Logo American Veteran

Social Security Special Benefits For Qualified WWII Veterans

September 11, 2023

World War II, a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945, was the deadliest and most widespread conflict in history. Millions of brave souls stepped forward, ready to defend freedom, democracy, and the values we hold dear. Today, as we look back at those tumultuous times, we recognize the immense sacrifices made by those who served. In acknowledgment of their unparalleled contribution, the U.S. government has established the Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans. This program, a beacon of gratitude, aims to provide specific benefits to these veterans, ensuring they receive the support they deserve in their twilight years.

In this guide, we will delve deep into the intricacies of the Social Security Special Benefits For Qualified WWII Veterans. From understanding the eligibility criteria and the application process to exploring the key aspects and types of benefits available, we aim to provide a holistic view of this program. 

Program Contact

1-800-772-1213

Additional Info

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Managing Agency

U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)

Understanding The Social Security Special Benefits For Qualified WWII Veterans

The Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans is a program that aims to provide specific benefits to veterans who served during World War II. These benefits are federally funded and are administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The program is designed to recognize and compensate those who served their country during one of its most challenging times.

What Is The Social Security Special Benefits For Qualified WWII Veterans Program?

The Social Security's Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans program is designed to provide benefits to certain World War II (WWII) veterans. This includes:

  • Veterans who served in the active U.S. military from September 16, 1940, through July 24, 1947.

  • Filipino Veterans who served in the organized military of the Philippines from July 26, 1941, through December 30, 1946. It's important to note that these Filipino forces were in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during this period.

One of the unique aspects of this program is that the Special Veterans Benefits are payable for months in which qualified veterans live outside the United States. This means that if a veteran resides outside the U.S. on the first day of any given month, they will receive benefits for that month. However, it's crucial to understand that this benefit cannot be transferred or paid to the veteran's dependents or survivors.

Types Of Special Benefits For WWII Veterans

World War II, often referred to as the greatest conflict in history, saw millions of brave men and women answer the call to defend freedom and democracy. As a tribute to their sacrifices and service, various benefits have been established to support these veterans in their later years. Let's delve into the types of special benefits available to World War II veterans:

Aid & Attendance

This is an increased pension amount designed for elderly veterans who require assistance with daily functions. It caters to those:

  • Who need help performing daily activities.

  • Who are bedridden.

  • Who reside in nursing homes.

  • Whose eyesight is limited.

Housebound Benefits

Veterans who are substantially confined to their homes due to a permanent disability may qualify for this benefit. It provides an increased monthly pension amount to support them.

Geriatrics Healthcare

As veterans age, their healthcare needs become more complex. Recognizing this, special programs have been established to cater to elderly veterans with intricate requirements. These programs offer:

  • Geriatric and long-term care at home.

  • Care at VA medical centers.

  • Care in community settings.

These programs are especially beneficial for veterans who need daily support and assistance due to their health conditions.

Benefits For Radiation Exposure

Some World War II veterans were exposed to ionizing radiation during their service. Special benefits are available for these veterans, and their survivors might also be eligible. This includes surviving spouses and dependent children.

Disability Compensation

For veterans who sustained injuries or illnesses during their service in World War II, disability compensation is available. This benefit is designed to provide monthly payments to veterans in recognition of the effects of disabilities caused or exacerbated by their military service.

Survivor Benefits

Families of World War II veterans may also be entitled to benefits. This includes compensation for surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who passed away due to service-related conditions.

It's important to note that the needs of World War II veterans are diverse and unique. As they continue to age, their requirements become more pronounced. The U.S. government, through various programs and initiatives, ensures that these heroes receive the support and care they deserve in their twilight years.

For veterans and their families seeking assistance with claims or looking for more resources, organizations like Vets National Advocates offer invaluable support. They can guide veterans through the process of obtaining the benefits they're entitled to, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are duly recognized.

Key Aspects Of Social Security Special Benefits For Qualified WWII Veterans

The Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans is a unique program designed to provide specific benefits to veterans who served during World War II. These benefits are a testament to the nation's commitment to recognizing and supporting those who served during one of its most challenging times. Here are the key aspects of this program:

Benefit Structure

The Special Veterans Benefits are designed to be payable for months in which qualified veterans live outside the United States. This means that if a veteran resides outside the U.S. on the first day of any given month, they will receive benefits for that month.

Non-Transferability

One of the essential aspects of this program is that the benefits cannot be transferred or paid to the veteran's dependents or survivors. This ensures that the benefits are exclusively for the veterans who qualify.

Federally Funded

The Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans are federally funded, ensuring that the program has the necessary resources to support the veterans who qualify.

Administration

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the benefits. This ensures that the program is managed by an experienced and capable institution that can effectively distribute the benefits to the veterans.

Special Consideration For Filipino Veterans

The program recognizes the contributions of Filipino Veterans who served in the organized military of the Philippines while these forces were in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces. This inclusion ensures that these veterans are also recognized and supported.

Benefit Amount

The benefit amount is determined based on various factors, including the veteran's age, service record, and other qualifying criteria. The aim is to ensure that the benefits provide adequate support to the veterans.

Eligibility Requirements

The Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans is a program designed to recognize and provide benefits to veterans who served during World War II. The eligibility criteria are specific to ensure that the right individuals benefit from this program. Here are the detailed eligibility requirements:

Age Requirement

  • The veteran must be age 65 or older as of December 14, 1999.

Service Requirements

For the purposes of Special Veterans Benefits (SVB), a person is considered a World War II veteran if they:

  • U.S. Service: Served in the active military, naval, or air service of the United States during World War II at any time during the period beginning on September 16, 1940, and ending on July 24, 1947.

  • Philippine Service: Served in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while these forces were in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces. This is based on the military order of the President dated July 26, 1941. This category includes the organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority in the U.S. Army. The service must have been rendered at any time during the period beginning July 26, 1941, and ending on December 30, 1946.

Discharge Requirements

  • The veteran must have been discharged or released from their service under conditions other than dishonorable.

  • The service duration should be 90 days or more. However, if the service duration was less than 90 days, the discharge should be due to a disability or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Eligibility

  • The veteran must have been eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as of December 1999.

  • The veteran must qualify for SSI in the month they apply for the special veterans benefits.

Benefit Income

  • The veteran must be entitled to benefit income that is less than 75% of the current SSI federal benefit rate.

Residency

  • The Special Veterans Benefits are designed to be payable for months in which qualified veterans live outside the United States.

Non-Transferability

  • The benefit is not transferrable to survivors or dependents.

Application Process

The form used for this application is titled "Application for Special Benefits for World War II Veterans" and is identified as Form SSA-2000-F6.

Key Sections Of The Application

  • Eligibility Declaration:

    • The applicant declares their intention to apply for all benefits they are eligible for under Title VIII (Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans) of the Social Security Act.

    • They also apply for benefits under other programs administered by the Social Security Administration.

  • Personal Details:

    • Full name.

    • Date of birth.

    • Social Security Number.

    • Any other names or Social Security Numbers previously used.

    • Gender.

  • Previous Applications:

    • Whether the applicant or someone on their behalf has ever filed an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    • If they are currently receiving SSI payments and when they last received them if not currently receiving.

  • Military Service Details:

    • Whether the applicant was in the active military, naval, or air service of the United States between September 15, 1940, and July 25, 1947. If yes, they need to provide the dates of service.

    • Whether the applicant was part of the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while these forces were in service of the Armed Forces of the United States as per the military order of the President dated July 26, 1941. This includes organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority in the Army of the United States. They must have been in this service after July 25, 1941, and before December 31, 1946. If yes, they need to provide the dates of service.

  • Income Details:

    • The applicant needs to declare if they received income from various sources in the past 12 months, including federal benefits like Social Security, Railroad Retirement, Veterans Affairs, and others. They also need to mention state/local benefits and private benefits.

    • They must specify if they received a lump sum payment instead of monthly or other recurring payments from any of the mentioned sources.

  • Additional Information:

    • Whether the applicant has ever been deported or removed from the United States.

    • If there's an unsatisfied warrant for their arrest for a felony crime in the U.S.

    • Whether they are currently in violation of a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law.

    • If they have established residence outside the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

  • Signature:

    • The applicant must declare under penalty of perjury that all the information provided is true and correct. They must sign the application.

    • If the application is signed by a mark (X), two witnesses who know the applicant must sign, providing their full addresses.

  • Reporting Instructions:

    • The applicant must report to Social Security if there are any changes in their mailing address, residence, ability to manage benefits, deportation status, and other specified conditions.

    • They can report by telephone, mail, or in person. Contact details for the Social Security Administration, especially for those in the Philippines, are provided.

  • Receipt:

    • The applicant will receive a receipt for their claim, which will be processed as quickly as possible. They should hear back within a specified number of days after providing all requested information.

  • Privacy Act Notice:

  • The form concludes with a Privacy Act Notice detailing the authorization for collecting the information, its intended use, and potential disclosures.

Important Points:

  • The Social Security Administration will verify the statements made in the application and compare its records with those from other State and Federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, to ensure the correct amount is paid.

  • Providing false information or causing someone else to do so is a crime and may result in a fine or imprisonment.

Applicants are advised to read the instructions carefully and provide accurate information to ensure a smooth application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you better understand Social Security Special Benefits for Qualified WWII Veterans, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is the "Special Benefits for World War II Veterans" program?

It's a program under the Social Security Administration that provides benefits to certain World War II veterans who reside outside the U.S. and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who is considered a "Qualified WWII Veteran" for these special benefits?

A qualified WWII veteran is someone who served in the active military, naval, or air service of the U.S. between September 15, 1940, and July 25, 1947, or was a part of the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during specific dates.

How do I apply for these special benefits?

You can apply using the "Application for Special Benefits for World War II Veterans" form, identified as Form SSA-2000-F6, available through the Social Security Administration.

What are the income considerations for this benefit?

The benefit amount is determined based on your countable income. Certain types of income, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may affect the benefit amount.

Can I receive these benefits if I live outside the U.S.?

Yes, these special benefits are specifically designed for WWII veterans who reside outside the U.S.

What should I do if there are changes in my circumstances after applying?

You must report any changes in your mailing address, residence, ability to manage benefits, deportation status, and other specified conditions to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.

Availing Social Security Special Benefits For WWII Veterans

In honoring the sacrifices and services of our World War II veterans, the Social Security Special Benefits play a pivotal role. These benefits, tailored specifically for those who served during a crucial period in history, ensure that our heroes receive the recognition and support they deserve. As with any government program, understanding the nuances and processes is essential. We hope this guide has provided clarity on the subject. If you or someone you know might be eligible, we encourage you to reach out to the Social Security Administration and explore these benefits further. Remember, it's not just about financial support; it's a token of gratitude from a nation that will forever be indebted to its veterans.

Discover more opportunities for American veterans by reading our guide on armed forces tax benefits. Visit American Veteran to find comprehensive online resources dedicated to American Veterans.

Michael Blair contributes his expertise to help veterans access government benefits and resources. Through his informative articles and guides, he plays a vital role in empowering veterans and improving their quality of life.
Logo American Veteran
Americanveteran.org strive to provide accessible information and assistance to help veterans navigate post-service challenges. Explore our collection of helpful guides, articles, and tools to access the benefits and support you deserve.
© 2023 American Veteran. All Rights Reserved.