WASHINGTON, DC (April 20, 2026) |
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has submitted a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs ahead of its April 21, 2026, oversight hearing on “Examining VA Benefits: Pension and Fiduciary, and VA Life Insurance Options.”
DCUC thanked the Subcommittee for examining programs that directly impact veterans’ financial stability and long-term planning, and highlighted that decisions involving VA pensions, fiduciary arrangements, and life insurance affect monthly income, savings, caregiving, and transition planning.
DCUC stressed that financial literacy and counseling are critical throughout military service and beyond, and that credit unions are uniquely positioned to provide this support.
In its letter, DCUC underscored the role of credit unions in protecting veterans and beneficiaries from financial exploitation, noting growing risks from scams targeting older Americans and those navigating benefits transitions. DCUC also pointed to programs such as the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) as examples of how trusted institutions can combine access to safe accounts with financial education and fraud prevention.
DCUC offered several recommendations, including:
- Strengthening VA partnerships with credit unions for benefits education and counseling
- Modernizing financial literacy tools to improve accessibility and usability
- Expanding safe banking pathways for veterans receiving VA benefits
- Enhancing fraud prevention and recovery efforts for vulnerable populations
- Increasing credit union involvement in transition-related financial readiness programs
“DCUC has repeatedly emphasized that financial literacy is a lifelong necessity and that defense credit unions are uniquely positioned to provide financial counseling and services to transitioning military members and veteran households because they understand the realities of deployment, relocation, retirement, and post-service reintegration,” wrote Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer.
“Veterans’ financial security does not depend only on benefits eligibility, but on whether those benefits can be clearly understood, safely accessed, and effectively managed throughout life transitions,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. “Strengthening collaboration between the VA and credit unions will ensure veterans and their families receive practical tools, trusted guidance, and stronger protections against financial harm.”
DCUC remains committed to supporting efforts in strengthening financial literacy, fraud prevention, and long-term financial outcomes for veterans and their families.