Editor’s note: This article by Jim Absher originally appeared on Military.com, a leading source of news for the military and veteran community.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it will offer debt relief to veterans adversely impacted by natural disasters.

With fires raging in the West, hurricanes raking the East and the COVID-19 threat still lingering in the background, many veterans are experiencing great hardships, including loss of income, and are finding it difficult to meet their essential monetary commitments for things like food and shelter -- much less finding extra funds to pay off debts that may be years old.

The VA said that veterans affected by the current crop of natural disasters may request suspension of debt payments for up to 90 days or extended repayment plans on existing debts with the department.

"Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the natural disasters," said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. "VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times."

To request assistance for VA financial debt relief, veterans should contact the VA Debt Management Center at 800-827-0648 or visit its website.

The VA's Debt Management Center works with veterans who owe the VA money by offering repayment plans and other types of assistance.