USA > Indiana > Lake County > History Of Veterans Of Foreign Wars (1944) > Part 35
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Official application forms (WDAGO Form No. 625) are being distributed to all Army organizations and installations throughout the world. Civilians may obtain forms by writing to the "Commanding Officer" of the nearest Army post or camp, or the nearest Army Re- cruiting Station, or to the "Commanding General" of any of the nine Service Com - mands (formerly Corps Areas) .
After an application is filed, it is usually unnecessary to write further letters to the War Department regarding the allowance. Unnecessary correspondence adds to the War Department's great volume of work, and de- lays action on all applications. However, all changes in the status of the soldier or his relatives or dependents which might effect the allowance must be reported immediately. Changes in the status of the soldier are nor- mally reported automatically by the soldier's unit Personnel Officer. However, the soldier and the persons to whom the family allow- ances are paid are responsible that such changes as the following are reported immediately to
the Allowance and Allotment Branch: Change of address, birth of a child, death of a bene- ficiary, divorce of a wife, remarriage of a parent or a former wife divorced, the mar- riage of a brother, sister, child or grandchild, or the fact that any Class "B" dependent of a soldier ceases to be dependent upon him. These changes are to be reported on an official change of status form (WDAGO Form No. 641) which may be obtained from the same sources as the official application form.
Who is Eligible
For the purposes of family allowances, the relatives and dependents of a soldier are di- vided into two classes. Class "A" and Class "B." In Class "A" are the wife and children of the soldier and a former wife divorced to whom alimony is payable. Class "A" relatives do not have to be dependent upon the soldier in order to be eligible for a family allowance. In Class "B" are the parents, brothers, sisters and grandchildren of the soldier. Class "B" dependents must be dependent upon the sol- dier for a substantial portion of their support in order to be eligible.
Meanings of Terms in Class "A" and Class "B"
In determining who is eligible for allow- ances, the terms used in Class "A" and Class "B" have the following meanings:
Class "A"
Wife-A Lawful Wife.
Child-Includes the following:
(1) A legitimate child.
(2) A child legally adopted.
(3) A stepchild, if a member of the man's household; including a stepchild who continues as a member of the man's household after the death of the mother or termination of the marriage; and
(4) An illegitimate child, but only if the man has been judicially ordered or de- creed to contribute to such child's sup- port; has been judicially decreed to be the putative father of such child; or, has acknowledged under oath in writ- ing, that he is the father of such child.
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Former Wife Divorced - Former wife divorced who has not remarried and to whom alimony has been decreed and is still payable.
Class "B"
Parent-Includes father and mother, grand- father and grandmother, stepfather, and stepmother, father and mother through adoption, either of the soldier or of his wife, and persons who, for a period of not less than one year prior to the man's enlistment or induction, stood in place of parents (in loco parentis) to the soldier. (Note no more than two "parents" are eligible for an al- lowance based on the service of one soldier ) .
Brother and Sister-Includes brothers and sis- ters of the half blood, as well as those of the whole blood, stepbrothers and stepsisters, and brothers and sisters through adoption.
Grandchild-A child as above defined of a child as above defined, and is limited to per- sons to whom the soldier has stood in place of parents (in loco parentis) for a period of not less than one year prior to his enlist- ment or induction.
Note: The terms "Child," "Grandchild," "Brother," and "Sister" are limited to un- married persons either (1) under eighteen years of age, or (2) of any age, if incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect.
Amount of Contribution by Service Person
For each month for which an allowance is paid to the relatives or dependents of a soldier, $22 will be deducted from, or charged to, his pay. This deduction or charge is made whether they are in Class "A" or Class "B". However, if allowances are paid for both Class "A" and Class "B", $27 will be deducted from his pay. (The above amounts are the normal situation. However, if by legal agreement or court order, the soldier is obligated to pay alimony or support, which is a lesser amount than the total allowance, the monthly deductions from his pay and the government's contribution will be reduced proportionately) .
Here is a typical example. If a soldier ob- tains an allowance for his wife and children,
he will have $22 deducted from, or charged to, his pay each month, if he also obtains an allowance for a dependent parent, brother, sister, or grandchild, he will have an addi- tional $5, or $27 in all, deducted from or charged to, his pay each month.
Total Monthly Allowance, Including Govern- ment's Contribution and Soldier's Contribution
Wife but no child $ 50
Wife and 1 child $ 62
Wife and 2 children $ 72
Wife and 3 children $ 82
Wife and 4 children
$ 92
Wife and 5 children
$102
No wife but 1 child $ 42
No wife but 2 children $ 52
No wife but 3 children $ 62
No wife but 4 children $ 72
No wife but 5 children $ 82
Divorced wife $ 42
(The total allowance payable to a divorced wife depends on the amount of the alimony and the number of other dependents of the soldier, but in no case will the allowance ex- ceed the decreed alimony, nor $42 per month.)
Questions on specific cases should be re- ferred directly to the Allowance & Allotment Branch.
1 Parent $ 37
1 Parent and 1 sister, brother, or grand- child $ 42
2 Parents $ 47
2 Parents and 1 sister, brother, or grand- child $ 52
No parent but 5 sisters, brothers, or grandchildren $ 47
Wife but no child and I parent $ 70
Wife but no child and 2 parents $ 80
Wife, 1 child and 1 parent $ 82
Wife, 4 children and 1 parent $112
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Many other combinations of relatives and dependents are possible, and are authorized for allowances when eligible. The above are presented only as typical examples.
How to File an Application
Allowances will be paid only on application by the soldier or his dependents or relatives or by persons acting on their behalf. Applica- tions must be submitted on the official appli- cation form (WDAGO Form No. 625). In other words, no letters, or other informal applications will be accepted.
When an application is made by, or for, a relative or dependent, the Original and the Official Copy, plus all documentary evidence required are mailed to the Office of Depend- ency Benefits, 213 Washington Street, New- ark, New Jersey. The applicant's copy is re- tained by the applicant. Application forms may be obtained from the above address.
In filling out the application, a typewriter should be used, if possible; if not, the appli- cant should print legibly-in ink.
Every question must be answered. If a cer- tain question is not applicable to the case, "None" should be written after the question.
Documentary Proof Which Must Accompany Application
If application is made by a person other than the soldier, the following documentary proof must accompany the application. How- ever, if application is made by the soldier, he may have up to six months from the date of filing the application in which to furnish such documentary proof to the Allowance and Allotment Branch, War Department.
Date of Birth of Minors Who Are Under 18 Years of Age
a. A certified copy of the public record of birth or church record of baptism.
b. If a cannot be produced, an explanation and an affidavit from physician or mid- wife in attendance at birth.
c. If a or b cannot be produced, the affidavits of two or more disinterested persons stat-
ing their ages and the name, date, and place of birth of the person whose date of birth is being established and stating that to the best of their own knowledge such person is the child of such parents, nam- ing the parents.
d. If a, b, or c cannot be produced, an ex- planation why, and other evidence such as family Bible, church, naturalization, im- migration or hospital records, abstracts of passports, or insurance policies, etc., pro- vided it is properly certified as a true copy of the original by a notary public or simi- lar official and supported by documents such as affidavits from disinterested persons.
Proof of Marriage to Soldier
a. A duly certified copy of the public or church record.
b. If a cannot be produced, an explanation and an affidavit of the clergyman or mag- istrate who officiated.
c. If b cannot be procured, the production of the original marriage certificate or a cer- fied photostatic copy accompanied by proof of its genuineness and authority of the person to perform the marriage.
d. If a, b, or c cannot be procured, then the affidavit of two or more eyewitnesses to the ceremony.
e. In jurisdiction where common-law mar- riages are recognized, proof may be estab- lished by affidavit of one or both parties to the marriage, if living, supplemented by affidavits of two or more witnesses who know that the parties lived together as husband and wife and were so recognized, and stating how long to their knowledge such relationship continued.
Adoption of a Minor Under 18 by the Soldier or Previous Adoption of the Soldier by a Foster Parent
A certificate from the clerk of the court which legalized the adoption, or certified copy of order of adoption from a court of com- petent jurisdiction.
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Illegitimate Child of a Soldier
Certified copy of court decree adjudging soldier to be putative father of child, or of court order requiring him to contribute to child's support, or soldier's written acknowl- edgment under oath that he is the father of the child.
Change of Name of a Dependent of the Soldier
a. A certified copy of degree of the court order or other court record effecting such change of name.
b. Affidavit from two disinterested persons setting forth the facts and the cause for, and circumstances concerning the change of name, in states which do not require a court order or record.
Divorce of Former Wife of the Soldier: Separation or Maintenance Con- cerning Wife, Former Wife or Children
a. Certified copy of the divorce decree from the court in which such decree was awarded.
b. Separation or maintenance agreement con- cerning wife, former wife, or children to which must be appended an affidavit that the same is a true copy in all respects and is still in full force and effect.
Guardianship of a Dependent of the Soldier
Certified copy of court decree and certifi- cation by clerk of the court that the guardian so appointed is now performing his duty as such.
Mental or Physical Defects
Affidavit that unmarried child, grandchild, brother or sister, if over eighteen (18) years of age, is incapable of self support by reason of mental or physical defects, corroborated by affidavit of licensed physician or psy- chiartrist.
Relationship of Parent (In loco parentis)
Affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons of facts showing that dependent stood in loco parentis to soldier for one year or more im- mediately prior to his induction or enlistment into service; degree of control exercised over enlisted man should be indicated.
Dependency (Class "B")
Proof of status by affidavits of at least two reputable disinterested persons attesting to the relationship and dependency of the relative to the soldier is required. Each person making an affidavit should show his status with respect to the claimant or applicant, and in what manner he learned the facts to which he has sworn and subscribed. The affidavit should also contain the home or business address of the person making the affidavit. Photostatic copies of documentary evidence, like any other true copies, will be accepted if properly certified as to their authenticity.
Allowance and Allotment-Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
While the above specifically refers to sol- diers, it is equally applicable to members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, in the same pay grades, except that applications should be addressed to the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, Field Service Division, Navy Department, Euclid Avenue at 13th, Cleve- land, Ohio.
This Legislation was Initiated and Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Government Life (Converted) Insurance
Persons now in our Armed Forces who served during World War I between April 6, 1917, and July 2, 1921, and who are in good health may secure insurance under the old War Risk Insurance Act as amended.
Where it is possible the applicant should ob- tain insurance under the old War Risk Insur- ance Act, as amended, as this Act provides for the payment of insurance benefits should the insured become permanently and totally dis- abled; that is, unable to follow continuously a substantially gainful occupation.
Monthly installments will be paid in the amount of $5.75 for each $1,000 insurance.
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The National Service Life Insurance Act does not carry this provision. It provides only for the waiver of payments of premiums over the period the insured is totally disabled.
Another advantage of Government Life (converted) Insurance is that the class of beneficiaries is not limited. Too, in the event of maturity by death this form of insurance may be paid in a lump sum, or in thirty-six or more monthly installments.
The beneficiary may elect to receive pay- ments in a greater but not lesser number of installments than designated by the insured.
Veterans Administration Forms 579 and 579 A are used to claim maturity by reason of permanent and total disability.
In case of death a formal claim should not be executed until receipt of form and instruc- tions from the Director of Insurance, Vet- erans Administration.
National Service Life Insurance and Automatic Insurance
Part I of Public No. 801, 76th Congress, as approved October 8, 1940, and subsequently amended, affords each man entering our Armed Forces an opportunity to protect his dependents by purchasing National Service Life Insurance.
This insurance may be secured without physical examination if applied for within 120 days after entrance into service. After the person in the Armed Forces has served for more than 120 days the application must be accompanied by physical examination show- ing good health.
Due to the fact that less than half of the men in our Armed Forces had applied for insurance prior to December 7, 1941, the Veterans of Foreign Wars sought and secured an amendment to this Act, approved Decem- ber 20, 1941, (Public No. 360) which ex- tended the time for applying for insurance, and also protected those in service on Decem- ber 20, 1941, who died or became totally dis- abled after October 8, 1940, with automatic insurance in the amount of $5,000 until April 19, 1942. Those entering service after De - cember 20, 1941, are not protected by auto- matic insurance.
This automatic insurance is payable only to the following permitted classes:
1. To the widow or widower of the in- sured, if living and while unmarried;
2. If no widow or widower entitled there- to, to the child or children of the in- sured, if living, in equal shares;
3. If no widow or widower entitled there- to, or child, to the dependent mother or father, including loco parentis, of the insured, if living, in equal shares.
Following the enactment of Public No. 360 and the expiration of the 120 days, it became obvious that thousands of men in the services had no insurance protection or were inade- quately covered, and due to the fact that many of these were overseas, and it was im- possible to furnish them insurance applica- tions, and secure the necessary examinations, the V.F.W. initiated legislation to provide that applications be accepted for another 120 days without physical examination. This bill was approved by the President on April 12, 1943, as Public Law No. 36. All persons now in our Armed Services may secure this protection without physical examination on or before August 10, 1943. Note: In no case does auto- matic insurance protection extend beyond April 19, 1942, except in cases where members of our Armed Forces were taken prisoner or otherwise isolated by the enemy prior to April 19, 1942.
National Service Life Insurance is matur- able only by death of the insured, but pre- miums may be waived for total disability of six consecutive months or more occuring while insurance is in effect and before reaching the age of 60 years.
Beneficiaries are limited to: Wife, husband, child (includes adopted child, step-child, illegitimate child), parents (includes parents through adoption and persons who stood in loco parentis to the insured for not less than one year prior to entry into active service), brother or sister (including those of the half blood ).
The insured may designate his beneficiary or beneficiaries in such order as he desires. If the beneficiary eligible to take payments is under 30 years of age at the time the insurance is matured by reason of death, payments will
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be made in 240 monthly installments in the amount of $5.51 for each $1,000 insurance. Where the beneficiary is 30 years of age or over when the contract matures, payments are made at the rate of from $3.97 per $1,000 at age of 30, to $9.61 per $1,000 at age of 85. Application for this insurance is made either directly through the service agencies, or on contact with the Veterans Administration. Payments of premiums may be made directly to the Veterans Administration or deducted from the service payroll.
The insurance is issued originally on the 5- year level premium term plan, with the priv- ilege of conversion to or exchange for policies of National Service Life Insurance on the ordinary life, 20 payment life, or 30 payment life plan, at any time after the 5-year level premium term policy has been in force for one year and within the 5-year term period.
In no case will insurance be issued in excess of $10,000.
Beneficiaries of National Service Life In- surance do not have a vested right in any in- stallment or installments of such insurance.
Where the insured fails to name a bene- ficiary or where the named beneficiary dies be- fore completion of payment of the guaran- teed installments the remaining installments are paid only to the persons listed below, in order, and in no other way:
1. Widow or widower of the insured.
2. Child or children of the insured (in- cluding adopted children in equal shares.
3. Parent or parents who last bore such relationship to the insured (including parent through adoption and persons who stood in loco parentis to the insured for a period of not less than one year prior to entry into active service) in equal shares.
4. Brothers and sisters of the insured (in- cluding those of the half blood) in equal shares.
Veterans Administration Form 537 is used for claiming waiver of premium, Form 355 for claiming death benefit. All claims are filed with Central Office, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Proof of age and relationship is made in the same manner as for World War I cases.
Where dependency for automatic insur- ance must be established Veterans Adminis- tration Form 355A should be used, and pre- sented to the Director of Insurance, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C. Claim for automatic insurance must be filed with the Veterans Administration within one year from the date of death of the person in serv- ice or from July 11, 1942, whichever is the later date except as to those who are mentally or legally incompetent, who have until one year following removal of incompetence.
Deceased Veterans and Their Dependents
Burial
When a soldier dies while on active duty with the United States Army, the expenses incident to preparation of his remains and transportation to the place designated by the legal next of kin are borne by the War De- partment in accordance with existing regula- tions.
After the remains arrive at destination an amount not exceeding $50.00 may be allowed for necessary expenses of interment - such expenses to include undertaker's services, cost of grave site, opening and closing of grave, transportation of remains and immediate relatives to the cemetery, and services of a minister. In these cases the following is the correct procedure to be followed:
a. The undertaker rendering services inci- dent to the interment of the remains at des- tination should submit this itemized bill in quadruplicate to the Quartermaster General, War Department, Washington, D. C., with a certificate on each copy over the signature of the undertaker.
b. If the relatives pay the undertaker for the services rendered, the person paying same should address a letter to the Quartermaster General, War Department, Washington, D. C., requesting reimbursement and accom- panying such request with an itemized re- ceipted bill in quadruplicate.
Upon receipt of the bill in the Quarter- master General's Office executed in either of the two ways described above you may rest assured it will be given every consideration
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with a view to payment in the amount allowed under existing regulations.
Burial for Veterans who Die in Veterans Ad- ministration Hospitals
The maximum reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses as prescribed by the Regulations dealing with this subject is $100, but a special provision in the Regulation deal- ing with hospitalization and domiciliary care permits payment of transportation for the body in excess of this amount. This special provision only applies when the veteran dies while receiving hospitalization or domiciliary care. In such instances transportation will be furnished by the Government to the place of residence or nearest National Cemetery. The actual allowance for embalming, casket and clothing cannot exceed $80 when the body is to be shipped from a Veteran Hospital or Home. The remaining $20 is available for secondary service. In the event relatives or friends desire burial at a place more distant than place of residence it will be necessary for them to pay excess cost of transportation in advance. This is applicable to veterans of all wars, including World War No. II and those serving in time of peace.
Burial Allowance
An allowance for burial under certain con- ditions is made for all honorably discharged war veterans. A flag to drape the casket of any honorably discharged veteran shall also be furnished upon application. After burial it is given to the next of kin. A flag may be secured from any Veterans Administration Facility or Post Office designated by the Vet- erans Administration.
The following requirements are necessary to secure burial allowance:
1. Honorable discharge from war service.
2. Service in the World War between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; except if veterans served in Russia before April 2, 1920.
3. Service for Spanish-American War Vet- erans between April 21, 1898, and July 4, 1902. This has been extended to July 15, 1903, for those who served in the Moro Province.
4. Services after December 6, 1941.
The amount payable is $100 which covers burial, general expenses and transportation of the body.
No deduction is made from the sum allowed because of contributions toward funeral and burial made by a State or other political sub- division, union, fraternal organization, but aggregate of all sums allowed shall not exceed the actual cost.
Veterans Administration Form 530 is used to claim this benefit. This claim should be executed by the undertaker if the bill is un- paid. If paid, it shall be executed by the per- son who defrayed the funeral expenses. It should be accompanied by Form P-121 in duplicate. These claims should be filed through the National Service Bureau.
NOTE: Burial claims must be filed within two years after the veteran's death and if claim is not complete when filed, the Veterans Administration will advise claimant as to evi- dence needed for completion. If the required evidence is not filed within one year from date of request the claim will be disallowed.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. Initiated and Sponsored Public Law No. 10, 78th Congress, Which Grants War Time Burial Benefits to Veterans of World War II
Burial Flags
These are furnished as indicated in the ar- ticles on burial for soldiers who die in service and burial allowance.
Death Gratuity
Upon death while on active duty and not the result of own misconduct of a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, there may be payable a sum equal to six months' pay at the rate allowable at time of death. This is known as the six months' death gratuity.
ARMY: Payable to the widow and if there is no widow to the child or children; if there be no widow or child to any other dependent
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