FEDERAL AGENCY:

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

AUTHORIZATION:

Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, Section 251, Public Law 106-169; Social Security Act, Title VIII.

OBJECTIVES:

To pay a special benefit to certain World War II veterans, that are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and meet other specified criteria for each month that they reside outside of the United States.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Monthly cash benefits are paid to certain World War II veterans that meet the qualification criteria prescribed in the Law for each month they reside outside the United States on the first day of that month. There are no restrictions on the use of benefits, although the right to future benefits is not transferable or assignable.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   In order to become entitled for SVB, an applicant must: Be age 65 or older on December 14, 1999, the date the Law was enacted; be a World War II veteran with length and dates of service and character of discharge as specified in the Law, this includes Filipino veterans of World War II who served in the organized military forces of the Philippines while the forces were in the service of the U.S. armed forces, or served in organized guerrilla forces under the auspices of the U.S. military; be eligible for SSI benefits for December 1999, the month the Law was enacted; Be eligible for SSI benefits for the month that the an application for SVB was filed; and, have other benefit income that is less than 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate. For 2001, 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate is $397.50; have other benefit income that is less than 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Benefits are paid to certain World War II veterans meeting the criteria specified under Applicant Eligibility.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proof of age, military service, the receipt and amount of benefit income, and foreign residence is required.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   An application may be filed at any local Social Security office, the SSA Division of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila, the Philippines, and U.S. Embassies and consulates worldwide.

Award Procedure:   The applicant (and representative payee, if any) will be notified by mail of award or denial.

Deadlines:   Benefits are not paid prior to May 2000, or prior to the month of application, whichever is later.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   A request for appeal may be filed at any local Social Security office, the SSA Division of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila, the Philippines and U.S. Embassies and consulates worldwide. The appeal process ranges from a local office review to a review by the Federal courts. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date on which a written notice of decision is received by the applicant.

Renewals:   The law allows for the redetermination of a person's benefit amount and continuing eligibility. The procedures for conducting such reviews are not yet determined.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula for matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Any change of address or any event affecting SVB qualification or benefit amount (such as an increase in other benefit income received) must be reported to the Social Security Administration when the event occurs.

Audits:   None.

Records:   None.

INANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   28-0401-0-1-701.

Obligations:   (Benefit Payments) FY 01 $7,113,314; FY 02 est $9,000,000; and FY 03 est $9,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  

The maximum monthly SVB payable for current year 2006 is $452.25 (Per Title VIII of the Act, the benefit amount equals 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate.) This amount will change yearly. The monthly SVB amount payable to an individual is reduced by the amount of that person's other benefit income for the month. Other benefit income includes any recurring payment received as an annuity, pension, retirement or disability benefit. The average monthly federal payment for January 2006 is $342.68.

The Social Security Administration began taking SVB applications in April 2000 and initiated benefit payments in May 2000. The SVB program operations has approximately 2,000 beneficiaries who have established residency in the Philippines receiving monthly SVB payments. Individuals may apply at any U.S. Social Security Office or at the Office of Veterans Affairs in Manila, Philippines.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Regulations are being developed. A program fact sheet, "Special Benefits to Certain World War II Veterans," is available from any Social Security Office without charge. It can also be found on the Social Security internet site.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Consult Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Social Security Administration, Office of Public Inquiries, Windsor Park Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235. Telephone: (410) 965-2736.

Web Site Address:  
http://www.socialsecurity.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

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