BENEFITS

New York and Illinois are moving against a company accused of charging veterans up to $20,000 for VA disability claims help that federal law requires be free.

A Maryland law effective Oct. 1 requires non-accredited VA claims consultants to disclose fees in writing or face steep penalties.

New York extended 9/11-related benefit deadlines for National Guard members and first responders ahead of the 25th anniversary, giving more people time to file WTC-related claims.

A constitutional amendment letting surviving spouses of disabled veterans move their property tax exemption to a new home is now certified for Louisiana's November 2026 ballot.

The VA is proposing to cut its disability and survivor benefit claim forms roughly in half, aiming to make applying faster and less overwhelming for veterans and families.