SURVIVING SPOUSES

[Sandy]

I found this site while sending information about A & A to another surviving spouse. I am unsure if you allow conversation about matters other than A & A, so please let me know if you would prefer that I not post this information. Many service-connected widows are unaware of changes in laws regarding remarriage, death of a second husband, DIC, and increased funeral benefits when the death is service connected. They usually do not know there is a difference in types of
payments and use 'pension' when they mean DIC or retired pay.  As president
 of Gold Star Wives of America chapter in my state I am trying to locate other service connected widows and advise them to learn about their benefits. Be aware! The VA offices often do not know the correct answer-especially for
surviving spouses.
.

[vetadmin]

Sandy,

While this site and forum are primarily directed at the Improved Pension benefit, we always welcome helpful information.  It is not uncommon for our visitors to be dealing with more than one related issue involving the VA.  I'm sure that along the way someone will read what you have shared and benefit from it.  Thank you for sharing and hope that you will pass this site along as well so that it may be a resource for those you work with.

[W]

I couldn't find a link, but would be very interested on following this up.

Thank you vetadmin for keeping this here.

I am wondering if you could point me in the right direction for some assistance on survivors benefits?  I would truly appreciate it, I feel lost from the double-talk in the manuals/va people I've talked to

thank you again

[vetadmin]

There are various chapters throughout the country.  I found a site that you could contact for basic information.  Hope it helps.
http://www.belvoirowc.org/node/102

[W]

thank you very much

I do not meet their membership requirements and they don't appear to be able to assist me, but...
you have renewed my faith that I will find help out there  thank you

[AlaskaAnnie]

My brother died while on active duty 5 years ago.  My sister-in-law remarried within less that a year of his death and then the marriage was terminated one year later.  She was able to get some benefits back.  but she is now dating someone new. Will she lose her SBP and DIC if she remarries?  I thought I saw someplace that if she remarried after she turned 55 for the SBP or 57 for the DIC that she could still receive benefits.  She doesn't want to lose her benefits but she also doesn't want to spend the rest of her life living alone.  Also what about medical and educational benefits for her?  will she lose those as well?thanks!  AlaskaAnnie