Wounded Warriors are members designated as combat wounded, ill, or injured. The Air Force uses the 9W-series Reporting Identifier (RI) to categorize Combat-Related Wounded Warriors.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warriors are members designated as combat wounded, ill, or injured. The Air Force uses the 9W-series Reporting Identifier (RI) to categorize Combat-Related Wounded Warriors.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment for 2012
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be a 1.7 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities effective Dec. 1, 2012. Most retirees will see the change in their Dec. 31, 2012 payment. Annuitants will receive it Jan. 3, 2013.
However, those who retired between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012 will receive a partial COLA based on the quarter they retired.
Retirees who received a Career Status Bonus (CSB) will receive a 0.7 percent increase. This is because they accepted a $30,000 career retention bonus when they reached 15 years of service and agreed to reduced retired pay and COLAs as a trade-off for the bonus.
CSB recipients who retired between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012 will receive a partial COLA based on the quarter they retired.
Original Article: http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/newsevents/newsletter/costoflivingadjustment.html
However, those who retired between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012 will receive a partial COLA based on the quarter they retired.
- January through March retirees will receive 1.7%
- April through June retirees will receive 1.0%
- July through September retirees will receive 0.2%.
Retirees who received a Career Status Bonus (CSB) will receive a 0.7 percent increase. This is because they accepted a $30,000 career retention bonus when they reached 15 years of service and agreed to reduced retired pay and COLAs as a trade-off for the bonus.
CSB recipients who retired between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012 will receive a partial COLA based on the quarter they retired.
- January through March retirees will receive 0.7%
- April through June retirees will receive 0.5%
The 1.7% COLA also applies to any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pay retirees may be receiving.
Page Updated November 29, 2012
Page Updated November 29, 2012
Original Article: http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/newsevents/newsletter/costoflivingadjustment.html
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
COLA Increase Approved for Disabled Veterans foe 2012
Effective Dec. 1, the increase will appear on January paychecks—directly deposited on Dec. 31, 2012—and affect about 4 million veterans, military retirees and survivors.
The average increase in income for the year is $500. Dollar amounts will vary on an individual basis depending on disability rating.
A few weeks ago, the Senate passed the cost of living adjustment (COLA) bill for the 1.7 percent increase for military retirees and veterans’ survivors. Those affected by the increase will see the increase in monthly benefit payments in 2013. The House version of the bill that passed unanimously in June also called for a 1.7 percent increase.
The Senate acted swiftly when it returned from the election recess to guarantee January payments reflect the increase.
The COLA will increase pay for Social Security recipients and military retirees who receive disability compensation and pension, as well as veterans’ survivors who receive dependency and indemnity compensation.
Original Source: http://www.veteransunited.com/money/house-approves-cola-increase-for-disabled-veterans/
Friday, November 23, 2012
Veterans Administration Guaranteed Loans Contact
Department of Veteran's Affairs
Consumer Affairs Service
810 Vermont Ave, NW
Washington DC, 20420
(202) 461-7402
www.va.gov
Wounded Warrior CCAF degrees
CCAF has updated their 2011/2013 catalog to allow AFW2s with a 9W identifierto complete their CCAF degree after they ret/sep from the military.
Combat Wounded, Ill or Injured Airmen (Wounded Warriors)
Combat wounded, ill, or injured Airmen who commenced but did not complete a CCAF degree program may continue participation in their degree program after separation or retirement. To qualify, the member must have been awarded a 9W-series Reporting Identifier (RI) for combat- related injuries or illnesses as reflected in the Military Personnel Data System. Degree program participation is limited to the program of enrollment at the time of separation or retirement. These members will have 10 years from their separation or retirement date or from 30 December 2011 if they separated or retired between 12 September 2001 and 30 December 2011 to complete degree requirements.Veterans keep advantages in federal job market.
Since the Civil War, retirees and other veterans have enjoyed some degree of preference in hiring for jobs with the federal government.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, these laws protect veterans seeking federal employment from being penalized because of their time in service.
The goal isn’t to place a veteran in every vacant federal job. But these policies do provide a way to give special consideration to qualified veterans.
The Obama administration has focused attention on this issue. For example, President Obama established the President’s Council on Veterans Employment, made up of 24 Cabinet-level and other independent agencies.
The effort seems to be paying off. The council recently reported that the number of veterans hired for federal jobs in fiscal 2011 was the highest in 20 years.
Monthly VA pay offered beyond 100 percent disability
Q. I am already rated 100 percent disabled by the Veterans Affairs Department, including the loss of my right eye to enemy fire. I have just submitted a new claim to VA for a service-connected head injury. Is it possible to be compensated by VA at a level above 100 percent?
A. Yes, it is possible to be compensated at a level above 100 percent for service-connected disabilities through VA’s special monthly compensation program. Conditions that rate SMC are identified by letters ranging from (k) to (s). An SMC(k) rating provides an additional $99 per month above whatever your disability payment is already. But some SMC ratings provide substantial support beyond the amount awarded for a 100 percent disability rating. Medical conditions for which SMC applies include the specific loss or loss of use of organs or extremities — either an amputation or having no effective remaining function in an extremity or organ. VA lists these disabilities as eligible for SMC: Loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot; immobility of a joint or paralysis; loss of sight of an eye (total blindness or having only light perception); loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ; complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks; deafness in both ears; inability to communicate by speech; or loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment. VA will pay more for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands and arms. The distinction between “loss of a limb” and “loss of use of a limb” is important — you don’t have to undergo an amputation to qualify for SMC. For example, if a veteran cannot balance or push off his foot, he may be considered to have lost the use of that foot, and so would qualify for SMC. Similarly, if a veteran cannot pick up objects with his hand, he may qualify for SMC for loss of use of that hand. In addition, veterans rated 100 percent disabled by VA who are housebound, bedridden or need the aid and attendance of another person also may be eligible for SMC. The amount of payment in these instances varies depending on the level of aid required. SMC payments aren’t meant to compensate for potential loss of earnings from a disability but rather for noneconomic factors such as personal inconvenience, social inadaptability or the profound nature of a disability. Contact your nearest VA regional office for more details on SMC. VA also has a fact sheet at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/smc.doc, or you can call VA’s main benefits information hotline toll free at 800-827-1000. Original Article
A. Yes, it is possible to be compensated at a level above 100 percent for service-connected disabilities through VA’s special monthly compensation program. Conditions that rate SMC are identified by letters ranging from (k) to (s). An SMC(k) rating provides an additional $99 per month above whatever your disability payment is already. But some SMC ratings provide substantial support beyond the amount awarded for a 100 percent disability rating. Medical conditions for which SMC applies include the specific loss or loss of use of organs or extremities — either an amputation or having no effective remaining function in an extremity or organ. VA lists these disabilities as eligible for SMC: Loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot; immobility of a joint or paralysis; loss of sight of an eye (total blindness or having only light perception); loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ; complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks; deafness in both ears; inability to communicate by speech; or loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment. VA will pay more for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands and arms. The distinction between “loss of a limb” and “loss of use of a limb” is important — you don’t have to undergo an amputation to qualify for SMC. For example, if a veteran cannot balance or push off his foot, he may be considered to have lost the use of that foot, and so would qualify for SMC. Similarly, if a veteran cannot pick up objects with his hand, he may qualify for SMC for loss of use of that hand. In addition, veterans rated 100 percent disabled by VA who are housebound, bedridden or need the aid and attendance of another person also may be eligible for SMC. The amount of payment in these instances varies depending on the level of aid required. SMC payments aren’t meant to compensate for potential loss of earnings from a disability but rather for noneconomic factors such as personal inconvenience, social inadaptability or the profound nature of a disability. Contact your nearest VA regional office for more details on SMC. VA also has a fact sheet at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/smc.doc, or you can call VA’s main benefits information hotline toll free at 800-827-1000. Original Article
Monday, October 1, 2012
VA Health Care: When You're In, You're In
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the largest health care system in the country, with over 1,400 sites of care nationwide.
- When you become enrolled in the VA health care system, it's for a lifetime.
- You are instantly and automatically entitled to receive care at any VA location without ever having to register for VA health care benefits again.
- After you enroll, you can immediately start receiving your health care at a VA facility, or at a later date - the choice is yours.
- Enrolling in the VA health care system is quick and easy - just complete an online Application for Health Benefits online at: https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
- Need help enrolling? Contact the VA toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Paper checks to end
The Department of the Treasury has announced that all payments from the federal government must be made electronically and not by paper check beginning March 1, 2013. This means most military retirees and annuitants receiving paper checks will be required to sign up for direct deposit.
With direct deposit, DFAS sends your payment straight to your bank account. Direct deposit gives you immediate access to your money on pay day, and it eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, forged signatures and identity theft.
Over 99 percent of military retirees and over 96 percent of annuitants already receive their payments through direct deposit. If you’re one of the few still receiving a check in the mail, we’ll send you a notice in the coming months. But you can get ahead of the rush by setting up direct deposit now.
There are many advantages to eliminating paper checks. No more trips to the bank to deposit your check, no risk of lost or stolen mail, no waiting for misrouted or delayed mail, and your money is available to you the day it is due. It also will save the American taxpayers about $120 million every year.
With direct deposit, DFAS sends your payment straight to your bank account. Direct deposit gives you immediate access to your money on pay day, and it eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, forged signatures and identity theft.
Over 99 percent of military retirees and over 96 percent of annuitants already receive their payments through direct deposit. If you’re one of the few still receiving a check in the mail, we’ll send you a notice in the coming months. But you can get ahead of the rush by setting up direct deposit now.
How to enroll
There are three ways to start direct deposit. Before you enroll, you’ll need to gather information including your financial institution’s routing transit number and account number. Then do one of the following:- Send a signed Fast Start Direct Deposit Form to Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retired Pay, P.O. Box 7130, London, KY 40742-7130;
- Use your myPay account to set up a direct deposit to your checking or savings account;
- Or call the DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080.
There are many advantages to eliminating paper checks. No more trips to the bank to deposit your check, no risk of lost or stolen mail, no waiting for misrouted or delayed mail, and your money is available to you the day it is due. It also will save the American taxpayers about $120 million every year.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Are you or do you know an unemployed Veteran age 35-60?
If so, there is a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor's (DOL) education benefit program that helps train Veterans in high demand occupations.
As an eBenefits user we would like to share information about a new benefits program that is underway due to the enactment of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 last November. Included in this law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans, which VA begins accepting applications May 15, 2012.
Under VRAP VA may provide 99,000 eligible Veterans with up to one year of training assistance, equal to the full-time monthly payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month) in order to help you earn training and certifications in high-demand job. In order to receive these benefits, you must attend a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school.
You can begin applying May 15, 2012, but cannot start any education or training until July 1, 2012. Up to 12 months of training assistance may be used through March 31, 2014. Sign up early as participation in the program is limited to a total of 99,000 Veterans with only 45,000 Veterans allowed to participate prior to October 1, 2012. The remaining 54,000 must apply between October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2013.
To apply or learn more information about VRAP including how to apply and eligibility requirements please visit www.benefits.va.gov/VOW
As an eBenefits user we would like to share information about a new benefits program that is underway due to the enactment of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 last November. Included in this law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans, which VA begins accepting applications May 15, 2012.
Under VRAP VA may provide 99,000 eligible Veterans with up to one year of training assistance, equal to the full-time monthly payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month) in order to help you earn training and certifications in high-demand job. In order to receive these benefits, you must attend a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school.
You can begin applying May 15, 2012, but cannot start any education or training until July 1, 2012. Up to 12 months of training assistance may be used through March 31, 2014. Sign up early as participation in the program is limited to a total of 99,000 Veterans with only 45,000 Veterans allowed to participate prior to October 1, 2012. The remaining 54,000 must apply between October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2013.
To apply or learn more information about VRAP including how to apply and eligibility requirements please visit www.benefits.va.gov/VOW
Friday, May 4, 2012
DFAS to host first Facebook town hall meeting
CLEVELAND (May 2, 2012) – Questions and proposed topics have been pouring in for Defense Finance and Accounting Service retired pay experts who will host a live Facebook town hall meeting with military retirees May 8, 3 – 5 p.m. Eastern.
DFAS, the agency that pays the nation’s more than 2 million military retirees, is getting ready for its first live social media event by pulling together a team of retired pay experts and preparing to answer as many questions as possible during the two-hour meeting.
DFAS polled military retirees last month to find out what they want to talk about during the event. Forty-five percent of respondents said they wanted to know more about Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), while nearly 20 percent were interested in issues regarding waiving military retired pay in order to receive Department of Veterans Affairs compensation.
One Facebook user, for example, said she wanted to discuss "Medical retirees who cannot draw CRDP because they are short of their full 20 years." Another said, "I would like to talk about how my retired pay will affect my social security, if at all."
The town hall will be available online at www.facebook.com/DefenseFinanceandAccountingService. While anyone can view the town hall page, retirees and other interested guests must have a current Facebook account to submit questions or make comments.
DFAS representatives will not answer account-specific questions or issues during the town hall as these often involve revealing personal information and require time away from those questions of interest to most participants.
For more information about the event, visit www.dfas.mil/facebooktownhall. This page serves as a home base for town hall information and soon will be updated with bios and photos of the retired pay experts who will be online during the event.
DFAS launched its Facebook presence in May 2010 and now has more than 65,137 "likes." The agency regularly responds to inquiries and customer service requests via Facebook with an average turn-around time of two to three business days.
DFAS experts plan to answer as many questions as they can during the two-hour town hall meeting. Any retirement questions they can’t answer during the event will be answered within the normal two to three business days. Non-retirement related questions submitted during the live town hall session will be held until it is over and answered within the normal time frame.
Original Article: http://www.dfas.mil/pressroom/dfasnewsreleasearchive/Release0512001.html
DFAS, the agency that pays the nation’s more than 2 million military retirees, is getting ready for its first live social media event by pulling together a team of retired pay experts and preparing to answer as many questions as possible during the two-hour meeting.
DFAS polled military retirees last month to find out what they want to talk about during the event. Forty-five percent of respondents said they wanted to know more about Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), while nearly 20 percent were interested in issues regarding waiving military retired pay in order to receive Department of Veterans Affairs compensation.
One Facebook user, for example, said she wanted to discuss "Medical retirees who cannot draw CRDP because they are short of their full 20 years." Another said, "I would like to talk about how my retired pay will affect my social security, if at all."
The town hall will be available online at www.facebook.com/DefenseFinanceandAccountingService. While anyone can view the town hall page, retirees and other interested guests must have a current Facebook account to submit questions or make comments.
DFAS representatives will not answer account-specific questions or issues during the town hall as these often involve revealing personal information and require time away from those questions of interest to most participants.
For more information about the event, visit www.dfas.mil/facebooktownhall. This page serves as a home base for town hall information and soon will be updated with bios and photos of the retired pay experts who will be online during the event.
DFAS launched its Facebook presence in May 2010 and now has more than 65,137 "likes." The agency regularly responds to inquiries and customer service requests via Facebook with an average turn-around time of two to three business days.
DFAS experts plan to answer as many questions as they can during the two-hour town hall meeting. Any retirement questions they can’t answer during the event will be answered within the normal two to three business days. Non-retirement related questions submitted during the live town hall session will be held until it is over and answered within the normal time frame.
Updated May 3, 2012
Original Article: http://www.dfas.mil/pressroom/dfasnewsreleasearchive/Release0512001.html
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay (CRDP)
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay (CRDP) are programs created by Congress to allow eligible military retirees to receive monthly entitlements in addition to retired pay.
CRSC is a special compensation for combat-related disabilities. It is non-taxable, and retirees must apply to their Branch of Service to receive it.
CRDP is a restoration of retired pay for retirees with service-connected disabilities, and it is taxable. No application is required. Eligible retirees receive CRDP automatically.
The purpose of these entitlements is to recover some or all of the retired pay that military retirees waive for VA disability compensation.
Monthly Payments
Like your retired pay, DFAS pays CRDP and CRSC monthly on the first business day of each month. You will receive your CRDP or CRSC payment in the same manner as your retired pay:
DFAS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manage the CRDP/CRSC Processing program (formerly known as VA Retro) to pay eligible military retirees any retroactive CRSC, CRDP and/or VA disability compensation they are owed.
A retroactive payment will include any money you may have been entitled to before you received your first monthly payment.
A retiree may be due funds from DFAS, the VA or from both agencies. DFAS and the VA remain in communication with each other to successfully establish and process CRDP and CRSC accounts.
DFAS will audit your account to determine whether or not you are due retroactive payment. An audit of your account requires researching pay information from both DFAS and VA. If you are due any money from DFAS, you will receive it within 30-60 days of receipt of your first CRSC or CRDP monthly payment.
If DFAS finds that you are also due a retroactive payment from the VA, we will forward an audit to the VA. They are responsible for paying any money they may owe you.
For more information from DFAS, call toll free at 800-321-1080. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).
Questions concerning disability ratings or payments due from the VA should be directed to the VA at 800-827-1000.
CRSC is a special compensation for combat-related disabilities. It is non-taxable, and retirees must apply to their Branch of Service to receive it.
CRDP is a restoration of retired pay for retirees with service-connected disabilities, and it is taxable. No application is required. Eligible retirees receive CRDP automatically.
The purpose of these entitlements is to recover some or all of the retired pay that military retirees waive for VA disability compensation.
Monthly Payments
Like your retired pay, DFAS pays CRDP and CRSC monthly on the first business day of each month. You will receive your CRDP or CRSC payment in the same manner as your retired pay:
- If your retired pay is being direct deposited into your bank account, we will do the same for your CRDP or CRSC payment.
- If your retired pay is sent to you as a paper check, we will do the same for your CRDP or CRSC payment.
To verify your bank account information or check your mailing address prior to receiving your first payment, you may call 800-321-1080 or login in to your myPay account.
Retroactive Payments DFAS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manage the CRDP/CRSC Processing program (formerly known as VA Retro) to pay eligible military retirees any retroactive CRSC, CRDP and/or VA disability compensation they are owed.
A retroactive payment will include any money you may have been entitled to before you received your first monthly payment.
A retiree may be due funds from DFAS, the VA or from both agencies. DFAS and the VA remain in communication with each other to successfully establish and process CRDP and CRSC accounts.
DFAS will audit your account to determine whether or not you are due retroactive payment. An audit of your account requires researching pay information from both DFAS and VA. If you are due any money from DFAS, you will receive it within 30-60 days of receipt of your first CRSC or CRDP monthly payment.
If DFAS finds that you are also due a retroactive payment from the VA, we will forward an audit to the VA. They are responsible for paying any money they may owe you.
For more information from DFAS, call toll free at 800-321-1080. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).
Questions concerning disability ratings or payments due from the VA should be directed to the VA at 800-827-1000.
Page updated February 9, 2012
Original Message: http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/payment.html
Monday, January 9, 2012
Recent Advertisement by DAV - Dec 2012
DAV membership is the fraternal arm of the organization, with over 1.2 million members based in nearly 1,500 communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. For over 90 years DAV with the support of its members has never wavered in our commitment to serve our nations service-connected disabled veterans, their dependents and survivors by:
- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned thought military service;
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically;
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans & their families, before Congress, the White House and the Judicial branch, aw well as state and local government
- Extending the DAV's mission into the communities where these disabled veterans and their families live; and
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
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