By Hank Russell
Governor Kathy Hochul was at American Legion Post 360 in Huntington on October 20 to sign into law legislation that will protect veterans’ pension from being exposed to poaching, theft and fraud. She was joined by local veterans and elected officials.
The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act (S8150/A8476) establishes new safeguards to prevent pension poaching, benefit theft and fraud by unaccredited representatives. The Senate version of the bill was sponsored by state Senator Siela A. Bynoe (D-Westbury) and cosponsored by Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore). Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) sponsored the Assembly version of the bill, along with Tommy John Schiavoni (D-Sag Harbor) and Judy Griffin (D-Rockville Centre).
“New York’s veterans stepped up when our country needed them the most, putting everything on the line to protect our communities and our freedoms. We owe it to them to make sure that they never have to struggle to access their hard-earned benefits that provide security for themselves and their families,” Hochul said. “Since taking office, I have been committed to supporting New York veterans, and I will continue to prioritize efforts that make their lives healthier, more secure, and more affordable.”
Under this law, anyone who attempts to defraud veterans in New York State can be charged with a new class A misdemeanor for unaccredited representation and face up to $10,000 in civil penalties per violation. The law also creates a veterans’ services fund supported by collected civil penalties to provide grants to certified veteran service organizations that help veterans prepare and present benefits claims.
Stern, who chairs the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said his bill “protect[s] veterans from bad actors who attempt to take advantage of veterans by fraudulently seeking payment for services without proper accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs” and “ensure that the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our great nation are not taken advantage of by scammers.”
“[P]rotecting our veterans is non-negotiable,” Assemblyman Keith Brown (R.C-Northport) said. “This law ensures that the men and women who serve our nation are safeguarded from pension poaching, fraud, and bad actors who try to exploit them. Our veterans have earned every benefit they receive, and I will always stand firmly behind measures that honor their service and strengthen the support they deserve.”
“New York State serves as a vital conduit between the federal government and the United States veteran, and it’s critical that state governments do everything they can to highlight and expand on services and benefits for those who put everything on the line,” Sciavoni said.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen thanked Hochul for signing the GUARD VA Benefits Act. “At a time when far too many veterans and military families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, food insecurity, and federal instability, the Governor is delivering real solutions that make New York more affordable, safer, and stronger for all who served.”