The VA announced today that the Treasury Department has begun mailing out $250 checks to veterans this week, part of the economic stimulus plan approved by Congress and the president earlier this year. The money should arrive in veterans' mailboxes in the next week or two.
The one-time money was designed as an economic boost for veterans (and their survivors) who might not qualify for other tax rebate approved under the stimulus bill. VA estimates it will cost about $500 million to hand out the checks to approximately 1.9 million veterans and eligible beneficiaries. It's part of $1.4 billion set aside for veterans' projects under the $1 trillion plan.
Veterans don't have to apply or check in with the VA to receive the money -- all eligible individuals will simply receive a check in the mail, with a short explanation of the money. From the VA:
To be eligible for the payment, VA beneficiaries must have received VA’s compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board will be paid through those agencies, and will not get the VA money.
For everyone else, it's a tax-free bonus. Don't spend it all in one place.
[PHOTO: Associated Press]
Vet's $250 Stimulus
In Leo Shane's 29 June good news piece, is the second to last line "...and will get the VA money." correct? After 30 + years of hearing the equivelent of "That was then, this is now," especially regarding promises of health care for life for vets and dependents, I'm a bit sceptical of windfalls from our VA. Should the line be "...and will NOT get the VA money?"
But, even if we SS collectors don't get a VA stimulus, Hooray for those who do.
Art Holman
Old Marine
RE: Vet's $250 Stimulus
va $250
i am retired air force and have a va 30% disability. Do i get the va $250 from va?
RE: VA $250
$250 from va
i am 62 years old, retired air force and get a retirement check monthly, i have 30 percent disability from va and get a check every month, i still work and am not drawing any social security payment. will probably file for social security retirement when i turn 66 (presently 62). so do i get the va $250 stimulus check?
RE: $250 from va
Larry --
If you're still working then you probably qualified for the $600 tax credit approved for certain income levels earlier this year. If so, I don't believe you'll get the extra $250. But double check with your VA contacts -- they'll be able to tell you for sure.
$250 VA stimulus
I think all vets with an honorable discharge should get it.I was in the first gulf war and Bosnia and as far as using my benefits Iam told I do not qualify for them. I served my country and served it well. I regret serving a country that DOES NOT give a s--t about its vets!!!!!!!
No Stimulus to Veterans living in the Philippines?
I'm receiving a disability pension from the VA and received the last stimulus payment while living in the Philippines, however, it seems we are excluded in the current stimulus program. There are many disabled U.S. military veterans living here and I think it totally unfair to exclude us in the current package. We often purchase gifts online using American Companies to send to our families and friends in the United States helping the United States economy. Why on Earth would we be excluded? Whoever thought of this exclusion lacks common sense and any sense of fairness.
I urge any overseas VA veterans to write their representatives and complain about this disregard for a large number of veterans living abroad and often supporting the American economy.
Ralph Francis
USAF MSGT Retired
Olongapo City, Philippines
$250 Stimulus Check
My father (veteran receiving disability benefits) passed away on November 26, 2008. Since he received his VA benefits for the month of November, would he (or my mother) qualify to receive the stimulus check? A stimulus check from SS was not received.
Thank you.
RE: $250 stimulus check
I can't say for sure, but I think your mother would still need to qualify for to VA benefits in order to get the check.
Is she still receiving those payouts? And she is not receiving Social Security? Because if she is, that money was taken care of through a different payout, and you'd have to check the rules for that.
Vet Stimulus Check
Mother has applied for survivor benefits from the VA and is awaiting approval (three letters from VA so far stating it's in the works). She receives Social Security. The issue was brought up since my father obviously did not receive the SS stimulus check in 2009, but your article mentioned the VA rule that if a vet had received VA benefits between November & January, then they would qualify for the vet stimulus check. Since he died near the end of November, I was hoping maybe his estate would qualify to receive the benefit on his behalf. Thanks.