Shutdown Prevents Government From Raising Its Own Fines
Published Date: 7/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) won’t raise any fines for 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available due to a government shutdown. This means lenders dealing with VA-backed loans will keep the same penalty amounts as last year. So, no surprise fee hikes this time—just steady rules to keep things fair and clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lenders: No 2026 VA Penalty Increase
If you are a lender that makes VA-guaranteed loans, VA will not increase its civil monetary penalties for 2026. The Department is keeping the 2025 penalty levels after the October 2025 CPI-U data was unavailable, so the penalty that can equal two times the Secretary's loss (or another appropriate amount not to exceed $10,000, whichever is greater) remains unchanged.
False-Claim Penalties Stay the Same
If you submit claims or statements to VA, the civil penalty amounts for knowingly false or fraudulent claims will not increase for 2026. VA will continue using the 2025 level, including penalties under 31 U.S.C. 3802 of up to $5,000 per false claim, because the October 2025 CPI-U data needed for an adjustment was not produced.
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