Can I receive veteran's benefits again from my first late husband?
My first husband died in the service over 40 years ago. I have been married twice since then, but I am divorced now. Can I start receiving veteran's benefits again from my first husband?
Expert Answer
Yes, you may be able to since you were married to the veteran at the time of his service-connected death and are not currently married, you may be eligible for the [Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)] (http://www.workworld.org/wwwebhelp/veterans_affairs_va_benefits_dependency_and_indemnity_compensation_dic_.htm) to begin receiving VA benefits under your first husband again.
REPS benefits are payable to certain survivors of members or former members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty prior to August 13, 1981, or who died from a disability incurred in or aggravated by active duty prior to August13, 1981.
This restoration policy for widows and widowers has been in effect since 1998 and is similar to the benefits for students and surviving spouses with children between ages 16 and 18 that were eliminated from Social Security benefits.
The benefits are payable in addition to any other benefits you may qualify for. The amount of the benefit is based on information provided by the Social Security Administration.
Contact or visit your local or [Regional VA office] (http://www.agingwithgrace.net/documents/VA%20Regional%20Offices.pdf) for additional information about filing [VA form 21-8924] (http://www.agingwithgrace.net/documents/001_21-8924.pdf) and the necessary documentation that is needed.