Indiana would limit fees for veterans' benefits claim help

The proposal would limit what covered helpers may charge for veterans' benefits claims. The rules cover claims under federal Veterans Affairs or Defense programs. Federally accredited veterans' group representatives, agents, and lawyers are exempt. Federal law must permit payment for claim help. Covered helpers could not collect referral fees or unreasonable fees. Covered helpers could not charge for work done before the first review request or appeal is filed. The proposed start date is July 1, 2026.

Covered providers would face limits on how they seek repayment and collect fees. The payment rules cover providers charging for veterans' benefits help. The later fee ban applies to providers involved before benefits were issued. Providers could not make fee repayment depend on opening a joint account from which they can withdraw, using electronic transfers, or violating federal rules on preauthorized transfers. The later fee ban applies only if the provider was involved before benefits were issued and arranged the transaction to get around these restrictions. The later fee rule applies to services performed after benefits are received. The proposed start date is July 1, 2026.

Covered paid helpers would need a signed fee agreement and would have to give clients a notice. These rules cover paid claim helpers other than federally accredited veterans' group representatives, agents, and lawyers. Both parties must sign an agreement that follows federal fee rules. The helper must give the notice aloud and in writing. It must say the business is not linked to the federal Veterans Affairs department and that free help may be available. The agreement must come before services begin, and the notice must come at the start of the relationship. The proposed start date is July 1, 2026.

Advertisers of covered paid claim help would have to include a notice. This applies to advertising for paid veterans' benefits claim help, except by federally accredited veterans' group representatives, agents, and lawyers. The notice must say the business is not sponsored by or affiliated with the U.S. or Indiana veterans' affairs departments or federally chartered veterans' service groups, and that other organizations may offer free help. Printed and online ads must show the notice clearly. Spoken ads must say it clearly. The proposed start date is July 1, 2026.

Violations would count as deceptive acts, and covered older customers could seek help through the courts. This applies to violations of the proposed veterans' benefits rules, with added court options for covered older customers. An older customer covered by Indiana's senior protection law could sue over a violation. The attorney general could ask a court to stop an alleged violation involving such a customer. The proposed start date is July 1, 2026.