Veterans; terms; guidelines; effective date.

New protections for veterans buying benefits help

Beginning November 1, 2025, Oklahoma's SAVE Act sets rules for paid help with federal or state veterans' benefits claims. No person can receive money or anything of value for referring someone to another benefits adviser. Paid advisers must put payment terms in a written agreement signed by both parties. Fees depend on an increase in benefits awarded and cannot exceed five times the monthly increase. Initial or nonrefundable fees are banned, and veterans' payments to agents must follow federal fee rules. For claims filed within the one-year presumptive period after leaving active duty, paid services require a signed waiver. The waiver must acknowledge that period and the veteran's choice to forgo available free services. Advisers cannot promise success or a specific benefit amount. At the outset, businesses must disclose that they are not sponsored by or affiliated with federal or Oklahoma veterans agencies or similar organizations. The disclosure must explain that free help may be available and those organizations may not endorse the services. It must appear in an identifiable place in the agreement, in at least 12-point type. The customer must sign it, and a copy must be kept for at least one year after services end. Businesses cannot use international call or data centers to process veterans' personal information or use veterans' login details to access records. Anyone accessing medical or financial information must pass a reputable background check covering identity and criminal records. Violations fall under Oklahoma's consumer protection law and can bring court-ordered civil penalties; each continuing day counts separately. Existing requirements for federally accredited agents, attorneys, and representatives remain unchanged.