Frequently asked questions in claiming lump sum benefits for Filvets

Below is a question-and-answer article released by the US Embassy on Thursday for those seeking information about the one-time lump sum benefits released by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for Filipino World War II veterans: Q: Who is eligible for the new benefit, a one-time payment authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009? • Persons who served before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, while such forces were in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States; • Members of the organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority in the Army of the United States; • Persons who served in the Philippine Scouts under Section 14 of the Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945. • To be eligible for the new benefit, service members in each of the three categories above must have been discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. Q: How do I apply for this benefit? • The United Stated Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting claims. • Veterans do not need to appear in-person. There is no fee to apply for this new benefit. Application forms are available at the US Embassy, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City and the 13 Philippine Veterans Affairs Offices located throughout the Philippines. • Applications are now being accepted and will continue to be accepted for one year, until February 16, 2010. Those applications being mailed from within the Philippines may be mailed with required supporting documents, and should be sent to: US Department of Veterans Affairs 1131 Roxas Blvd. 0930 Manila, Philippines • Veterans needing assistance with their application may request an appointment with the US Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office by calling (2) 528-2500 within Metro Manila or 1 800 1888 5252 toll free, or via e-mail at https://iris.va.gov. In many cases, any assistance you may need to complete the application can be provided by calling these numbers and you will not need to appear in person. • Claims from spouses, widows and children of Filipino WWII veterans cannot be accepted. Q: What information or evidence do I need to submit with my application? • Filipino WW II veterans wishing to submit a claim for this benefit should be prepared to present the following items to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable): 1. Two forms of identification such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, Senior Citizen ID, Bureau of Post ID, Voter ID Card; 2. Copies of any military discharge documents showing service in one of the three qualifying types of service [See first answer for the three types of services]; 3. Your Philippines Veterans Affairs Office claim number; 4. Your Philippines Veterans Affairs Pension bank account number; 5. US citizens should bring your US passport. Q: Where do I apply for this benefit? • Filipino WW II veterans can inquire about or submit a claim at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office located at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs will also have representatives available to accept claims at the Philippines Veterans Affairs Office and the Philippine’s Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City beginning February 19, 2009 through February 27, 2009. Additionally, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will have representatives at following venues throughout the Philippines on the dates indicated:

Q: How long do I have to file a claim? • The United States Department of Veterans Affairs must receive all claims no later than February 16, 2010, which is one year from the date of enactment of the legislation, which is February 17, 2009. Q: How much will I receive? • Eligible veterans who are not United States citizens will receive a one-time payment of $9,000. • Eligible veterans who are United States citizens will receive a one-time payment of $15,000. Q: I am a U.S. citizen, but reside in the Philippines. Will that affect the amount of my payment? • No. The amount of the payment you are eligible to receive is determined by your citizenship, not by your residence. Q: My late husband was a veteran who served during WWII. May I receive this benefit as his widow? • Once an eligible veteran files a claim before February 17, 2010, a surviving spouse can claim the benefit if the veteran passes away before the benefit is paid. Q: My husband was a US citizen who filed a claim for this benefit but died before receiving payment. I am not a US citizen. Will I receive the $15,000 he was eligible to receive? • Yes. The amount of the payment is determined by the citizenship of the eligible veteran, not by the citizenship of the surviving spouse. Q: Is this benefit considered as income for US income tax purposes? • No. The benefit is not considered income for US income tax purposes. Q: Will receipt of this benefit impact or reduce any other US Government assistance or benefits I receive? • No. This is an additional benefit for those eligible and qualified WWII veterans. It will not change or affect benefits an individual may be receiving under any other Federal or federally assisted program. Q: May I apply for or continue to receive other US Department of Veterans Affairs benefits? • Yes. This is an additional benefit for those eligible and qualified Filipino WWII veterans. Q: When will I receive the payment? • The US Department of Veterans Affairs is working actively to implement this new public law to ensure all eligible veterans receive their rightful benefits as soon as possible. Claims are now being accepted, and information regarding the actual release of payments will be provided as it becomes available. (Source: US Embassy in Manila, February 26, 2009)