COVID-19 Award Claim
Submission Process FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the COVID-19 Special Contribution Award claim process?

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The process allows eligible NAGE bargaining-unit employees to request reconsideration for a COVID-19 Special Contribution Award. This follows a national grievance filed by NAGE/SEIU against the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding award distribution during the pandemic.

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2. Who is eligible to submit a claim?

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An employee must meet all of the following:

• Was in the NAGE bargaining unit between March 29, 2020, and September 6, 2022

• Submitted their name to NAGE through the survey conducted between November 2024 and April 2025

• Is currently employed by the Veterans Health Administration

• Did not receive a COVID-19 Special Contribution Award during the eligibility period, or did not receive one equal in value to similarly situated employees

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3. What is the deadline for submitting a claim?

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All required documents and information must be submitted by January 19, 2026. Claims cannot be submitted or modified after this date.

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4. Can I revise my claim after submitting it?

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Yes. You may revise your claim or delete and resubmit it as needed at any time before the deadline.

 

5. What personal information must I provide?

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You will need:

• Full legal name

• Social Security Number

• Home address

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6. What employment information is required?

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You must provide:

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

• Your current VHA station number and name

• Your VA email address

• The name of your supervisor during the eligibility period

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7. Do I need to include information about previous awards?

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Yes, if applicable. You will need to indicate:

• Whether you previously received a COVID-19 award

• The amount and date of any award

• An unredacted copy of your SF-50 documenting that award

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8. What should I include in my justification for the claim?

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This section should describe:

• The work you performed during the pandemic that supports your request

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

• The timeframe during which your contributions occurred

• The estimated award amount you are requesting

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9. What documentation is needed for the SF-50?

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Employees who received any COVID-related award must upload an unredacted electronic copy of their SF-50(s). Redacted or incomplete documents may result in delays or denial.

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10. Is there a declaration requirement?

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Yes. Before submitting your claim, you must complete a Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury confirming the accuracy of your information. This statement appears automatically through the submission portal.

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11. What are the consequences of submitting false or misleading information?

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Providing inaccurate, false, or fraudulent information may result in disciplinary or adverse action by the agency.

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12. Where can I submit my claim?

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Claims must be submitted through the VA online claim submission portal. A link to the portal can be found here: Submit Your COVID-19 Award Claim

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13. Where can I find detailed instructions and additional guidance?

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A full explanation of requirements, instructions, and additional FAQs can be found on the NAGE Federal Division website.

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14. Who can I contact if I have questions or need assistance?

 

You may contact the NAGE/SEIU Federal Division for support at federaldivision@nage.org

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15. 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 here to submit a DVA-COVID-19 Trouble Ticket.

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16. What if I do not know the names of employees who received awards for similar contributions?

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Providing names of other employees is optional and should only be included if you have accurate information. If you do not know the names of coworkers who received awards, you may still submit your claim. Your justification should focus on your own duties, contributions, and circumstances during the eligibility period.

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17. How do I estimate the award amount that I am requesting?

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You are not required to provide a precise amount. The estimate is simply your best assessment of what would be fair based on your contributions and the awards given to similarly situated employees. Here are several ways to determine a reasonable estimate:

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• Use known award amounts as a guide: If you are aware of the range of COVID-related awards granted at your station or within your job series, you may use those figures as a reference.

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•  Consider the scope and impact of your contributions

  • Think about:

    • The type of work you performed during the pandemic

    • Any duties beyond your normal responsibilities

    • Situations involving increased hardship or exposure risk

    • Additional hours, weekend shifts, or emergency assignments

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• Ask your local union representative for guidance: Your local NAGE representatives may be able to provide general examples of typical award tiers to help you decide on a reasonable estimate. They cannot provide confidential personnel information, but they may be able to explain how awards were issued.

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• Submit an estimate even if you are unsure: The estimate is not binding. It gives reviewers a sense of what you believe is appropriate, but the final determination will be made based on the terms of the settlement agreement.

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• If you still feel uncertain, you may indicate an estimated amount that reflects your level of service. The key is to provide a thoughtful and honest assessment, not a perfect calculation.

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18. How can I submit a claim if I no longer work at the VA and no longer have access to a VA email account?

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If you are no longer a VA employee, you are not eligible to submit a claim. Current employment with the Veterans Health Administration is a required eligibility criterion under the settlement agreement.

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19. When can employees expect to receive the settlement payments?

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Within 120 calendar days following the close of the claims submission period, the local facility awards panel will review all submitted claims. A final decision on each claim will be issued within sixty (60) days after the panel completes its review. Payment timelines will follow the agency’s processing schedule once decisions are finalized.

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20. Who do I submit the required signed declaration to?

 

The declaration does not need to be submitted separately. The Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury is built into the online submission portal. You will review and electronically acknowledge it before finalizing your claim.

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21. If I am now retired, am I still eligible for the COVID-19 Award?

 

No. Eligibility requires that the employee currently work for the Veterans Health Administration. Retired employees and individuals who have separated from the VA are not eligible to submit a claim.

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22. Will the COVID-19 Award settlement payments be issued by NAGE or DFAS?

 

All payments will be issued directly by the VA through the federal payroll system. NAGE does not distribute settlement funds.

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23. How will employees receive the payment, by check, direct deposit, or another method?

 

Payments will be processed through the same method used for regular federal payroll. Employees who receive their normal pay through direct deposit will receive the settlement payment the same way. Those who receive paper checks will receive a check by mail.

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24. If I previously submitted a claim a few months ago, do I need to resubmit, or is my original claim still valid?

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The claims submission portal opened on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. If you submitted a claim on or after that date, you do not need to resubmit it. Please note: that submitting your name to the NAGE Federal Division survey between November 2024 and April 2025 does not constitute filing a claim for reconsideration. A formal claim must be submitted through the official portal.