Resources for Veterans

I remain committed to ensuring Central New York veterans have access to affordable and quality healthcare.  To address the current public health crisis, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented an aggressive public health response to care for veterans and their families.

What should Veterans do?

  • Veterans with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. The VA urges Veterans to call before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility.
  • Veterans can also sign into My HealtheVet to send a secure message to VA or use telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.
  • Upon arriving at VA, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff. A VA health care professional will assist you with next steps once this screening process is complete.

For more information on VA resources available to veterans, click the link HERE.                                                                                                                                                                               

For mental health resources for veterans from the NYS Division of Veterans’ Services, click the link HERE.

In times of crisis, reach out to the veterans’ crisis line HERE or call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone.

Casework

In addition to legislative approaches to assisting Central New York Veterans during this time, my office remains committed to providing assistance with federal agencies meant to serve the Veterans from our area. During this trying and confusing time, I have caseworkers available in my office to assist with federal issues that may arise. This includes agencies such as:

United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs is available for Veterans and their families through my office. This includes access to care at local Veterans Administration Hospitals, as well as status updates regarding benefits claims, appeals, and pensions that were earned through your dedication to our country.

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

If you or a loved one is looking to receive copies of military medals earned during service or are looking for military records (including a DD214), our office will be able to assist in requesting these materials for you.

Department of Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS)

If you believe that you are due military pay from DFAS after leaving the military that has not yet been fulfilled, my office may be able to provide clarity regarding the situation.

Department of Defense (DoD)

In addition to Veterans, my office is committed to serving active duty members of the military as well. In this trying time, members of our military may have unprecedented questions or issues that may require congressional assistance. We are happy to help those who are currently serving in America’s military, and are stationed both overseas and in domestic territory.

Other Federal Agencies

In addition to the agencies above, my office can also assist with issues regarding the Social Security Administration, Medicare, USCIS, and more. If it is a federal matter, we would be happy to speak with you to determine how we may be able to assist you.

With the current state of the country, advocating for our veterans and military community is of the utmost importance to me as your Representative in Congress. As I continue to work on solutions for Central New York veterans legislatively in Washington, my caseworkers are prepared to assist you in this difficult time. To contact my office, please call (315) 423-5657.

 

Veterans Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law on March 27, 2020

Personal Resources

Telehealth

  • Temporarily waives the in-person home visit requirement to enroll in the Veteran Directed Care Program and permits telephone and telehealth visits as an alternative.
  • The VA has expanded its mental health services delivered via telehealth and has entered into short-term agreements with telecommunication companies to provide veterans with temporary broadband services.

 

Department of Veterans Affairs Funding

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - $19.6 billion in additional funding

  • Provides $14.4 billion for VA Medical Services: Supports demand for healthcare services at VA facilities and through telehealth, including the purchase of medical equipment and supplies, testing kits, and PPE. 
  • Also enables VA to provide additional support for vulnerable veterans, including through programs to assist homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless veterans, as well as within VA-run nursing homes and community living centers.
  • Provides $2.1 billion for VA Community Care: Supports increased demand for care in the community, specifically emergency room and urgent care.
  • Provides $106 million for VA Emergency Management: Supports VA’s 24-hour emergency management coordination, including overtime, travel, transportation of materials, and training in the VA healthcare system. 
  • Also expands and maintains 24-hour operations of Crisis Response and Continuity of Operations Plan implementation at various sites and expands cleaning and sanitation service in high traffic facilities throughout the rest of the Department.
  • Provides $606 million for VA Medical Facilities: Supports development of alternative sites of care and procurement of mobile treatment centers to meet the demand for healthcare services, improvements in security, and non-recurring maintenance projects to existing infrastructure and utility systems at VA facilities (e.g., reconfiguration of space to support care).
  • Provides $2.15 billion for VA Information Technology: Supports increased telework, telehealth, and call center capabilities to deliver healthcare services directly related to coronavirus and mitigate the risk of virus transmission. 
    • This includes the purchasing of devices, as well as enhanced system bandwidth and support.
  • Provides $13 million for the Veterans Benefits Administration: Provides additional software licenses and telework support for staff and enhances cleaning contracts.
  • Provides $150 million for Grants for the Construction of State Extended Care Facilities: Supports modification or alteration of existing hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary facilities in state homes to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
  • Provides $12.5 million for the VA Office of the Inspector General: Supports oversight of VA’s efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus
  • Waives pay caps for VA employees to allow them to be compensated for all hours worked to respond to increased demand

 

IRS Tax Relief and Tax Filings

Tax Rebates

  • Provides tax rebates to individuals amounting to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples, and $500 per child.
  • Limited to incomes at or below $75,000 ($112,500 Head of Household or $150,000 for Joint Filers).
    • Rebate is decreased by $5 for every $100 in income above these thresholds, with a complete phase out for individuals with an income above $99,000 or $198,000 for joint filers.
  • Available to all individuals with a valid Social Security number, as well as spouses and children of servicemembers.

Treasury and IRS Guidance on Extending Tax Filings Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal

income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020,

without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all

taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax

filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

 

Additional information regarding IRS resources to address COVID-19 can be found at:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus