Online application forms for Filvets now available

MANILA, Philippines - The US Embassy on Friday announced that the online application forms are now available for World War II Filipino veterans who are applying for benefit claims. It said that Filipino veterans applying to receive their tax-free, one-time $9,000 or about P430,000 of non-service connected compensation (for non-US citizens) or $15,000 or about P717,000 (for US citizens) benefits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may now access the application forms online. In a statement on Friday, the embassy advised eligible veterans to go to their website to access the application forms. The US Department of Veterans Affairs Office has previously said that it will bring application information to veterans who are unable to apply in person. To request a visit, eligible veterans may call 528-2500 if within Metro Manila or 1-800-1888-5252 toll free, or e-mail at http://iris.va.gov. The embassy added that in many instances, any assistance needed to complete the application can be provided by calling these numbers and there’s no need to appear in- person. 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 the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 1131 Roxas Blvd., 0930 Manila, Philippines. Application forms are available at the US Embassy, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, and the 13 other Philippine Veterans Affairs Offices located throughout the Philippines. For additional information including eligibility requirements and required supporting documents for your application, go to “Frequently Asked Questions" at the US Embassy website. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV