New benefits for Pinoy war veterans announced

MANILA, Philippines - The US government announced yesterday a new benefit for Filipino World War II veterans that includes cash payment authorized through the newly enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to the Philippine embassy in Washington.

The US embassy reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Erick K. Shinseki made the announcement.

Claims are now being accepted from Filipino veterans who are eligible for one-time payments of $9,000 for non-US citizens, and $15,000 for Filipino veterans with US citizenship. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to start payments as soon as possible.

The VA and the US embassy in Manila have announced the locations in the Philippines where veterans can apply immediately. The list is posted at http://manila.usembassy.gov.

To receive information by mail, United States residents may call 1-800-827-1000. Philippine residents may call 528-2500 (within Metro Manila) or from outside Manila at 1-800-1888-5252. In addition, Filipino veterans may request information via email at https://iris.va.gov.

The VA Regional Office in Manila will process all claims for this benefit. US residents should mail the application to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office, PSC 501, FPO AP 96515-100.

Extensive outreach is planned to alert war veterans nationwide. Claims must be submitted before Feb. 16, 2010, a year after the bill’s signing.