Extending Deadline for Debtor To Request a Waiver
Published Date: 11/26/2025
Rule
Summary
The VA is giving veterans more time—up to one year instead of 180 days—to ask for a waiver on debts related to benefits. This change, effective January 26, 2026, helps reduce stress by giving veterans extra breathing room to handle their debt issues. It doesn’t cost veterans extra money but makes the process friendlier and fairer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
One-Year Waiver Request Window for Veterans
If you are a veteran with a VA benefits-related debt, you now have one year instead of 180 days to ask the VA for a waiver. This change is effective January 26, 2026, and the one-year period can be extended if you show your receipt of the notice was delayed by VA error, postal error, or other circumstances; the one-year period would then be computed from the date you actually received the notice. The rule is intended to reduce pressure on veteran debtors and does not cost veterans extra money.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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