Today, the legislature’s Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee voted to advance House Bill 6874, a proposal from Gov. Ned Lamont intended to protect Connecticut veterans from so-called claims sharks— unaccredited companies, who try to convince veterans they need to pay for their services in order to apply for benefits.
The bill, which now moves to the House floor for consideration, includes new requirements that these companies explicitly notify veterans of any associated fees and make clear that their services are not affiliated with state or federal veterans agencies. Additionally, the bill gives the state attorney general authority to enforce its provisions.
“Veterans have earned their benefits through sacrifice and service, and no one should be permitted to exploit them for profit,” Sen. Paul Honig, Senate chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, said. “I’m proud to help advance this legislation on behalf of our vets to make sure they’re protected from predatory companies trying to take advantage of them during the claims process. We’re standing up for our veterans and ensuring they receive the support they deserve—without exploitation.”
Federal agencies and states across the country have considered steps to restrict claims sharks since the 2022 PACT Act expanded benefits for many veterans and led to a spike in unaccredited entities seeking to charge for application assistance.
In addition to charging vets for services available for free through state and federal veterans agencies, claim sharks often require applicants to share sensitive information in order to facilitate access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims system. Sharing this information leaves veterans unnecessarily exposed to fraud and identity theft.
The Veterans’ Committee has complemented its efforts to crack down on claims sharks by bolstering the available assistance for Connecticut veterans. This session, the committee raised House Bill 6441, a proposal that would increase the number of Veteran Service Officers and clerical personnel available to help veterans apply for claims. That bill is currently before the legislature’s Appropriations Committee.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov