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 in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Memorial Day
Military Family
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
AAFMAA
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Memorial Day Military Family Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors AAFMAA
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 106
I am a 90% disabled Veteran If I die of a disability is my wife entitled to any benefits
If my husband dies first, what benefits will I be entitled to? He a 100% service connected disabled veteran. We are trying to sort our wills and such, but do not know where we stand at the VA. We have been married 37yrs and I am his only care giver.
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. Preparation is 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.
BG Michael Meese
Thanks for the question...will answer it to your wife, because she is the one that it matters for!
With your husband having a 100% disability, assuming that he has had that rating for 10 years prior to his death, you, as the widow, would be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) regardless of he dies from. (If less than 10 years, his death would have to be from a service-connected condition). Currently, DIC is a tax-free payment of $1,340 per month and if he were totally disabled for 8 years prior to your death you 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
With your husband having a 100% disability, assuming that he has had that rating for 10 years prior to his death, you, as the widow, would be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) regardless of he dies from. (If less than 10 years, his death would have to be from a service-connected condition). Currently, DIC is a tax-free payment of $1,340 per month and if he were totally disabled for 8 years prior to your death you 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
RDML Ann Duff
Here is some additional information about Caregiver Support -- https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers | Veterans Affairs
Our VA caregiver program offers a VA caregiver stipend and other support to family caregivers of post-9/11 Veterans with serious injuries. If you're caring for a Veteran, find out if you're eligible and how to apply for this VA caregiver pay and other benefits.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear LT Stanlick, 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 hope and gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
wHY DO MY MONTHLY BENEFITS AS A WIDOW OF A KOREAN VETERAN STOP 9-1-20? mY SPOUSE DIED 8-25-19. Charles E Clark AF16397418
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Linda, 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
Linda Clark
Maj Bonnie Carroll - Thank you for your reply and guidance through this. I will contact the [login to see] site and see if she can give me some answers I understand. Again thank you for taking the time to recognize
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. We do understand obtaining VA benefits can be a complex process. If you are a post-9/11 veteran, please reach out to the Wounded Warrior Project Resource Center so you can be connected with a Benefits Service Officer who can help you with your claim. You can call our Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or [login to see] or email them at [login to see] . They are open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 9 pm EST.
BG Michael Meese
As a veteran it sounds like you receive disability compensation to support you and your family when you are alive. And you may also receive retired pay while you are alive. Those payments stop when you die, but, as RADM Duff said, you widow could receive DIC if you die of a service-connected disability. She may also get a DFAS survivors annuity if you signed up and have been paying into SBP when you retired. She is likely also eligible for a Social Security survivor’s benefit.
Nancy Menagh
Memorial Weekend/Day Events: Washington, DC
Due to the Coronavirus, Memorial Day Events in the United States will be modified in 2020.
Please see below virtual dates and times for events in Washington, DC.
National Memorial Day Concert:
The concert can be viewed Sunday, 24 May from 8pm-9:30pm EST, on PBS.
Please check your local listing for time.
WWII Memorial:
Memorial Day Virtual Event: 25 May @ 11am-12pm
Please check the WWII website for link and details.
Virtual event at The Wall:
25 May at 1pm EST, live webcast. http://www.vvmf.org/alwaysremember
Women in Memorial Service for America (WIMSA):
Monday, 25 May @ 4pm: Women’s Memorial Facebook Page
Virtual Dedication of Korean War Memorials in all 50 S States and US Territories:
http://www.KoreanWarMemorials.com This site embargoed until 22 May.
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater:
On 15 May 2020, Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater celebrated its 100th anniversary. http://www.ArlingtonCemetery.mil/Memorial-Amphitheater-100
Arlington National Cemetery remains open only to family pass holders during the Memorial Day weekend. For more info regarding Arlington National Cemetery: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
http://www.facebook.com/arlngtonnatl https://www.flickr.com/arlingtonnatl http://www.youtube.com/arlingtonnatl
Due to the Coronavirus, Memorial Day Events in the United States will be modified in 2020.
Please see below virtual dates and times for events in Washington, DC.
National Memorial Day Concert:
The concert can be viewed Sunday, 24 May from 8pm-9:30pm EST, on PBS.
Please check your local listing for time.
WWII Memorial:
Memorial Day Virtual Event: 25 May @ 11am-12pm
Please check the WWII website for link and details.
Virtual event at The Wall:
25 May at 1pm EST, live webcast. http://www.vvmf.org/alwaysremember
Women in Memorial Service for America (WIMSA):
Monday, 25 May @ 4pm: Women’s Memorial Facebook Page
Virtual Dedication of Korean War Memorials in all 50 S States and US Territories:
http://www.KoreanWarMemorials.com This site embargoed until 22 May.
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater:
On 15 May 2020, Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater celebrated its 100th anniversary. http://www.ArlingtonCemetery.mil/Memorial-Amphitheater-100
Arlington National Cemetery remains open only to family pass holders during the Memorial Day weekend. For more info regarding Arlington National Cemetery: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
http://www.facebook.com/arlngtonnatl https://www.flickr.com/arlingtonnatl http://www.youtube.com/arlingtonnatl
Memorial Day 2020 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
VVMF has decided to create an online Commemoration for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th and we need your help in remembering, honoring, and mourning the military personnel that had died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Capt Tully, Thank you for your service to our great nation. TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. We are here 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS(8277). This Memorial Day, we have created a Virtual National Military Survivor Seminar and Family Program for all those grieving the death of a loved one who's life included selfless service to our country. Please visit us at https://www.taps.org/memorialday for free virtual connections to Memorial Day programs. With care and gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
I asked to this group including va why until now the va not to pay your oblegation to Filipino Services of Armed force of Philippines Commanwealh of America under tydying McDuffie law as act of United States Congress in 1934 when Philippines one Territory of America under treaty of Paris on December 10 1898 infact wwII is Americans war against Japan we involved to that's war to Philippines one territory of America most Filipino Veterans die early never to receive any benefits from va during their lifetime most received denied infact that's Americans oblegation to pay due to wwII is Americans not for Philippines? Like my father claim in 1954 until he die in 1985 Neve r nor to enjoyed any benefits from va only Denied I am also denied from va due to imagenation decision did not no real fact of child of Veterans? When Veterans was hospitalized in 1980 up to his death in 1985 I am serving to them at hospital I am 16 years old in 1980 I am unemployed before 18 years old in 1983 up now2020 due to non formal education,
I am Unmerrid from before 18 years old up to 2012 why va and board always denied it like discrimination to Filipino Veterans child ? Until now the va and usgovt cannot paid their oblegation to Filipino Veterans?
I am Unmerrid from before 18 years old up to 2012 why va and board always denied it like discrimination to Filipino Veterans child ? Until now the va and usgovt cannot paid their oblegation to Filipino Veterans?
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Mcrey, 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 signed up for Pre-Need over 1.5 years ago and never have heard another word what should I expect
RDML Ann Duff
Here is a link to more information about Pre-Need Eligibility -- https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/ -- if you've done everything it says, I recommend calling [login to see] with your questions.
Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery | Veterans Affairs
Find out in advance if you're eligible to be buried in a VA national cemetery. Make the burial planning process easier for family by determining eligibility beforehand.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello PO3 Grierson, Thank you for your service to our great nation. TAPS the national non-profit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS is here 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS(8277). We know there are the pre-need eligibility requirements. To support your needs, we recommend connecting with the National Cemetery Administration at [login to see] . With comfort and hope, Bonnie Carroll
I asked to all about survivor dependent son at va what va benefits for dependent son especially my father Veterans of wwII who never to enjoy any benefits from va of America since he claims 1954 up to his death in 1985? And I am serving my father at hospital in 1980 when I am age of 16 years old up to his death in 1985 I am unemployed before 18 years old in 1983 due to non formal education untill now I am unemployed 2020 I am unmerried before 18 years old up to 2012,and now I am 55years old and I cannot see clearly on my left eye or temporary blind. I am asking you what va benefits we received in behalf of my situation? I am becoming homeless Veterans child. My parents both claimant both denied both deceased both never to receive any benefits from va of America during their lifetime since ended of America n war against Japan when Philippines one Territory of America under treaty of Paris on December 10 1898.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear Mcrey, 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
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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.
However, your spouse may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), but only if you die of a service-connected condition (and it is important for that to be listed on the death certificate). Currently, DIC is a tax-free payment of $1,340 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
Thanks for your question. Mike Meese
survivorassistance