3/3 RVN Ass’n Vol 1 Issue 2 01/01/2005
Remember Reunion 2006 Colorado Springs Page 8
VA SURVIVORS BENEFITS AVAILABLE:
The VA has a variety of programs to assist the survivors of military personnel who die on active duty. Regardless of whether the in-service death is due to combat, accident or disease, the following eligibility criteria, services, and benefits apply:
Reservists and National Guard:; When a member of the Reserves or National Guard dies while federally activated or on inactive duty for training, the death is considered service-connected for VA death benefits. Activation of a National Guard unit by a governor alone in support of current security operations does not qualify unit members for these VA benefits, except life insurance.
Casualty Assistance Program: This VA program gives personal attention to surviving family members after in-service deaths, and to help them with benefit information and applications. A casualty assistance officer is designated at each of VA's 57 regional offices. These VA officers work closely with military casualty officers to ensure timely assistance is available to beneficiaries.
Monthly Payments for Spouse & Children: When a service member dies while on active duty, the death is considered service-connected unless it was due to willful misconduct. VA pays at least $967 a month in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to surviving spouses. In most cases, survivors' claims are processed within 48 hours. In some cases VA can pay more than $967 a month, such as a $241 benefit for each dependent child who is unmarried and under age 18 or up to age 23 if studying at a VA-approved school. Payments are increased if the surviving spouse is housebound or needs a home aide. The basic rate for survivors is adjusted annually and payments continue generally until the death or remarriage of the spouse before age 57. Remarriage after age 57 does not affect benefits. Additional information about benefits for family members, to include low-income parents of the veteran, is available at www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents.
with the program for veterans, VA guarantees part of the total loan, permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a competitive interest rate. Except for manufactured homes and other select cases, the surviving spouse may obtain a no-down payment loan if the lender agrees.
Refer to separate Bulletin article on burial locations available and financial assistance.
Refer to DoD's Tricare program for survivor's health benefits at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/ .
More information about how VA services apply in individual cases is available from veterans services representatives at (800) 827-1000. People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe on the internet at: www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm
[Source: VANEWS-L 17 Aug 04]
This 3/3 RVN Newsletter is assembled for the alumni of 3/3 RVN Ass’n (all 3/3 Nam vets). It is currently edited by Doc Hoppy, who also is handling the printing and mailing. Idea’s and columns appreciated anytime! Would like to see someone from each Co. do a column per issue.
ThirdMarines.net will sponsor this publication as long as possible, funding coming from donations. Thank you to all who have supported this maverick effort, and have contributed to its success. All of our websites work toward one goal: Sharing with one another at reunions as well as individually... getting in touch with old comrades, and making new friends among our illustrious alumni.
To utilize the ThirdMarines.net site fully, you will need an ID and Password to enter the secured contact rosters. Contact Doc by clicking this email link DocHoppy to obtain yours.
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Security and Privacy since day one.
Life Insurance: Most service members and reservists take VA's life insurance coverage, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, though a few decline coverage. Most choose coverage at the highest levels and their designated beneficiary receives a payment of $250,000. VA has paid every claim related to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom within 48 hours of receiving the necessary paperwork. VA also offers beneficiaries free, personalized financial planning through a financial services company. More information is available at http://www.insurance.va.gov/.
Educational Assistance: When an active-duty service member dies, VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program generally provides up to 45 months of education benefits to the unremarried surviving spouse for 10 years, or for children aged 18 to 26. Currently the rate is $788 a month for full-time attendance, with lesser amounts for part-time education. This benefit may be used to pursue secondary school programs; associate, bachelor or graduate degrees; technical or vocational training; apprenticeships; and other
types of training, including work-study programs. More information is available at www.gibill.va.gov/education/C35pam.htm.
Refund of Service Member's Unused GI Bill Contribution: If the deceased service member had contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill education program, the designated life insurance beneficiary or surviving spouse is entitled to a refund of the money that was collected through payroll deduction but was not awarded in education benefits during the service member's lifetime. Most active-duty military members participate in this educational benefit program, which deducts $1,200 from their pay at $100 monthly during their first year of service.
Home Loans: Surviving spouses of military members may be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan from a private lender. The loan may be used to purchase, construct or improve a home, to refinance an existing mortgage or for certain other purposes. As
