South Carolina law limits fees for paid veterans’ claim helpers

Paid helpers may charge for veterans’ claim help only within the law’s fee limits. These rules cover people who prepare, advise on, present, or pursue veterans’ benefit claims, and people paid to refer claimants to such help. The referral rule exempts licensed attorneys working under a joint contract that follows state professional rules. Federal law may permit compensation for claim help. Before services begin, both sides must sign a written agreement stating the terms. The one-time fee must depend on an increase in benefits and cannot exceed the lower of five times the monthly increase or $12,500. Any agreed payment plan must be interest free and last no more than 12 months. These rules took effect when the Governor approved the act on May 19, 2026.

Paid claim helpers must give claimants a written notice and follow rules for handling their information. The notice and information rules apply to people advising, assisting, or consulting on veterans’ benefit matters for pay. They may not use a veteran’s login details to access personal accounts or employ a medical provider to examine the veteran. Staff must pass identity and criminal-record checks before accessing veterans’ medical or financial information. For a claim filed within the one-year presumptive period after active-duty release, a veteran must sign a waiver acknowledging the period and choosing to give up free services before a helper may be paid. The notice must explain that the business is not affiliated with veterans’ agencies and that free help may be available. It must be in at least 12-point type, signed by the claimant, and kept by the helper during service and for at least one year after the relationship ends. These rules took effect when the Governor approved the act on May 19, 2026.

Violations may lead to penalties, court orders, and claims for money losses. These penalties and remedies apply to violations of the rules for veterans’ benefit matters. A person convicted of a violation may be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to 30 days, or both; each claim handled in violation counts as a separate offense. A person who suffers a measurable money or property loss may sue under the state’s unfair trade practices law. The Attorney General may ask a court to stop a violation when there is reasonable cause and a case would serve the public interest. These rules took effect when the Governor approved the act on May 19, 2026.