Program Descriptions
Program Number
96.020
Title
Special Benefits For Certain World War II Veterans
Federal Agency
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Authorization
Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, Section 251, Public Law 106-169; Social Security Act, Title VIII.
Status
Active
Objectives
To pay a special benefit to certain World War II veterans, who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and meet other specified criteria for each month that they reside outside of the United States.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Monthly cash benefits are paid to certain World War II veterans who meet the qualification criteria prescribed in the law for each month they reside outside the United States on the first day of that month. There are no restrictions on the use of benefits, although the right to future benefits is not transferable or assignable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
In order to become entitled for SVB, an applicant must: be age 65 or older on December 14, 1999, the date the Law was enacted; be a World War II veteran with length and dates of service and character of discharge as specified in the Law, this includes Filipino veterans of World War II who served in the organized military forces of the Philippines while the forces were in the service of the U.S. armed forces, or served in organized guerrilla forces under the auspices of the U.S. military; be eligible for SSI benefits for December 1999, the month the Law was enacted; be eligible for SSI benefits for the month that the application for SVB was filed; and, have other benefit income that is less than 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate. For 2006, 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate is $452.25.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Benefits are paid to certain World War II veterans meeting the criteria specified under Applicant Eligibility.
Credentials/Documentation
Proof of age, military service, the receipt and amount of benefit income, and foreign residence is required.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An application may be filed at any local Social Security office, the SSA Division of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila, the Philippines, and U.S. Embassies and consulates worldwide.
Award Procedure
The applicant (and representative payee, if any) will be notified by mail of award or denial.
Deadlines
Please contact program office for application deadline.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
A request for appeal may be filed at any local Social Security office, the SSA Division of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila, the Philippines and U.S. Embassies and consulates worldwide. The appeal process ranges from a local office review to a review by the Federal courts. Generally, appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date on which a written notice of decision is received by the applicant.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula for matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Any change of address or any event affecting SVB qualification or benefit amount (such as an increase in other benefit income received) must be reported to the Social Security Administration when the event occurs.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
28-0401-0-1-701.
Obligations
(Federal Benefit Payments) FY 07 $11,000,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The maximum monthly SVB payable for current year 2006 is $452.25 (Per Title VIII of the Act, the benefit amount equals 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate.) This amount will change yearly. The monthly SVB amount payable to an individual is reduced by the amount of that person's other benefit income for the month. Other benefit income includes any recurring payment received as an annuity, pension, retirement or disability benefit. The average monthly federal payment for January 2006 is $342.68.
Program Accomplishments
The Social Security Administration began taking SVB applications in April 2000 and initiated benefit payments in May 2000. The SVB program has approximately 2,550 beneficiaries who have established residency in the Philippines receiving monthly SVB payments. Individuals may apply at any U.S. Social Security Office, at the SSA Division of the Office of Veterans Affairs in Manila, Philippines, or at any U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, Part 408, Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans, subparts A through E and G through L, a program fact sheet "Special Benefits to Certain World War II Veterans," and a booklet "Special Benefits for World War II Veterans" are available from any Social Security Office without charge. They can also be found on the Social Security internet site. Regulations subpart G is being developed.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Social Security Administration, Office of Public Inquiries, Windsor Park Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235. Telephone: (410) 965-2736.
Web Site Address
http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
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