Indiana would limit fees for help with veterans' benefits

A person or business would be barred from taking payment for claims help unless federal law allows it. The rules cover claims for benefits handled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of War, including claims by dependents and survivors. They also could not collect referral payments or fees deemed excessive under the federal rule in effect January 1, 2026. The bill proposed a July 1, 2026, start date for these rules.

A helper would be barred from guaranteeing a specific benefit or benefit amount. It applies to help with claims for benefits handled by the federal veterans' or military agencies. The ban would cover direct promises and implied promises. The bill proposed a July 1, 2026, start date for this rule.

A person seeking payment would have to get a written fee agreement signed by both sides before providing claims help. It covers paid help with claims for federal veterans' benefits. The agreement would have to include all payment terms and follow the federal rule in effect January 1, 2026. The bill proposed a July 1, 2026, start date for this requirement.

Indiana would classify violations of these rules as deceptive acts under its consumer protection law. It covers violations of the proposed chapter on paid help with veterans' benefits claims. The bill proposed a July 1, 2026, start date for this classification.