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
Buenas tardes, deseo saber si ustedes me ayudan a localizar a mi esposo desde febrero no se nada de él, no se si le pasó algo o me abandono aquí en Colombia, agradezco su colaboración o informándome a que área me debo comunicar para que me brinden apoyo. Gracias
Are there housing benefits/resources for survivor spouses if they were to lose their home?
Andi Martinez
Thank you for your question. For general questions on survivor benefits visit https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/. RDML Ann Duff can also provide additional information on benefits for your question.
VA Survivors Pension | Veterans Affairs
A VA Survivors Pension (formerly called a
I am a caregiver for my Husband Larry Volberding.
Do we caregivers receive and benefits as caregivers?
Being a caregiver for Larry is allot of work.
Do we caregivers receive and benefits as caregivers?
Being a caregiver for Larry is allot of work.
Melissa Comeau
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
Hello Chris! Thank you for asking about caregiver support. The Red Cross has a special network for military and Veteran Caregivers. We have virtual peer support groups, Resiliency Workshops and a secure online community with over 50 caregiver related topics. If you want to talk more to our team (We are all Veteran Caregivers) please feel free to email [login to see]
Hello Chris! Thank you for asking about caregiver support. The Red Cross has a special network for military and Veteran Caregivers. We have virtual peer support groups, Resiliency Workshops and a secure online community with over 50 caregiver related topics. If you want to talk more to our team (We are all Veteran Caregivers) please feel free to email [login to see]
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. Caregiving is vital role family members and loved ones play. Here is the link to review eligibility for the VA Caregiver program https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/. If approved for the VA's Caregiver Assistance Program, you can potentially receive benefits such as: A monthly stipend (payment) Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—if you don’t already qualify for care or services under another health care plan, At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran. Organizations, such as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and The Rosylnn Carter Institute, also have significant caregiver resources, programs and opportunities to engage. Wounded Warrior Project, as well, has a variety of opportunities and resources to engage Caregivers from mental health programming to home and community-based support services.
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.
RDML Ann Duff
The VA has just put out new information about caregivers and the stipends that are available for them -- here is a great website -- 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.
Chris Volberding
I have filled out the form for the Caregiver .
Thank You for you help.
Where do I send to too?
Thank You for you help.
Where do I send to too?
How do I obtain a VA obtain to refinance my home? I'm a veteran and my late husband a vet. He was in longer than me so i have been told to use his VA loan.
LTG Michael Linnington
If approved for the VA's Family Caregiver Assistance Program, you can potentially receive benefits such as: A monthly stipend (payment)
Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—if you don’t already qualify for care or services under another health care plan. At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran qualify for care or services under another health care plan. At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran.
Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—if you don’t already qualify for care or services under another health care plan. At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran qualify for care or services under another health care plan. At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran.
RDML Ann Duff
As a veteran, you are eligible for your own loan -- length of service doesn't matter. Here is a great link -- https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
When will the VA post information about the phase out of the SBP-DIC Offset? The VA pays DIC in full but also requires that the survivor agree to the dollar for dollar reduction of DIC to SBP. In 2021, the phase out starts and surviving spouses should be told that the offset will be repealed by 2023.
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question. For details related to the DoDs phase out of SBP/DIC offset, you can research that information here: https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/SBP-DIC-News/
Defense Finance and Accounting Service RetiredMilitary survivors SBP DIC News
The official website of the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)
RDML Ann Duff
The phase out of the offset is actually a Department of Defense program since it is actually the SBP that will change. Over the next 3 years, the offset will be reduced by 1/3 until in 2023, survivors of military retirees will be able to receive DIC and their full SBP. Here is a link to more information -- https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/SBP-DIC-News/
Defense Finance and Accounting Service RetiredMilitary survivors SBP DIC News
The official website of the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)
There does not seem to be a survivor category to register for this forum. I had to register giving my husband's military information with my name...in order to be accepted. Please help us to correct the information so survivors will be properly identified. Thank you for having this program..
SSG Carlos Madden
Hi Edith, Thank you for your question. I'd be happy to help you. You can change your name and account type from your settings page. Once you are listed as a civilian, you can change your role to "Survivor." Here is a page with more information but please let me know if you need additional help.
https://rallypoint.force.com/Support/s/article/changing-your-account-status-civilian-service-member-veteran-or-retired-2020-03-13-10-21-35
https://rallypoint.force.com/Support/s/article/changing-your-account-status-civilian-service-member-veteran-or-retired-2020-03-13-10-21-35
What are the requirements for. a survivor to get disability compensation payments after the veteran dies?
100% disabled?
Passing of a service connected disability?
Both?
100% disabled?
Passing of a service connected disability?
Both?
TSgt (Join to see)
BG Michael Meese - Also I currently have a claim in for my terminal brain cancer, caused by the PFAS in Firefighting foam. If that gets approved and I pass I will have had the exposure for well over 10 years. However, it just surfaced in 2018, so I have known of it for 2.5 years. So does any of that qualify for DIC?
BG Michael Meese
TSgt (Join to see) - Happy to follow up answering both of your questions.
On the 60% question, yes if you die of of a service-connected disability, your wife will be eligible for DIC and would have to apply for it. It is important that the service connected disability be listed on the death certificate.
On the brain cancer claim, it is generally from the date that the claim is filed with the VA and not from when you were exposed. So you might still likely die from something that was service related (including the brain cancer, if that is determined to be service related as you state) and you widow would be eligible for the same DIC, even if you only had the disability for a shorter amount of time. If this does not answer the question, please follow up and I will try to explain further. Mike Meese
On the 60% question, yes if you die of of a service-connected disability, your wife will be eligible for DIC and would have to apply for it. It is important that the service connected disability be listed on the death certificate.
On the brain cancer claim, it is generally from the date that the claim is filed with the VA and not from when you were exposed. So you might still likely die from something that was service related (including the brain cancer, if that is determined to be service related as you state) and you widow would be eligible for the same DIC, even if you only had the disability for a shorter amount of time. If this does not answer the question, please follow up and I will try to explain further. Mike Meese
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Dear TSgt Neil, 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 and has 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 and hope, Bonnie Carroll
LTG Michael Linnington
Thank you for your question and our condolences for you loss. You can research some of the literature on Vietnam veterans and potential exposure to herbicides that might cause cancers considered by the VA to be presumptive. Look through the information here: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/related-diseases/
Diseases related to Agent Orange | Veterans Affairs
Learn about certain cancers and other diseases we believe are related to Agent Orange exposure (called
RDML Ann Duff
there are a variety of benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to surviving family members of deceased veterans that you may find helpful. There are three programs in particular that I recommend that you look into initially, two of which are financial and one is healthcare related. The financial programs are Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor’s Death Pension. DIC eligibility is determined if the cause or a contributing cause of the veteran’s death was a result of their military service. Eligibility for the second program, Survivor’s Death Pension, is partially based on the applicant’s current income and assets, and does not rely on the cause of the veteran’s death.
The last program is CHAMPVA. CHAMPVA is a type of health program offered to survivors when a veteran's death is service related. It could help cover copays on medication and medical visits along with other eligible expenses.
Here is a link to more information -- https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp
Please reach out to us at [login to see] if you have any additional questions.
The last program is CHAMPVA. CHAMPVA is a type of health program offered to survivors when a veteran's death is service related. It could help cover copays on medication and medical visits along with other eligible expenses.
Here is a link to more information -- https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp
Please reach out to us at [login to see] if you have any additional questions.
Andi Martinez
How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs
Learn how to file a VA disability claim for a service-connected disability. File a disability claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a professional. Review the documents and information you'll need before you get started.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Harold, we are so very sorry for your loss. We extend our condolences to you. 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 by leveraging partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have additional questions or would like assistance, please call TAPS 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or e-mail [login to see] . We are here to help. With hope and gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your service, LCpl Yust. We honor you and all those you have lost. Sending you hope and gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
Ryan Callahan
LCpl Danny Stratton Thank you - you can type your question to this group of leaders in the same place you made this comment.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for joining us today and for your service, LCpl Stratton. We honor you and please share our 24/7 TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline 800.959.TAPS(8277) with all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Sending hope and gratitude, Bonnie Carroll
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