Veterans, their widows often unaware of pensions

[question everything]

Veterans, their widows often unaware of pensions

By Chris Adams
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE

December 23, 2005

RENO, Nev. – Nearly 2 million poor veterans or their impoverished widows are probably missing out on as much as $22 billion a year in pensions from the U.S. government, but the Department of Veterans Affairs has had only limited success in finding them.

Widows are hardest hit. According to a VA estimate, only one in seven of the survivors of the nation's deceased soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who probably could qualify for the pension actually get the monthly checks.

What's more, participation in the program is falling, according to a Knight Ridder analysis of VA records. The reason for the lax participation, a VA study said, is that poor veterans generally "are completely unaware that the program exists."

"Veterans simply don't know about it," said Despina Hatton, who runs a senior law program for residents of Washoe County that seeks to help veterans or their widows receive the benefit.

(snip)

At the same time, the separate 2004 report estimated, based on census and other data, that an additional 853,000 veterans and 1.1 million survivors – generally widows – could get the pension but don't. Of all those likely to be eligible, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 percent of widows receive the money. If you are a veteran or widow and think you may qualify for the benefit, the VA has a toll-free number for more information: [phone].


Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051223/news_1n23vets.html

[Trillo]

1. "Department of Veterans Affairs" can't find them?

Sheesh. Maybe they should call the NSA?

[Trevelyan]

2. Good one LOL - Thank you for letting people know about this vital resourc

Maybe the VA should spend some of that money on injured veterans of Gulf War I and II and the victims of Depleted Uranium.

I'm glad the VA has some money and is trying to find the potential beneficiaries - Maybe they should ask NSA!

http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2005/10/2/1785/85268

Is the VA Bush’s Next Target?

"VA is a large-scale, publicly funded healthcare system that works: VA works so well it has been used as a model to push the case for nationalized healthcare; something that strikes fear in the heart of every Republican… VA is efficient and provides healthcare that meets the highest standards. If it can work for millions of veterans, it can work for millions of Americans. That concept is antithetical to current administration thinking..."

[Captain Hilts]

3. 'Veterans' are not usually entitled to pensions. 'Retirees' are.

I'm confused by the terminology here.

Bush DID cut funds and discouraged the dissemination of VA information to Vets. He did do that.

[oneighty]

4. Yes they are

The program they speak of has to do with a guaranteed minimum income for a certain group of vets that have served in a war zone and or occupation.

I drew it myself for a while. Here is how it came about. I was a patient in the VA. The doctors decided I would likely never work again. The VA rep interviewed me and established a monthly stipend I would receive to bring my income up to an established and fixed amount as determined by congress.

Several years later I aided another veteran (Working with NY State Veterans affairs office) and he too received the benefit.

Page 23 of 2004 Edition; 'Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents' titled 'Pension'.

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[question everything]

5. It is really not that clear who qualifies

Do the widows of anyone who fought during WWII qualify?

[oneighty]

6. Veterans with

low incomes that are permanently or totally disabled or are age 65 or older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. (This appears to cover any war as war dates are not specified)

skip

Payments are made to qualified veterans to bring their total income up, including other retirement or social security income up to a level set by congress.

There is more detail. The way I read in this booklet the spouse (widow) would continue receiving this benefit.

Every Vet should have this booklet.

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[Captain Hilts]

7. My grandfather also received such a pension.

My grandfather had to go to Pittsburgh once a year and prove his leg had not grown back.

But the generic term 'Veterans pensions' is not an accurate one.

[oneighty]

8. It is in the book

PENSIONS Spelled out loud and clear. I as a DAV receive 'Veteran's Compensation' and my problems do not grow back either.

No need for sick humor.

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[question everything]

9. Do these books set the maximum income to qualify?

From the story that I posted:

They're people such as Rose Davidson, a 72-year-old widow of a World War II sailor who lives in Sparks, Nev., on $9,732 a year in Social Security benefits. Frail, legally blind, suffering from dementia and in need of regular assistance at home, she could be eligible for $1,608 more a year under the VA's formulas. That would boost her income by about 17 percent.

Yet, when a family member called the VA in California, the reply was that the maximum is $7,094.

Is there a place to check those? This family member called on behalf of a widow of a veteran whose sole income is social security of $8600.

Thanks.