VFW Legislative Action Alert - Call to Action request

Georgia VFW Takes Aim at Georgia HB108, Claim Shark Legislation

UPDATE: On February 11, 2025, committee conducted their hearing and recommended bill for consideration by Georgia House, contrary to Georgia VFW’s argument against unaccredited Claims Sharks. Look for more information on upcoming advocacy to ensure this bill does not get enacted as originally written.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee will meet to discuss [2025-2026] Georgia House Bill 108 entitled, “Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act.” Commonly referred to as the SAVE Act, this legislative bill was introduced to the Georgia House [Hopper] on January 17, 2025, and was pending action by this Georgia House committee after the bill’s Second Reading.

Why Georgia House Bill 108 is BAD for Veterans

While the Bill is marketed as one that will provide some protections for veterans who apply for benefits, this bill actually opens the door for unaccredited bad actors who often prey on our nation’s heroes. The bill mentions how some coming off active duty cannot be charged within the one-year term following release from active duty unless they acknowledge in writing that they choose to decline the free services available to him or her through the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, but it FAILS to recognize that free claims application assistance is provided to ALL service members and veterans.

This House Bill, if passed, would allow unaccredited providers and representatives to charge veterans up to five (5) times the amount of the monthly increase in benefits awarded on the claim.

Veterans EARNED their benefits through honorable service in uniform. Service members and veterans, alike, have honored their contact, and any benefits earned should not come with an additional financial fee. Veteran Service Organizations, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide accredited service officers to our nation’s veterans for FREE. In the State of Georgia, for example, the Georgia Department of Veteran Services (GDVS) also has accredited services officers for free through their Veteran Field Service Offices, providing “personal assistance to all veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans benefits.” The VFW works extensively to crack down on predatory unaccredited claims consultants, known as Claim Sharks.

How You Can Help Fight Claim Sharks!

There are many ways you can help fight the battle against Claim Sharks in the State of Georgia. Keep an eye out for process on Georgia House Bill 108 and Georgia Senate Bill 73.

Don’t Feed The Sharks!

Georgia is home to a significant number of military bases and approximately 700,000 service members and veterans. Remember, veterans and their family members should NEVER have to pay someone to assist them in securing the benefits they rightfully earned. Together, we can make sure that predatory claim sharks are NOT allowed to prey on veterans and their families. Don’t Feed the Sharks!

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit