Benefits Summary. Surviving Spouses. Surviving Children. Wounded Warriors

Transcription

1 Benefits Summary Surviving Spouses Surviving Children Wounded Warriors 2014

2 Special Operations Warrior Foundation Programs The Special Operations Warrior Foundation has three aspects to its programs: Scholarship Grants Counseling Wounded Special Operations Forces Support In 2012, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation provided $4 million in scholarship grants, counseling, financial aid, beneficiary support and secured funds for future obligations incurred during the year. The Warrior Foundation also posts information and resources for family members on the Family Services page on its website. Scholarship Grants, Financial Aid & Counseling Our scholarship program is unique in that the Foundation contacts every child eligible and advises them we provide or ensure the funding is available for up to a four-year post-secondary degree from an accredited college, university, technical or trade school. However, the program encompasses more than financial support. The foundation begins establishing a relationship with the families within 30 days of notification of a fatality. We remain in contact with children and families throughout the years prior to the children reaching college age continually encouraging the students to attend college. Wounded Special Operations Forces Support The Special Operations Warrior Foundation coordinates with the headquarters, United States Special Operations Command, to provide $3,000 stipends for the immediate needs families face when severely wounded special operations personnel are hospitalized. In 2012, the Foundation provided more than $331,000 to wounded special operations warriors and their families. The funds allowed the families to overcome the immediate costs of airline tickets, child care, rental cars, hotels, and meals until more permanent assistance can be provided. Family Support The Warrior Foundation is more than a grant-writing organization. The foundation, through its counselors and staff, establish a relationship with the students and families. This relationship is developed at a critical time, shortly after the death of a service member, and continues to be cultivated over many years. The foundation plans, coordinates and provides services to all beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries through phone calls, publications, and personal visits to explain benefits and the programs offered by the foundation. ii

3 What makes the Special Operations Warrior Foundation Different? The difference is our commitment to reach out to the families of fallen Special Operations Warriors from the first month of their loss and then we stay in constant touch throughout the coming years. Through phone calls, s, cards, letters and newsletters, families are never very far from the SOWF. We invite our families to be guests at various events where they come to know, not only all of us at the SOWF, but the multitudes of their supporters across the country. Here are just some of the ways the SOWF cares for their families: After the initial contacts are made, counseling and specialized books are available for our families. Our resources are carefully chosen for their gentle guidance through grieving. There is no time limit or end to our promise; we are here for our families from the beginning onward. SOWF offers resources for issues and concerns that arise throughout the years, including counseling or making referrals where needed. Throughout the school years pre-school through college our staff is available for guidance and assistance for academic, social, emotional and behavioral questions and challenges. Beginning in high school the SOWF provides college planning guides relevant to each high school year to assist in the preparation for their college future. Using materials created in-house and by the U.S. Department of Education, SOWF families are given direct access to reliable sources of help. SAT and ACT test preparation materials are available at no charge for our families. In their senior year of high school our students receive their complete guide containing all materials they will use to access their SOWF scholarship as well as other free sources of funding. Our staff is always standing by to answer questions and help with the forms. Continuing throughout the college years, questions regarding classes, programs, colleges, financial status all are handled by SOWF advisors. As college graduation nears, resumes and job searches become an important part of SOWF s continuous commitment to our students success. Resume assistance is available and SOWF assists our graduates with their job search by assisting with resume distribution. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation has done so much for me these last few years; I don t even know where to begin. My name is Danielle Walker, and I am the daughter of CTO3 Terrell Walker, U. S. Navy, assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Command. My father was involved in a fatal parachute accident while training in Marana, Arizona in I was only 10 and always wondered how the loss of my father would affect the rest of my life. With the help of the SOWF, when it was time for me to start thinking about colleges, I was able to attend any college or university of my choice. I never had to worry about how I would afford books, tuition or housing. I was also able to keep my focus on obtaining good grades and enjoying my college experience. One dream I have always had was to visit other countries. In the fall, I was accepted to represent my university as an exchange student in Newcastle, Australia. The foundation has allowed me to gain an education, explore other countries and cultures without the burden of wondering how I will afford it or how much debt I will be in upon graduation. The staff has always been very helpful and if I ever had any questions, they were there to answer them. Not only has the SOWF assisted me, but they have been there for my brother, Darrell and sister, Mailani. I know that they are too young right now to realize the impact that SOWF will make on their future education plans but I know how much I have benefited from the SOWF, and I will always be thankful to everyone responsible. Danielle Walker graduated from the University of North Carolina - Wilmington, in 2012, with a bachelor s degree in Elementary Education. 1

4 Table of Contents SECTION I - SPOUSE Surviving Spouse Financial Government Benefits 4 Surviving Spouse Financial Non-profit Benefits 5 Surviving Spouse Medical Government Benefits 6 Surviving Spouse Educational Government Benefits 6 Surviving Spouse Educational Non-profit Benefits 6 SECTION II - CHILDREN Surviving Children Financial Government Benefits 12 Surviving Children Financial Non-profit Benefits 12 Surviving Children Medical Government & Non-profit Benefits 13 Surviving Children Educational Government Benefits 13 Surviving Children Educational Non-profit Benefits 14 SECTION III-WOUNDED Wounded Warrior Financial & Medical Government Benefits 18 Wounded Warrior Financial & Medical Non-profit Benefits 18 Wounded Warrior Educational Government & Non-profit Benefits 20 Children of Wounded Educational Government Benefits 21 Children of Wounded Educational Non-profit Benefits 21 Spouse of Wounded Education Non-profit Benefits 22 SECTION IV-MISCELLANEOUS Surviving Parent Benefits 24 Preservation of the Force Information 24 Care Coalition Information 24 Survivor Benefits Payout Example 25 NPO Benefits Table 26 References 27 2

5 Chapter 1 Surviving Spouse Benefits 3

6 Chapter 1 - Surviving Military Spouse Benefits Government Provides: $100,000 (Tax Free) for Active Duty death, or deaths as a result of wounds, ill, or injured or Line of Duty death received within hours of death. Financial Benefits Financial Benefits Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI): $50,000 - $400,000 depending on service member selection. Non-taxable for one year, can be received in several different ways depending on election of service member or next of kin. Generally paid in 3-4 weeks, without stipulations and investigations surrounding death. Social Security: $255 lump sum death benefit. Additional monthly payment that varies by each person. Also provided for children under age 18. Basic Housing Allowance: 365 days to reside in government quarters or a lump sum BAH payment for 365 days, off-base only. Housing Assistance Program (HAP): within two years of the service member s death, HAP can be used. Service member would have had to have lived in the residence and the service member had to establish residency in that state. Blue Bark Move: one time paid move to spouse. Government will cover within 3 years of the service member s death. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): $ per month for spouse entire life until remarriage. DIC terminates upon remarriage unless spouse is age 57 or older. $ per month per child, until the child is 18 or graduates high school. Must choose either DEA or Childs DIC. To receive child s DIC after high school graduation, child must be attending college-child s DIC terminates at age 23. Transitional Assistance: $266 per month for two years after the service member s death for each child under the age of 18. Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP): payment equals 55% of service member s retirement; monthly payment. Any unpaid re-enlistment bonus, untaken leave, or Thrift Savings Plan, all given or paid to spouse. Any Military Star card debts are forgiven State Benefits: each state has its own benefits for surviving families. Army: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS): Provides financial counseling, budgets, and offer financial assistance based on need. 4

7 Military Spouse Benefits Nonprofit Organizations Provide: This is a list of possible financial benefits that can be received; not every spouse receives these. Navy SEAL Foundation Six month mortgage support; doesn t have to be consecutive $10,000 in home maintenance up to three years Grief counseling funded for spouse, parents, and siblings, up to three years Preparation of taxes paid Financial counseling funded up to three years Tutoring support for their children until graduation $2,000 per year for private schools for their children Laptops every three years starting in 1 st grade for their children $5,000 initial death benefit for combat related deaths $7,500 for the next of kin if not combat related 24 hours of respite care per month Y membership or other health club Grief Camp for their children Annual Gold Star Dinners Financial Benefits Special Ops Survivors (SOS) Immediate financial assistance upon recommendation from SMU Commander (case by case). Tragedy Assistance Providers (TAPS) Provide free counseling and provide financial assistance based on need. Green Beret Foundation Provides financial assistance based on need, i.e., flights & lodging. Fallen Patriot Fund Will assist with living expenses based on true demonstrated need. In 2012: Provided 177 scholarships totaling $1,789,634. Military Warriors Support Foundation Awards mortgage free homes to unmarried Gold Star Spouses of OEF/OIF, must not currently have a mortgage. 5

8 Chapter 1 - Surviving Military Spouse Benefits Medical Benefits Government Benefits Transitional Tricare for 3 years (active duty Tricare); then rolls into Retiree Tricare with co-pay, $ (annual). Dental plan goes to Tricare Retiree dental plan status; cost depends on location and number of family members. Example: A family of 3 or more living in Tampa would be $ per month. Nonprofit Organizations While there are not any non-profits where their mission is to provide funding for medical expenses for surviving spouses, many will consider and have provided assistance in this area based on the circumstances and need. Government Benefits Chapter 35 DEA (Dependents Educational Assistance) VA benefits, they are eligible for up to twenty years after the service member s death and have 45 months of funding. The current rate is $1003 per month for full-time course work. va.gov. Spouse is entitled to both DIC and DEA. Educational Benefits Educational Benefits Nonprofit Organizations Special Operations Fund Provides tuition and books up to $20,000 per school year and lap top for surviving spouses of Special Mission Units (SMU) Only. National Military Family Association Provides up to $1,000 per scholarship for undergraduate, graduate, or technical/vocational schools for surviving spouses. Must re-apply each year. 2012: Awarded 473 Scholarships totaling $500,850 (Combines both Spouse and Dependent Children) Hope for the Warriors Awards $5,000 scholarships to surviving spouses; they must submit an application, proof of death, essay, two-page questionnaire, and two letters of recommendation to be considered. In 2012: Awarded 14 educational scholarship totaling $70, (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) 6

9 Surviving Military Spouse Benefits Folds of Honor Provides $5,000 post-secondary scholarships to children and spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, POW, MIA, or a service connected disability. Must re-apply every year. For a 2 or 4 year program. Scholarships awarded since inception: 3874 In 2012: 3,800 Scholarships (254 Children Scholarships) Immediate Use and Re-Apply Scholarships = 743 Future Use Scholarships = 309 Children s Scholarship Fund = 155 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) Heroes Legacy Scholarship Offers up to $ scholarships to supplement any funding they already have for unmarried children under the age of 23 whose parent died while on active duty after 9/11 or surviving spouse and children of wounded with 100% rating. In 2012: 670 Dependent Children, total amount $1,005,000 Educational Benefits Navy- Marine Corps Relief Society Gold Star Scholarship Program Provides between $500 - $3,000 academic grants for eligible children and unmarried spouses of deceased sailors and marines. Children must be under the age of 23 and in DEERS. Based upon demonstrated financial need. 7

10 Chapter 1 - Surviving Military Spouse Benefits Air Force Aid Society Grant General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant provides up to $5,000 grants to selected sons, daughters, and spouses of active duty, reserve, retired, and deceased Air Force members. Must be a full time student. Educational Benefits 2012: 37 Merit Scholarship Recipients, $5,000 per recipient. (Combines both Spouses, Dependent Children, and active duty service members and their families) Thanks USA Provides up to a $3,000 scholarship for eligible spouses. Since 2006, 3000 scholarships awarded totaling $10 million. (Organization does not provide breakdown of recipients) Pat Tillman Scholarship Provides scholarships to active duty spouses and surviving spouses; and veterans and can be used for undergraduate or graduate work. Each scholarship is unique to each person, last year the average was $11,000 per student to about 60 students per year. Total scholarships awarded: 290 recipients totaling $4.6 million. 8

11 Notes 9

12 10 Notes

13 Military Spouse Benefits Chapter 2 Surviving Children Benefits 11

14 Chapter 2 - Surviving Children Benefits Government Benefits Any funds that are allocated for the child go directly to the parent of the child/guardian. These funds were also listed above in surviving spousefinancial. Financial Benefits Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): $ per month per child, until the child is 18 or graduates high school. Must choose either DEA or Child s DIC. To receive child s DIC after high school graduation, child must be attending college-child s DIC terminates at age 23. Transitional Assistance: $266 per month for two years after the service member s death for each child under the age of 18. Social Security: $255 lump sum death benefit. Additional monthly payment that varies by each person. Also provided for children under age 18. Financial Benefits Nonprofit Organizations This is a list of possible financial benefits that can be received; not every child receives these. Navy SEAL Foundation Y membership or other health club Grief Camp Tutoring support until graduation $2,000 per year for private schools Laptops every three years starting in 1st grade Fund grief counseling for spouse, parents, and siblings up to three years Fallen Patriot Fund Assists with financial living expenses based on true demonstrated need. Family must complete grant request application on their website. Foundation determines what/if they will receive funding. In 2012: Awarded 177 scholarships totaling $1,789,634 12

15 Surviving Children Benefits Government Benefits Medical Benefits Eligible for Tricare and dental at no cost until age 21 or 23 if they are in college. Can apply for Tricare Young Adult after that until age 26; cost is $150-$200 monthly. Current cost: $180 per month. Nonprofit Organizations Many non-profits will consider and have provided assistance based on circumstances and need. SOWF is not aware of any non-profit whose mission is providing funding for medical expenses for surviving children. Educational Benefits Government Benefits Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) VA benefits, surviving children they are eligible until age 26 and have 45 months of funding. The current rate is $1003 per month for full-time course work. Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 Fry) VA benefits, surviving children are eligible until age 30 and have 36 months of funding. Will pay the full net cost for any instate tuition and will pay up to $19, for out-of-state and private tuition annually. They will also receive up to $1,000 book stipend annually and BAH of an E-5 with dependents for only the days they attend classes. Funds are only provided for the days school is in session. Does not include winter, spring, or summer break unless they attend classes. Educational Benefits NOTE: Attending On-Line Courses ONLY, BAH = $

16 Chapter 2 - Surviving Children Benefits Nonprofit Organizations Special Operations Warrior Foundation Ensures full post-secondary scholarships*, not grants, for surviving children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel. SOWF provides for, or identifies funding for, the full cost of a public college education: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computer, printer and supplies. Scholarships offered are grants, not loans, and can be used in private universities, state or community colleges, and vocational-technical training and career institutions. Educational Benefits * Scholarships are provided for: One (1) Four-year bachelor s degree or Two Associates degrees (2 years per AS) or Vocational/Technical degree, certification or license. Funding beyond the first bachelor s degree is not provided. Funding is not available for any graduate or higher programs. Counselor on the staff helps those families who need assistance with learning disabilities, academic challenges, and other counseling needs. Folds of Honor- Children s Scholarship Fund Provides $5,000 post-secondary scholarships for grades K-12 for children of service members killed or % disabled while serving in a combat zone in support of OIF, OEF, or OND. Folds of Honor Provides $5,000 post-secondary scholarships to children and spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, POW, MIA, or a service connected disability. Must re-apply every year. For a 2 or 4 year program In 2012: Immediate Use and Re-Apply Scholarships = 743 Future Use Scholarships = 309 Children s Scholarship Fund = 155 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) Scholarships awarded since inception: 3,874 14

17 Special Operations Fund Surviving Children Benefits Provides tuition and books up to $20,000 per school year and lap top for children of fallen service members for Special Mission Units (SMU) Only. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Offers scholarships up to $5,000 to the dependent children under the age of 26 of U. S. military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training exercise. Since inception, awarded $7,000,000 in scholarships. American Patriot Scholarship Offers up to $2,500 scholarships to children under the age of 24 of fallen active duty personnel. American Legion Legacy Scholarship Offers scholarships to children of active duty personnel who died on or after 9/11. Offered eighty eight $1,100 and nine $20,000 scholarships for In 2012: 18 Legacy - $2,275 per recipient totaling $40,950. MSG James Ursano Scholarship Offers $1,200- $4,500 scholarships to unmarried children of Army soldiers deceased on active duty under the age of 23. In 2012: 2,614 recipients, average scholarship awarded-$2,550 (Combines Spouses and Dependent Children-total of $6.6 million) Navy SEAL Foundation Provides children of fallen NSW warriors killed in training or combat new computers every three years until the completion of their secondary education. In 2012 Recipients totaling $728,746 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) Heroes Legacy Scholarship Offers scholarships to supplement any funding they already have to unmarried children under the age of 23 whose parent died while on active duty after 9/11 or surviving spouse and children of wounded with 100% rating. In 2012: 670 Recipients totaling $1,005,000 Educational Benefits Navy- Marine Corps Relief Society Gold Star Scholarship Program Provides $3,000 academic grants for eligible children and unmarried spouses of deceased sailors and marines. Children must be under the age of 23 and in DEERS. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Provides financial assistance base on family income for postsecondary education for children of present and former members of the U.S. Marine Corps. Ranges from $1,500 to $10,000. In 2012: 1,636 recipients totaling $4.9M. 15

18 Chapter 2 - Surviving Children Benefits Air Force Aid Society Grant General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant provides $2,000 grants to selected sons, daughters, and spouses of active duty, reserve, retired, and deceased Air Force members. Must be a full time student. In 2012: 2,787 Recipients, total amount $5,574,000 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children, and active duty service members and their families) No Greater Sacrifice Provides scholarships for children of fallen and wounded service members up to what the post 9/11 GI Bill- Fry Scholarship would pay. Educational Benefits In 2012: 40 recipients totaling over $700,000 (Combines both dependent children, and active duty wounded service members) Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Bridges the gap with VA funds depending on the students need and other resources they are receiving. in 2013: 340 recipients totaling $5,452,

19 Chapter 3 Wounded SOF Benefits 17

20 Chapter 3 - Wounded SOF Benefits Financial & Medical Benefits Government Benefits Special duty pay remains intact for 1 year; then re-evaluated special duty pays vary depending on unit within special operations Traumatic Service Group Life Insurance (TSGLI): $25,000-$100,000- there are 21 qualifiers that determines the amount paid per traumatic event Continuation of Tricare benefits Nonprofit Organizations Some benevolent organizations will contribute to cover expenses for a wounded person on a case by case basis. Below are organizations that SOWF have partnered supporting both missions. Air Commando Association Financial & Medical Benefits The role of the ACA is to support the Air Force Special Operations Command warrior, their families, and supporting community through fundraising and grant giving focused on education, charitable donations, and research. Green Beret Foundation a Provides $1K for the wounded as an immediate stipend. Also provides unconventional resources to facilitate the special needs of our wounded, ill, and injured and imparts unique support to the Special Forces community in order to strengthen readiness and uphold Green Beret traditions and values. SF Charitable Trust a Provides ongoing support, assistance, and advocacy to the Green Beret community and their families through our programs of education and motivation, family and community support, and veterans and heritage. USASOC SFCSA Provides support to Soldiers, Families and Civilians assigned, attached, and under the current or past purview of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Support is defined, but not limited to: financial assistance to Soldiers, Families and Civilians of USASOC during time of hardship; travel assistance for family members who otherwise would be unable to afford to attend unit activities or ceremonies whose purpose is to recognize service within USASOC; provide support to Family Readiness Groups for exclusively public purposes; fund the construction or upkeep of memorials or monuments that commemorate USASOC personnel; and provide tokens of appreciation for presentation on behalf of the USASOC Commander to distinguished persons who significantly assisted the command s Soldiers or furthered the professional development and education of the members of the command. *Organizations with an a provide educational assistance for wounded family members, some do not have it is not listed in their mission or on their website but are on a case by case basis. provide educational assistance for wounded family members, some do not have it is not listed in their mission or on their website but are on a case by case basis. 18

21 Special Operations Warrior Foundation Wounded SOF Benefits Provides immediate financial assistance to Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel severely wounded in combat. SOWF provides a $3,000 grant immediately to the families so they can be bedside at the hospital with their loved one. To date, SOWF has provided more than $2 million to the families of wounded SOF troops. MARSOC Foundation Provides benevolent support to active duty and medically retired MARSOC personnel and their families as well as to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in service to our Nation. The Foundation aims to meet needs unmet by the government with an emphasis on building personal and family resiliency and supporting the full reintegration of MARSOC Marines and Sailors following wounds, injuries, and extended deployments. Semper Fi Fund Provides immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the US Armed Forces and their families. Special Operations Fund a The Special Operations Fund s primary mission is to provide financial support for higher education, in college or technical school, to family members of personnel who have died in the line of the duty while serving with certain units of the United States Special Operations Command. Hope for the Warriors a The mission of Hope for the Warriors is to enhance quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families. Special Forces Associations a The Special Forces Association serves as the voice for the special forces community; perpetuates special forces traditions and brotherhood; advances the public image of special forces and promotes the general welfare of the special forces community. Financial & Medical Benefits Lead the Way Fund Lead the Way Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to raise funds in support of disabled Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who have died, been injured or are currently servings in harm s way around the world. Lead the Way Fund will provide spouses and children of deceased, disabled, or active duty Rangers with assistance for health and wellness programs and other services determined to be vital to the family s well being. Pointe Du Hoc Foundation The Pointe Du Hoc Foundation was established to recognize and commemorate the Rangers of 2d Battalion and their families by obtaining financial sustainability for the 2/75 memorial and providing benevolent support to Ranger family members. 19

22 Chapter 3 - Wounded SOF Benefits Operation Home Front Provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. For example, they provide food assistance, auto repairs, moving assistance, vision care, home repair, and homes on the home front where military members and veterans can apply for foreclosed homes. Wounded Warrior Project Purpose: to raise awareness and enlist the public s aid for the needs of injured service members focusing on 4 key areas; mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement. They provide peer and professional support, using outdoor rehabilitative retreats and interactive programs to help maintain healthy meaningful relationships with friends and family. Outdoor programs are with other wounded warriors and sometime their own family. They provide wellness retreats for the spouses and children and parents. They provide help with resume s, transitioning into civilian life after the military and utilizing all of their benefits. Military Warriors Support Foundation Mission: Supporting combat wounded veterans during their transition to civilian life. Financial & Medical Benefits Government Benefits Active Duty Service Members with at least 90 days of aggregate service or individuals discharged with a service connected disability after 30 days; after September 10, Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) VA benefits, they have 36 months of funding. Will pay the full net cost for any in-state tuition and will pay up to $19, for out-of-state and private tuition annually. They will also receive up to $1,000 book stipend annually. Nonprofit Organizations Military Warriors Support Foundation Offers ten scholarships to wounded personnel, for 4-year degrees in the amount of $10,000 per year. Educational Benefits 20

23 Children of Wounded Benefits Government Benefits Chapter 35 (DEA) VA benefits, they are eligible if their parent is permanently and totally disabled as the result of an active duty service connected disability; until age 26 and have 45 months of funding. The current rate is $ per month for full-time course work. Educational Benefits for Children of Wounded Nonprofit Organizations Folds of Honor- Children s Scholarship Fund Will provide $5,000 post-secondary scholarships for grades K-12 for children of service members killed or % disabled while serving in a combat zone in support of OIF, OEF, or OND. Folds of Honor Provide $5,000 post-secondary scholarships to children and spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, POW, MIA, or a service connected disability. Must re-apply every year. For a 2 or 4 year program In 2012: Immediate Use and Re-Apply Scholarships = 743 Future Use Scholarships = 309 Children s Scholarship Fund = 155 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) Scholarships awarded since inception: 3,874 Freedom Alliance Scholarship Offers scholarships up to $5,000 to the dependent children of U. S. military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training exercise. Since inception, awarded $7,000,000. Heroes Legacy Scholarship Offers scholarships to supplement any funding they already have to unmarried children under the age of 23 whose parent died while on active duty after 9/11 or surviving spouse and children of wounded with 100% rating. In 2012: 670 Recipients totaling $1,005,000. No Greater Sacrifice Provides scholarships for children of fallen and wounded service members up to what the Chapter 33 Fry would pay. Educational Benefits - Children of Wounded in 2012: 40 recipients totaling over $700, (Combines both Dependent Children, and active duty wounded service members) 21

24 Chapter 3 - Spouses of Wounded Benefits Educational Benefits for Spouses of Wounded Educational Benefits - Spouse of Wounded Nonprofit Organizations National Military Family Association Provide up to $1000 per scholarship for undergraduate, graduate, or vocational schools for spouses of wounded military members. Must re-apply each year. 2012: Awarded 473 Scholarships totaling $500,850. (Combines both Spouse and Dependent Children) Folds of Honor Provide $5,000 scholarships to children and spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, POW, MIA, or a service connected disability. Must re-apply every year. For a 2 or 4 year program In 2012: Immediate Use and Re-Apply Scholarships = 743 Future Use Scholarships = 309 Children s Scholarship Fund = 155 (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) Scholarships awarded since inception: 3,874 Hope for the Warriors Awards $5,000 scholarships to spouses of wounded and caregivers; they must submit an application, proof of injury, essay, two-page questionnaire, and two letters of recommendation to be considered. 2012: Awarded 14 educational scholarship totaling $70, (Combines both Spouses and Dependent Children) 22

25 Chapter 4 Miscellaneous 23

26 Miscellaneous Government Benefits Benefits for Surviving Parents Parent Benefits Government (Department of Veterans Affairs) Parents Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free incomebased monthly benefit for the parent(s) of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Eligibility Be the parent of a military service member who died in the line of duty or a Veteran who died of a service-related injury or disease. The term parent includes: Biological, Adoptive, and Foster parents A foster parent is a person who stood in the relationship of a parent to the Veteran for at least one year before the Veteran s last entry into active service. The surviving parent(s) must have an income below a limit established by law. See for income limits. Preservation of the Force USSOCOM in 2012 awarded a contract to help the families of special operations. They will be tasked with providing a wide range of health professionals, including psychologists, dieticians, social workers, family support coordinators, family life assistance, nurse care managers, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. Care Coalition The Care Coalition provides model advocacy to the Service Member and the families within SOF to enhance their quality of life and strengthen the overall readiness of SOF. There is no dollar amount that they provide; they utilize BO s and resources. 24

27 Example of Benefits Example of Benefits after KIA Incident occurs Financial assistance a surviving spouse with two children under the age of 18; assuming the service member was in the grade of E-6 with 6 years when he died; would receive monthly. E6 over 6 years Married with two children = $ 2, Survivor Benefit Pay 75% of base pay = $2, (Considered retirement maximum, disabled or unemployable) 55% of SMs High 3 = $1, (Taxable) Spouse: = $ (Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance-SSIA if spouse chooses to retain spouse SBP SSIA ends FY 2017-Taxable)* SBP: Children = $ x 2 = $1, (If spouse chooses child SBP instead of spouse SBP-Taxable) DIC - Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Spouse = $1, (Non-Taxable) Children = $ x 2 = $ (Non-Taxable) Transitional = $ (24 months/non-taxable) Social Security Benefits Children = $1, x 2 = $2, (Taxable - Ends at age 16) Total Monthly Benefits Spouse Child SBP Scenario: $5, ($ or 38% non-taxable-ssia not applicable) (SSN-1 time Death Benefit - $ not included) Spouse Only SBP Scenario: $4, ($ or 47% non-taxable SBP-DIC Offset = $23.33) (SSN-1 time Death Benefit - $ not included) *NOTE: FOR SPOUSE ONLY, IF SBP is Greater than DIC, DFAS will offset by subtracting DIC from SBP paying the Difference. Example: SBP-55% of SMs High 3 = $ $ (DIC) = $ Total SBP Payment. New Total Benefits $ ($ or 47% non-taxable) Children would not receive SBP since spouse elected SBP. DFAS WILL MAKE THE DETERMINATION WHICH IS THE GREATER BENEFIT TO SURVIVING SPOUSE. 25

28 Nonprofit Benefits Chart Non-Profit Benefits Surviving spouse- Financial Surviving Spouse- Education Surviving Children- Financial Surviving Children-Education Wounded Warrior- Financial Wounded Warrior-Education Wounded Warrior-Medical Child of Wounded-Education Spouse of Wounded- Educational 26 Air Commando Association X X Air Force Aid Society X X American Legion X Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation X Fallen Patriot Fund X X Folds of Honor X X X X Freedom Alliance X X Green Beret Foundation X X X Heroes Legacy Scholarship X X Hope for the Warriors X X X X Lead The Way Fund X X Marine Corps Scholarship X MARSOC Foundation X X Military Warriors Support Foundation X X X X MOAA X MSG James Ursano X National Military Family Assoc. X X Navy Seal Foundation X X X Navy-Marine Corps Relief X X No Greater Sacrifice X X Operation Home Front X X Pat Tillman Scholarship X Pointe Du Hoc Foundation X SF Associations X X SF Charitable Trust X X Simper Fi Fund X X Special Operations Fund X X X Special Ops Survivors X Tragedy Assistance Providers (TAPS) X Thanks USA X USASPC SFCSA X X Wounded Warrior Project X X X

29 References References 1. Military Compensation Revised Handbook for Injured Service Members and Their Families. Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund 3. My Army Benefits 4. Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 6. Handbook for Families of Deceased Service Members 7. Delta Dental 8. Resources for Gold Star Wives of America 9. State Benefits. My Army Benefit Territory_Benefits/ 10. Tricare For Life Survivor Family Resources Warrior and Family Support Wounded, Ill, and Injured Compensation & Benefits Handbook Frequently Asked Questions About SGLI, Servicemembers and Veterans Group Life Insurance (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) 27

30 Notes 28

31 Notes 29

32 30