SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026

This bill aims to protect veterans from predatory practices by reinstating and strengthening penalties for charging unauthorized fees related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It amends federal law to impose criminal penalties , including fines or imprisonment, and bars individuals from representing veterans for one to ten years for soliciting or receiving unauthorized compensation for claims assistance. The legislation also clarifies that only VA-recognized agents or attorneys, or those under their direct supervision, may assist claimants for a fee, superseding conflicting state laws. To enhance transparency and claimant protection, the bill requires the VA to provide unrepresented claimants with notice of available accredited representatives and an online tool to search for them. This tool will also allow claimants to report unaccredited persons who charge fees. Furthermore, all public-facing VA websites and claim portals must display prominent warnings about potential predatory practices, including discouraging veterans from sharing their login credentials. The legislation mandates the VA to establish a robust, accessible online accreditation system for agents and attorneys, enabling clients to file complaints and report violations. It also requires VA claim forms to include questions about whether claimants were charged for assistance and to identify the person providing such services. Finally, the bill restricts the use of automated telephone equipment for making repeated calls to federal agencies if operated by third parties, addressing potential automated claim processing abuses.