Travel Mileage Reimbursement Change (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

NEW Beneficiary Travel EFT Payment Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When will this mandatory change occur?

Answer: This change is being implemented over the next couple of months, starting now with

gathering the appropriate information and shifting Veterans to EFT. If you are a Veteran who currently

receives Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) benefits by direct deposit, you may have already been

enrolled to receive your beneficiary travel and compensated work therapy payments by direct deposit

through an automated process. Check with the point of contact provided in this information packet if

you are not sure. After September 1, 2013 cash will not be available for beneficiary travel reimburse-

ment.

Question: Why is the VA making this change?

Answer: The U.S. Department of Treasury has directed that federal non-tax payments, with few ex-

ceptions, will be made by EFT as part of a government-wide cost reduction initiative. This will include

the reduction in cash payments made directly to Veterans.

Question: What is the benefit of these changes to me?

Answer: EFT provides a faster and more reliable method of reimbursement than paper checks

through the mail. EFT payment processing is more efficient and accurate and this will decrease the

long wait times at the window to collect a cash payment.

Question: How do I sign up for electronic payments?

Answer: Signing up for direct deposit is easy. All you need to do is complete and submit the direct

Deposit Enrollment form provided in this packet. Unsigned or incomplete direct deposit enrollment

forms or incorrect banking information will delay payment. Also, any change to your banking institu-

tion or bank account number will require that you notify fiscal (541-440-1000 extension 44265/44790)

as soon as possible to avoid payment delays.

Question: What happens to the form after I fill it out and turn it in?

Answer: The VA will process the information, which is used solely for the purposes of enrolling you

for direct deposit payments.

Question: Is there an easier way to request beneficiary travel?

Answer: Veterans eligible for this benefit will be able to fill out a travel reimbursement form and place

it in a drop box after checking out from their appointment. Drop boxes are currently located outside

of the beneficiary travel window and in all clinic areas. Veterans will no longer have to visit the VA

Roseburg Healthcare System (VARHS) travel department and wait in multiple lines. Staff will collect

the forms from the boxes each day for processing.

Question: What if I don’t have a bank or credit union account?

Answer: You need to open an account in order to receive payment by direct deposit. You can re-

quest a waiver, which must state specifically why you are unable to comply.

Travel Mileage Reimbursement Change Page 2