Department of Veterans Affairs
COVID-19 Award Claims

​NAGE filed a National Grievance against the Department of Veterans Affairs on or about March 1, 2021, stating that the agency violated the Master Agreement when it issued Special Contribution Awards for work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grievance challenged the VA’s failure to follow the Master Agreement and to fairly recognize NAGE members for their exceptional service during the pandemic.

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I completed the survey and provided my name to NAGE, but the submission portal says I am not eligible. What should I do?

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If you previously completed the survey between November 2024 and April 2025 and the portal indicates that you are not eligible, please submit a trouble ticket as soon as possible. There may be an issue verifying your survey submission or matching your information to the eligibility list.

 

NAGE can review your submission record and work with the agency to resolve any discrepancies.

 

Do not delay in reporting this. Click below to submit a DVA-COVID-19 Trouble Ticket.​

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This portal was created for individuals who have questions or need assistance with filing their claim. If you have already submitted your claim successfully, you do not need to submit it again.

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Eligibility for Reconsideration

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To be eligible for reconsideration to receive a COVID-19 Special Contribution Award, an employee must meet all of the following criteria:

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1. The employee was in the NAGE bargaining unit between March 29, 2020, and September 6, 2022.

2. The employee submitted their name to the NAGE Federal Division through the survey conducted between November 2024 and April 2025.

3. The employee is currently employed by the Veterans Health Administration.

4. The employee did not receive a COVID-19 Special Contribution Award during the eligibility period or did not receive an award equal in value to that of similarly situated NAGE bargaining-unit employees.

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Claim Submission Guidelines

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Employees may submit only one claim. Until the submission deadline, a claim may be revised as needed, including deleting and re-entering the claim in its entirety.

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Employees are encouraged to gather all required information and documentation before accessing the submission portal. Doing so helps prevent errors and reduces the need for multiple revisions.

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Submission Deadline

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All required claim documentation must be submitted by January 19, 2026.

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Required Information for Claim Submission

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To move forward, submit your official claim with the following information.

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1. Personal Information

• Full legal name

• Social Security Number

• Home address (street, city, state, ZIP code)

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2. Employment Information

• VHA station name and location where you worked between March 29, 2020, and September 6, 2022

• Current VHA station number and name

• VA email address

• Name of your VHA supervisor during the eligibility period

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3. Award Information (if applicable)

• Whether you previously received a COVID-19 award

• Amount and date of any prior award

• A copy of your SF-50 documenting the award

  • Employees who previously received COVID-related awards must attach an unredacted electronic copy of the relevant SF-50s

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4. Justification for Claim

Provide:

• A description of your contributions that support your request for an award or an increase to a previous award

• Names of other employees, if known, who received awards for similar contributions

• Dates during which your contributions occurred

• The estimated award amount you are requesting

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5. Required Declaration

All submissions require a Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury. This declaration appears automatically within the portal after you select “submit.” You must read and acknowledge the declaration before finalizing your claim.

Submitting false or fraudulent information may result in disciplinary or adverse action by the agency.

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6. Claim Submission Portal

After gathering all required information, use the link provided to submit your COVID-19 Special Contribution Award claim.

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Commitment to Fair Recognition

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NAGE/SEIU continues to work to ensure that all members receive the recognition and compensation earned through their dedication and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. These claims support the broader effort to uphold fairness, accountability, and respect for your work.

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Support the Union that Supports You

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By joining NAGE/SEIU, you help strengthen our ability to protect your rights, maintain fair compensation, and enforce agreements such as the COVID-19 Settlement Agreement. If you have not joined yet, consider doing so today.

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Join NAGE/SEIU

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Thank you for your cooperation and attention as we continue working to ensure fair recognition for all NAGE members who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.