Posted on May 6, 2020
Veterans Experience Live (VetXL): Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A with Community Partners answering questions about benefits
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The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners TAPS, American Gold Star Mothers, AAFMAA, Wounded Warrior Project, Travis Manion Foundation, American Red Cross, and Gold Star Wives of America will be here on May 20th at 3PM EST to answer questions.
You can ask questions to the following people:
RDML Ann Duff- Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance
SSgt Danny Devine - Executive Director of Engagement and Memorial Innovations, NCA
Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
Mona Gunn - National President, American Gold Star Mothers
BG Michael Meese - President, AAFMAA
LTG Michael Linnington - CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
Amy Looney - Vice President, Travis Manion Foundation
Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
Nancy Menagh - President of Gold Star Wives of America
VA Office of Survivor Assistance-
The Office of Survivors Assistance serves as an expert resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the VA to Survivors and Dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. We can help you navigate the myriad of benefits and services available, and direct you to your best options. Additionally, we work closely with veteran service organizations, other departments, state and local veteran groups and community leaders to educate everyone about available services and benefits.
National Cemetery Administration-
NCA will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies. All VA national cemeteries will be open Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk for public visitation.
Starting May 14, Veterans Legacy Memorial will permit online visitors to leave a “tribute” text at http://www.va.gov/remember
Effective, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, to ensure social distancing at the cemetery, witnessing family members have been asked to view the interment from their cars or the road very near their cars. Families may visit the gravesite in the days following the interment consistent with CDC guidelines and local travel restrictions. Click here to learn more about burial benefits and the Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.cem.va.gov/
TAPS-
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 95,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. For more information go to taps.org or call the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
American Gold Star Mothers-
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc was founded and incorporated in Washington, D.C. 92 years ago. We are a nonprofit membership organization of mothers whose children died while on active duty, died as a result of their service, or are missing in action. We have members in chapters around the country who keep alive the memory of their sons and daughters by helping veterans, active-duty military, and their families. As a service organization, we continue the service of our sons and daughters, who would have been veterans, by volunteering at VA Medical Centers in our local communities.
AAFMAA-
Established in 1879, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) is the longest-standing, not-for-profit financial solutions provider supporting military and veteran families. At the heart of AAFMAA is a unique and unsurpassed level of care for our Members’ survivors. When a Member dies, an AAFMAA Survivor Assistance Services counselor assists the surviving spouse and family to get all of the benefits earned through military service and continues to assist them for the rest of their lives. Just since 9/11, AAFMAA has provided over $900 million to military families—not as a charity, but as a mutual Association—with Members helping other Members at the passing of a loved one.
Wounded Warrior Project-
Wounded Warrior Project is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities. Since 2003, we’ve been tireless advocates for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families. Warriors never pay a penny for our programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield. Our free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives. We’re committed to helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambitions. When they’re ready to start their next mission, we stand ready to serve.
Travis Manion Foundation-
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network-
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging. The mission of the MVCN is to provide our nation’s military and veteran caregivers of all eras with peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection, engagement, knowledge, skills and hope.
The MVCN helps caregivers of all eras and at all stages of caregiving by providing access to three peer support programs:
· Online Peer Support Community
· Peer Mentor Support Program
· Peer Support Groups (Online & Community-Based)
New Integrated Condolence Care Program - https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2020/red-cross-offers-virtual-care-for-families-who-have-lost-loved-o.html
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization made up of Gold Star spouses of both men and women.
Formed in 1945, our membership spans all eras from WWII to current. Our spouses died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces or from their service connected disability as a result of that service, including PTSD/suicide. Our mission is to preserve and enhance benefits for surviving US Military spouses and children;
to help or members and their children face the future with courage and determination; and to honor the memory of our military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
You can ask questions to the following people:
RDML Ann Duff- Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance
SSgt Danny Devine - Executive Director of Engagement and Memorial Innovations, NCA
Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
Mona Gunn - National President, American Gold Star Mothers
BG Michael Meese - President, AAFMAA
LTG Michael Linnington - CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
Amy Looney - Vice President, Travis Manion Foundation
Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
Nancy Menagh - President of Gold Star Wives of America
VA Office of Survivor Assistance-
The Office of Survivors Assistance serves as an expert resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the VA to Survivors and Dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. We can help you navigate the myriad of benefits and services available, and direct you to your best options. Additionally, we work closely with veteran service organizations, other departments, state and local veteran groups and community leaders to educate everyone about available services and benefits.
National Cemetery Administration-
NCA will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies. All VA national cemeteries will be open Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk for public visitation.
Starting May 14, Veterans Legacy Memorial will permit online visitors to leave a “tribute” text at http://www.va.gov/remember
Effective, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, to ensure social distancing at the cemetery, witnessing family members have been asked to view the interment from their cars or the road very near their cars. Families may visit the gravesite in the days following the interment consistent with CDC guidelines and local travel restrictions. Click here to learn more about burial benefits and the Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.cem.va.gov/
TAPS-
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 95,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. For more information go to taps.org or call the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
American Gold Star Mothers-
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc was founded and incorporated in Washington, D.C. 92 years ago. We are a nonprofit membership organization of mothers whose children died while on active duty, died as a result of their service, or are missing in action. We have members in chapters around the country who keep alive the memory of their sons and daughters by helping veterans, active-duty military, and their families. As a service organization, we continue the service of our sons and daughters, who would have been veterans, by volunteering at VA Medical Centers in our local communities.
AAFMAA-
Established in 1879, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) is the longest-standing, not-for-profit financial solutions provider supporting military and veteran families. At the heart of AAFMAA is a unique and unsurpassed level of care for our Members’ survivors. When a Member dies, an AAFMAA Survivor Assistance Services counselor assists the surviving spouse and family to get all of the benefits earned through military service and continues to assist them for the rest of their lives. Just since 9/11, AAFMAA has provided over $900 million to military families—not as a charity, but as a mutual Association—with Members helping other Members at the passing of a loved one.
Wounded Warrior Project-
Wounded Warrior Project is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities. Since 2003, we’ve been tireless advocates for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families. Warriors never pay a penny for our programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield. Our free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives. We’re committed to helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambitions. When they’re ready to start their next mission, we stand ready to serve.
Travis Manion Foundation-
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network-
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging. The mission of the MVCN is to provide our nation’s military and veteran caregivers of all eras with peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection, engagement, knowledge, skills and hope.
The MVCN helps caregivers of all eras and at all stages of caregiving by providing access to three peer support programs:
· Online Peer Support Community
· Peer Mentor Support Program
· Peer Support Groups (Online & Community-Based)
New Integrated Condolence Care Program - https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2020/red-cross-offers-virtual-care-for-families-who-have-lost-loved-o.html
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization made up of Gold Star spouses of both men and women.
Formed in 1945, our membership spans all eras from WWII to current. Our spouses died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces or from their service connected disability as a result of that service, including PTSD/suicide. Our mission is to preserve and enhance benefits for surviving US Military spouses and children;
to help or members and their children face the future with courage and determination; and to honor the memory of our military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 106
why does it take so long to get survivors benefits? my husband passed away in dec 2019 and he was in the army. I'm still waiting.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Thank you Kathy for your question. We honor the life and service of your husband and are so sorry for your loss. Most survivor benefits rely on the Line of Duty Determination from the Department of Defense and/or the Department of Veterans Affairs and the processing time can depend on a number of factors related to the circumstances of your loss. TAPS Casework provides support to all those navigating the benefit claim process and has partnerships with organizations, including the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. Please call us at 800.959.TAPS (8277) 24/7 or [login to see] and we can help. With gratitude and hope, Bonnie Carroll
RDML Ann Duff
Claims involving the passing of an active duty service member that are delayed are almost always due to an outstanding Line of Duty Determination from the branch of service in question. In your situation, please feel free to reach out to us at [login to see] and we will help you look into the matter further and discuss what steps may be taken to resolve your claim.
My wife applied for CHAMPVA, I am a 100% Disabled Vietnam Veteran, it has been seceral months sin e applying, no word yet either approved or denied! How long should it take?
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. I have my teammate, Frank, here from our Benefits Service team to provide an answer to your question: FRANK: CHAMPVA has a current backlog on processing applications and is currently working on applications received on April 1, 2020. To follow-up on the status of your application, you can contact CHAMPVA at [login to see] .
Melissa Comeau
Thank you to the wonderful Benefits Service team at WWP! You have helped may in our caregiver network.
Thank you so much for inviting us to participate in this event -- it was a fabulous opportunity to share information and get the word out to the many veterans and survivors who do not know about all of the great services, benefits and opportunities that are available. On this upcoming Memorial Day, please remember those who gave their lives while in service to this great nation of ours -- it is for them the day is dedicated because it is to them we owe everything.
Amy Looney
Thank you for being here, RDML Duff. As a surviving spouse myself, I appreciate your comment and thoughts to all our families of the fallen and their loved ones this Memorial Day. We will never forget their sacrifices!
To receive weekly information on veteran and community resources please subscribe to #vetresources newsletter. https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
If you are in crisis and need to speak to someone immediately, please call the VA's Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255
I am a 100% service connected disabled veteran. My disabilities are permanent and total. I receive disability compensation from the VA and have been told that my wife would have survivor benefits if I die before her. We have no children together and my children from a previous marriage are all grown and gone. Can you tell me for certain that my wife will be allowed survivor benefits and how much she will receive?
BG Michael Meese
CPL Brooks. Thank you for your service and your question. As a veteran with a 100% disability, assuming that you have had that rating for 10 years prior to your death, your widow would be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) regardless of what you die from. (If less than 10 years, your death would have to be from a service-connected condition). Currently, DIC is a tax-free payment of $1,340 per month and if you were totally disabled for 8 years prior to your death she would also receive an added $285 per month.
For more information about Survivor Assistance and benefits your may be eligible for and what you can do now, please check our Survivor Assistance Page at: http://www.aafmaa.com/survivorassistance
For more information about Survivor Assistance and benefits your may be eligible for and what you can do now, please check our Survivor Assistance Page at: http://www.aafmaa.com/survivorassistance
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question, Cpl Brooks. Preparation is essential to take care of our loved ones in the future. When a veteran passes away, the VA compensation payments to the veterans will stop. The surviving spouse can file a claim for Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by completing VA Form 21-534 to determine entitlement to benefits. Here is the link to the VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers, which can provide information for you and your spouse as you prepare. https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers | Veterans Affairs
Learn about VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers of Veterans and service members.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Cpl Brooks, Thank you for your question and your service to our country. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a number of benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children. For example, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members and veterans whose death resulted from a service related injury or illness. The Survivor Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried spouse and.or unmarried dependent child of a deceased veteran with wartime service. TAPS Casework provides support in navigating survivor benefits, as well as partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Should anyone grieving a military death have questions, please encourage them to contact TAPS 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or e-mail [login to see] . We are here to help. With gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
My mother is a surviving spouse of a WWII veteran who submitted her application for Aid and Attendance Benefits in mid-March 2020. When can she expect to get a response from the VA? Thank you very much. and above all, for your service!
R. Sanchez
Daughter
R. Sanchez
Daughter
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Ms. Sanchez, we are so very sorry for your loss. We extend our condolences to you. Please contact us at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or send a detailed message to [login to see] and our Casework Advocates will do all they can to support you through this challenge. We are here for you. With care and condolences, Bonnie Carroll
I'm a 100% disabled vet. When I die will my wife continue to receive my disability benefits? Is there a means test. I worry about what will happen to her if I pass on.
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. Preparation is certainly essential to take care of our loved ones. When a veteran passes away, the VA compensation payments to the veterans will stop. The surviving spouse can file a claim for Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by completing VA Form 21-534 to determine entitlement to benefits. Here is the link to the VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers, which can provide information for you and your spouse as you prepare. https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers | Veterans Affairs
Learn about VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers of Veterans and service members.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Sgt Byers, Thank you for your question and your service to our country. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a number of benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children. For example, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members and veterans whose death resulted from a service related injury or illness. The Survivor Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried spouse and.or unmarried dependent child of a deceased veteran with wartime service. TAPS Casework provides support in navigating survivor benefits, as well as partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Should anyone grieving a military death have questions, please encourage them to contact TAPS 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or e-mail [login to see] . We are here to help. Sending gratitude and hope, Bonnie Carroll
My name is Laura Jane Byrne- widow and "Wife" of "Captain"...I requested his DD-214 and never received it so I csn file for benefits
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. You can reach out to the National Archives for copies of your loved one's DD-214. Here's the link: https://www.archives.gov/veterans
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Laura, we are so very sorry for your loss. We extend our condolences to you. Please contact us 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or send a detailed message to [login to see] and our Casework Advocates will do all they can to support you through this challenge. We are here for you. With care, condolences, and love, Bonnie Carroll
What happens if my wife passes away before me and we want to be buried in a VA National Cemetery?
SSgt Danny Devine
Thanks for your question, Tim, and thank you for your service. Spouses of eligible Veterans are eligible for burial at a VA National Cemetery, even if they pass away before their Veteran-spouse. You can learn more at https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/
SSgt Danny Devine
Sgt. Hudak -- NCA will respond in moments with info … bottom line; interment of your wife prior to your passing is permitted. NCA folks will be back with some finer points. standby
Melissa Comeau
This a great question Sgt Tim Hudak and the link provided above contains great information.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Sgt Hudak, Thank you for your question and your service. Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may qualify for burial in a national cemetery. To support your needs, we recommend connecting with the National Cemetery Administration at [login to see] . TAPS is here 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS(8277) for all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Sending gratitude and hope, Bonnie Carroll
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