An overpayment occurs when the VA determines that a veteran has received more VA benefits than they were entitled to—often due to changes in disability status, dependency status, income, or retroactive adjustments.

When this happens, the VA may seek repayment, either through monthly benefit deductions or by requesting a lump-sum payment from the veteran.

• A veteran in the Reserves may be called up for active duty and still be receiving VA benefits

• A veteran receiving education benefits does not complete the course requirements

• A veteran has a change in marital status and does not notify VA

• A veteran does not report a school-age child as married

• A veteran experiences death of a dependent and does not notify VA

• Va veteran receives care at a VA medical facility and does not pay a required co-pay

• A veteran or beneficiary is incarcerated but still received benefits during the period of incarceration

• A veteran or beneficiary receiving an income-based pension doesn’t report a change in income

Note: These are just some examples. Every veteran’s situation is unique, and overpayment cases vary based on individual facts.

If you receive an overpayment notice, you may be able to:

• Dispute the debt if you believe it was caused by VA error

• Request a waiver so you're not required to repay

• Negotiate a repayment plan to reduce financial hardship

Note: There are strict deadlines to request a waiver or dispute—usually within 30 days to prevent automatic deductions, and 180 days to file a full waiver request.

At Greene & Marusak, we can help guide veterans through the overpayment process—whether it's disputing the debt, filing a waiver, or appealing a reduction that caused the overpayment. Don’t wait to act—VA collection efforts can start quickly.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737