Fleeing prosecution is against the law in any case, but even if you simply have a felony warrant and you also receive benefits from the Veterans Administration, you run the risk of having those benefits stopped.
The VA routinely checks for “fugitives” and ceases payments and other benefits until the situation is resolved. You could have to repay benefits received while being a fugitive.
Who is a Fugitive?
- If you purposely flee to avoid persecution. This could be by running, failing to report to probation or parole, or hiding from authorities when they come looking to arrest you on felony charges.
- If you have a felony warrant for your arrest, whether or not you have been served the warrant, the VA considers you a fugitive because you are wanted by the authorities.
What Is Their Reasoning?
The rationale behind stopping benefits for fugitives is that you could technically use those benefits to run from the law. The government doesn’t want to help fund your ability to escape prosecution, incarceration etc if you committed a felony.
Check out:
VA Support for Incarcerated Veterans video
What are the Payback rules?
You can be required to reimburse the VA for any money received after the date the warrant was issued. For example, you don’t get arrested until September 15, but the warrant for your arrest was issued May 1 – you could have to pay back all monies received from May 1 to September 15.
What arguments can you use to protect yourself?
In some cases, you can argue that the benefits received should not have to be paid back. An attorney experienced in VA benefits and criminal defense can advise you about your individual case, but some arguments include:
- The warrant was recalled or quashed on a date BEFORE the VA discovered your fugitive status.
- The warrant was accidentally issued for you, but was meant for another person.
Check out our blog about Social Security:
Convicted Felon Benefits
Final thoughts: Sometimes the VA discovers your fugitive status before you do. If you receive a letter from the VA informing you that your benefits are being stopped due to you being a fugitive, it means that there is a felony warrant out there with your name on it. Take heed and call an attorney to handle it.
You may be interested in: Information about
Incarcerated Veterans
