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Did You Know? The Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) is to implement new statutory authority to provide payment or reimbursement for hospital care and medical services provided
to certain veterans' family members who resided at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for at least 30 days during the period beginning
on January 1, 1957, and ending on December 31, 1987. Under this rule, VA will reimburse family members, or pay providers,
for medical expenses incurred as a result of certain illnesses and conditions that may be attributed to exposure to contaminated
drinking water at Camp Lejeune during this time period. Payment or reimbursement will be made within the limitations set forth
in statute and Camp Lejeune family members will receive hospital care and medical services that are consistent with the manner
in which the VA provides hospital care and medical services to Camp Lejeune veterans. This interim final rule is effective October 24, 2014.
New Benefits Line The state of Michigan on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, formally launched a help line that military veterans can call at any time to get assistance about their government benefits and services. The Veteran Resource Service Center is a partnership between the state Veterans Affairs Agency and the United Way's 211 phone system. Veterans who want help navigating various government agencies are encouraged to call 1-800-MICH-VET during business hours and 211 after hours and on the weekends.
2015 COLA Increase Approved The U.S. House of Representatives passed four veterans related bills: (1) H.R 3593 would direct the inclusion of an outside entity to assist in the management of VA's major facility construction efforts; (2) H.R. 5404 would extend a number of expiring current authorities and critical programs at both VA and the Department of Labor; (3) H.R. 4276 would require VA to provide reports to Congress on the pilot program for assisted living services for veterans with traumatic brain injury; and (4) S. 2258 would authorize a cost-of-living adjustment for disabled veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. As of December 1, 2014, the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children will increase anywhere from 1.9% to 2.0%. The bill requires each annual increase to be the same as the percentage by which Social Security disability benefits are increased each year as set under 215(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)).
Cash Back to Veterans and Active Duty Troops Open Mortgage is honoring our Nation’s Veterans by giving back. They offer a $500 lender credit at closing on VA loans and reverse mortgages for applications taken during the entire month of November 2014. Military personnel who are buying homes, refinancing, or using financial strategies such as a reverse mortgage are eligible to benefit from this Special. For more information contact: Diane Creasy, diane@corp.openmtg.com, 512-492-3352.
VA Home Loan Still Possible If You Have Foreclosure or Bankruptcy These financial setbacks don't automatically put an end to your VA loan chances. It's possible to secure a VA home loan just two years removed from a foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. In some cases, veterans who file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection can potentially qualify just a year removed from the filing date of either. Homebuyers seeking conventional or FHA financing can find the waiting periods much longer. Even veterans who lose a VA-backed mortgage to foreclosure can still be eligible for another VA loan.
Supplemental Pay for Veterans Did you know that you may be eligible for supplemental pay from Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability benefits if your medical conditions will cause a severe impact on your ability to work? SSA benefits are different than compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and require a separate application. If you are an active duty military service member or veteran and became disabled on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where your injuries occurred, you are eligible for expedited processing of disability benefits from the SSA. The SSA pays disability benefits through two unique programs: • Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For you or your family to receive SSDI benefits, you have to be considered “insured” by the SSA. This means you have worked long enough for Social Security taxes to meet the eligibility for benefits. In order to receive SSI benefits a financial need must be demonstrated. Most veterans will qualify for either program. You can apply for disability benefits while still of active duty. Of course, veterans can apply at any time. You may apply in person at a Social Security Office near you. Or, you can call 800-772-1213 (TTY – 1-800-325-0778) between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7 P.M. to schedule an appointment. |
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