HELP

what to do ^ | 8-7-06 | Son of Mother

[ArmyBrat2006]

My father passed away and he was a 100% disable vet of the army 23 years. The goverment told my mom that she does not get anything other than the life insurance money he had. She followed my dad around the world for 30 years and was not able to make a career for herself raising three boys. Does anyone know if this is true or not and if not and my mom is entitle to money from the goverment and help or if someone can point me in the right direction i would be really gratefull. He was my moms first and only man she has ever been with and is not doing to well, so there is no way she can go back to work right now and i am working three jobs to support my own wife and two kids as well as her, and pay all of her bills as well. any info would really help. thanks

[deport]

Curious....

Why is your post linked to Myspace.com?

Was he a 23 yr service veteran or was it 30 yrs and out on disabilty for the past 23?

You best bet is to check with the various military groups...

[nmh]

I've never heard of a military wife getting compensated for NOT having a career and working.

You might want to see if she can get some of his pension, assuming your Dad had one.

[nmh]

ArmyBrat2006
Since Aug 3, 2006

Looks like your new here ... .

Is this problem for real?

[George Smiley]

Check the VFW website; they have a lot of information about such things if my memory serves me correctly.

Good luck.

[al baby]

Have you been here long enough to meet the Viking Kittens

[Gay State Conservative]

Looks like your new here ... . Is this problem for real?

Hey,c'mon...give it a rest (for now,at least).Given the noncontroversial nature of this post,I think it just might be possible that the poster is for real.

Yes,it may be true that this isn't the best place to post such a question but given FR's reputation for support for the Armed Forces and their active and retired members my guess is that this isn't from a troll.

[mozarky2]

My condolences... best of luck in your search...

[nmh]

The question of having his mother compensated for not working ... is a tad questionable at THIS time. The only thing she can go after is his pension.

[M1Tanker]

Interesting link to the post.

However, contact the VA benefits center under www.firstgov.gov and do some research there. The VA center should help. Sometimes records are lost and must be regenerated (a records center burned down many years ago). I have been in the Army 12 years and am the Army Brat with both parents having served in the military (yes, my mother wore combat boots) and I have not heard of such a case.

Bottom line: contact the VA and understand that "no" means "begin again at one level higher". Also, keep records of all conversations and try to collect up as many hard copies of disability records, medical records, discharge papers, LES's, insurance papers and anything else remotely connected to his service and disability.

Good Luck

[Gay State Conservative]

The question of having his mother compensated for not working ... is a tad questionable at THIS time. The only thing she can go after is his pension.

Having emerged from the Army with only my pride wounded,I know next to nothing about military disability issues.

Given the circumstances described,one might think that her husband's service and disability might entitle her to some sort of monthly payment....whether it be called a disability pension or standard pension.

[Lovergirl]

Call your Veterans Affairs Officer. He/she will let you know if your Mom qualifies for Widows benefits. Good luck to you.

[K-oneTexas]

Benefits, such as pension, depend on the SRB (Survivor Benefit Plan) which was chosen by the service member (your Dad.) There are four choices, one being service member gets 100% and there is nothing for survivors. Also, the SRB/pension is contingent on the retiree surviving to age 60. He/she must get that first check. If retiree dies before that there is noting other than burial benefit (which isn't much).

I'm not expert in this but facing this decision myself on retirement in a couple of years. You need to check with the branch of service your Dad was in and the VA. I don't hold out much hope on VA doing anything.

[TN4Bush]

Your father would have had a choice on his pension of 100% benefit for himself or Joint and Survivor (J&S) at several levels. If he chose the 100% for himself there is nothing left for a spouse upon death. I know this because my father chose the 100% benefit thinking he would live as long as my mother. Sadly, that was not the case. Good luck.

[nmh]

With her husband dead, how could she be entitled to his disability check? Wouldn't a pension make more sense?

[Gay State Conservative]

With her husband dead, how could she be entitled to his disability check? Wouldn't a pension make more sense?

Because I know basically nothing about this subject (having never known anyone who's collected a military disability "pension") I have nothing more to say on the subject.

I do,however,think that it might be premature to believe that the OP is some kind of troll.It's possible but by no means certain,IMO.

[stbdside]

You should also check with your local DAV chapter.

[darkwing104]

Did your parents sign up for the SBP after retiring? If you don't know what that means I foresee lighting in your future....

[darkwing104]

I collect Military disability with retirement pay (22 years). In this case the only pension the wife is entitled too. is what is outlined in the SBP. If the Husband and wife declined the SBP then she is entitled to nothing. The only way she could find out is to go on base/post and talk the SBP counselor.

I have my wife on the SBP so, she'll get half of my monthly retirement pay.

[ArmyBrat2006]

yes this is real. my dad retired from the army. he had 23 years of service. he also was 100% service conected disabled vet. this is so real its like a very bad dream. any advice or help would greatly be appreciated.
thanks