VA Fiduciary Program

What it is

VA's Fiduciary Program exists "to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs." A fiduciary is "a person or organization we trust to help you manage your VA benefit payments." It covers Veterans, surviving spouses, dependent parents, and minor or helpless children. The decision is only about your VA benefits. VA says it does not affect your non-VA finances or your right to vote or contract.

How VA decides

VA looks at injury, disease, age, being under the age of majority, or a court finding that you cannot manage your affairs. The decision shows up in your benefit letter. A VA field examiner then schedules an exam and reviews your finances. VA says there is a 60-day appeal period before the Fiduciary Program is notified.

Who can be the fiduciary

• Someone you choose
• A spouse or relative
• The chief officer of an institution that provides your care
• A professional fiduciary

VA checks willingness to serve, holds an interview, and runs a credit history and criminal background check.

How to get one, step by step

1. A family member or friend who wants to serve: send a request to your jurisdiction's Fiduciary Hub with the beneficiary's name, VA file number, and your own name and contact information. That is VA's instruction on its Fiduciary page.
2. If VA has already found the Veteran cannot manage funds, expect the field exam. Bring a government photo ID, records of monthly income and expenses, a list of assets (accounts, property, insurance), and next-of-kin contact information. You may bring a trusted person.
3. Not sure which hub covers you? Call the number below and ask, or use Ask VA.

If you disagree

You have one year from the date of notification to file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995), a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) or a Board Appeal (VA Form 10182). VA explains the three choices on Choosing a decision review option.

Where to call and where to go

Phone

• VA Fiduciary toll-free: 888-407-0144. Hours are not printed on the VA page. Source: VA Fiduciary contact us
• VA benefits hotline, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET: 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Source: va.gov/contact-us (hours) and VA VBA contact page (number)

Mail: VA Fiduciary Intake Center, PO Box 5211, Janesville, WI 53547-5211. Fax: 888-581-6826.

Official pages

• VA Fiduciary Program home
• Fiduciary: beneficiary information
• VA.gov: Fiduciary program
• Ask VA (online contact; loads with JavaScript)

Free accredited help

• Find an accredited representative (attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization representative)