You'll need to pay the full debt amount or request help within the time limit listed in your first debt letter.

If you don't pay or request help within the time limit, we may take these actions:

• Collect your debt from your VA benefits. This may include keeping part or all of your monthly VA benefit payments to pay down your debt (called offsetting).
• Notify federal and private credit reporting agencies. This may cause your credit score to drop and affect your ability to get future loans.
• Add interest to the amount you owe (for certain debts)

After 120 days, we'll refer your debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The U.S. Treasury may take these actions:

• Add more fees and interest 
• Keep part or all of your federal or state payments to pay down your debt. This may include your tax refunds, Social Security benefits, or federal or state salary or retirement benefits.
• Refer your account to a private collection agency 

Request help with VA debt payments