header="Other information you may need"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-1"> <va-link href="/health-care/copay-rates" text="Copay rates"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">View our current copay rates for different services and medication.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="4289" data-links-list-header="Update your health benefits information (VA Form 10-10EZR)" data-links-list-section-header="Other information you may need"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-2"> <va-link href="/health-care/update-health-information" text="Update your health benefits information (VA Form 10-10EZR)"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Update your personal, financial, or insurance information after you’re enrolled in the VA health care program.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="4290" data-links-list-header="Your health care costs" data-links-list-section-header="Other information you may need"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-3"> <va-link href="/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/cost-of-care" text="Your health care costs"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Learn how we assess and verify your income to help determine if you’re eligible for VA health care and whether you'll need to pay copays for certain types of care, tests, and medications.</p> </li> </ul> </section> </aside> </div> </div> <va-back-to-top></va-back-to-top>  <div class="last-updated usa-content vads-u-padding-x--1 desktop-lg:vads-u-padding-x--0"> <div class="mobile-lg:vads-u-display--flex above-footer-elements-container"> <div class="vads-u-flex--auto"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--justify"> <p>Last updated: <time datetime="2023-07-10">July 10, 2023</time></p> </span> </div> <div class="vads-u-flex--1 vads-u-text-align--right"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--right"> <button type="button" class="feedback-button usa-button" id="mdFormButton" aria-label="give feedback"> Feedback </button> </span> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div></main> </div> </div>  <script nonce="seFkJEGeP00QYwHboRHxIU3NhM9MHutg" type="text/javascript" defer src="https://www.datadoghq-browser-agent.com/datadog-rum-v5.js"></script> <script nonce="seFkJEGeP00QYwHboRHxIU3NhM9MHutg" type="text/javascript"> window.addEventListener('load', () => { // All of the page urls we want to monitor include www.va.gov (production only) if (window.DD_RUM && window.location?.hostname === 'www.va.gov') { /** * Unauthenticated Static pages may be crawled by bots, so we won't initialize * RUM sessions. 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