Engrossed Senate Bill 567 - Veterans Benefits Assistance Act Summary

• Establishes the Veterans Benefits Assistance Act requiring individuals providing VA benefits assistance to certify they are accredited by the VA or employed by an accredited attorney, and to disclose federal laws and regulations to claimants in writing.

• Mandates disclosure forms include the assistant's contact information, accreditation number, statement that initial applications are free, confirmation no coercion occurred, and justification of any fees for product or service sales to claimants.

• Requires disclosure forms be signed by both the assistant and claimant, retained for 3 years, provided to the claimant same day, and submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs within 5 working days.

• Directs referring entities to report names and contact information of recommended VA benefits assistants to the Director and provide claimants with rights information; Director shall investigate violations and report serious violations to the Attorney General and VA.

• Exempts representatives of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVET, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and other VA-recognized service organizations from the act's requirements; effective July 1, 2015.