Important Notice for Veterans: Deadline extended for PACT Act, which addresses toxic exposure.
New Deadline is just days away: August 14, 2023
Information from the office of Representative Elissa Slotkin
Important update for veterans who qualify for Honoring Our PACT Act benefits because of exposure during their service to burn pits, Agent Orange or other toxic substances. Last month, I reminded you about some important upcoming deadlines for retroactive and new health care benefits.
Due to website technical issues this week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits to 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, August 14.
The VA’s message reads:
PACT Act backdated benefits deadline extended! You now have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, August 14, 2023, to file your PACT Act claim—or submit your intent to file—and be eligible for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. Take advantage of this extension and file now!
Due to high volume, some Veterans have received error messages when submitting their intent to file PACT Act claims. If you received one of these messages, don’t worry! We have logged your intent to file and saved your effective date for benefits.
To expedite assistance, veterans should contact their county veteran services office if you are experiencing issues with the online portal. Below is contact information for MI-07 county offices:
- Oakland:
- Pontiac Office: (248) 858-0785
- Troy/South Oakland Office: (248) 655-1250
- Livingston: (517) 546-6338
- Ingham/Clinton: (517) 887-4331
- Shiawassee: (989) 743-2231
- Genesee: (810) 257-3068
- Eaton: (517) 543-3740
As a refresher, the PACT Act is a landmark bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President last year. The legislation addresses toxic exposure among veterans who served near burn pits by giving them access to specialized treatment and care.
Eligibility under the PACT Act includes people who served in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or who served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998.
Additionally, to receive benefits under the PACT Act, you must have been discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, and must have not enrolled in VA health care before now. It’s worth noting that if you are a Veteran that has left service after October 1, 2013, you have ten years from your separation date to apply for benefits.
Please share this extended deadline to those who qualify.
Rep. Slotkin’s office is available to constituents who need additional assistance. District staff can be reached at (517) 993-0510.
