HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to protect veterans from those seeking to exploit their rightfully earned benefits claims.
Senate Bill 1209, will cap fees, ensure proper contract transparency, and ban predatory practices.
“Veterans often face challenges when applying for and receiving the benefits they deserve. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals and organizations seek to exploit these individuals by charging excessive fees and engaging in predatory practices, taking advantage of our veterans’ trust and need for assistance and causing undue financial burden,” said Pennycuick.
“In order to assist a veteran properly through all the phases of the claims process, an organization must be VA accredited. Unfortunately, some of these organizations do not have this accreditation and often do not adhere to the high level of professional and ethical standards that our veterans deserve.”
Veteran Service Officers are available throughout the Commonwealth, in county and state government offices and non-profit organizations, and stand ready to assist veterans free of charge.
Senate Bill 1209 will be sent to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388