Write a commentU.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that the agency will begin working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to allow recipients of non-taxable VA benefits (VA Disability Compensation and Veterans Pension) to automatically receive Economic Impact Payments without having to submit additional paperwork or IRS filings.
Rep. Katko, along with U.S. Rep Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32), last week led a bipartisan letter to the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration, urging these agencies to share the necessary data so recipients of SSI and non-taxable VA benefits (VA Disability Compensation and Veterans Pension) could automatically obtain recovery rebates established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. After sending this letter, last week the IRS changed their policy, allowing SSI recipients to receive their Economic Impact Payments automatically.
“I am pleased that the IRS and VA are now acting on my request to automatically send Economic Impact Payments to recipients of non-taxable VA benefits,” said Rep. Katko.“Despite already having all the necessary information to distribute these payments to veterans and their families, the IRS originally created a process that was burdensome and confusing. Veterans and their families will now receive these payments without having to file with the IRS or jump through additional hoops. I will continue supporting Central New York veterans, and their families, during these unprecedented times and will continue to engage with the IRS to ensure those eligible for Economic Impact Payments receive their payments.”
