Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
By Veterans Administration (Office of the Inspector General)
WASHINGTON (Feb. 7) -- The VA Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) requests your assistance in attempting to put an end to an insurance hoax that has plagued the VA for many years. Veterans are being told by mimeographed fliers or articles in locally-distributed publications to apply for SGLI dividends, even on lapsed policies. The fliers did not originate with the VA and do not reflect VA policies. The VA does not pay dividends on lapsed SGLI policies.
Dividend payments are automatic to those veterans who have participating policies and who continue to pay premiums. The dividend is usually paid on the anniversary date of the policy, and no application is needed.
Some recent versions of the hoax have included offers to assist the veteran in obtaining the "dividend" for a small fee. Since there is no such dividend, you should not give any money to individuals who make this offer to you. If you are approached with such an offer, you should immediately report it to the VAOIG, providing all available identifying information (such as name, address, and telephone number) on the individual.
The VAOIG Hotline address and phone number:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Inspector General Hotline (53E)
P.O. Box 50410
Washington, D.C. 20091-0410
E-Mail: VAOIG.HOTLINE@FORUM.VA.GOV
Phone: 800-488-VAIG (8244)
Although the insurance hoax is not generally accompanied by the offer to obtain the dividend for a fee, it is still harmful because it unnecessarily raises the hopes of individuals who could use the money. Furthermore, various sections of the VA have to expend valuable resources in responding to individuals who follow the instructions on the hoax flier in an attempt to collect what they believe is a legitimate dividend.
More information about the SGLI legislation hoax is available at the VA Benefits page at:
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by VNIS. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of VNIS, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. VNIS is not a government agency and is a sole proprietorship, own and operated by Christian L. Wilson USN/Ret
