What you need know about VA benefits in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

HURRICANE HARVEY UPDATE: For more information about the impact on VA facilities and services, click here.

Benefit Payments

Significant disruptions in US Postal Service (USPS) are expected around Houston and Rio Grande, Texas.  A list of affected zip codes and other USPS information can be found at on the USPS website here or see below. These disruptions may cause delays in payments for Veterans and beneficiaries in the affected areas who receive their benefits by paper check.

U.S. Postal Service updates on mail and deliveries, including VA payments and prescriptions:

Important Mail Service Update for Houston Area Customers Affected by Hurricane Harvey  (Word file) ~ Houston Mail Pickup Location List (Word file) Important Mail Service Update for Rio Grande District Customers Affected by Hurricane Harvey  (Word file)

VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has developed mechanisms to help Veterans receive their benefit payments if their normal mail cannot be delivered.

VBA outreach at shelters will assist Veterans in directly entering temporary address so a new check can be sent within a few days, or help them enroll in direct deposit in which case they can be paid almost within a day. Veterans who receive a paper check, may receive a phone call about alternative payment methods. Veterans can sign up for direct deposit on eBenefits. Veterans can call 1-800-827-1000 to sign up for direct deposit. The Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access program is offering beneficiaries who use Direct Express and reside in the affected area the option to obtain cash without their