Manila, Philippines — Today, Feb 16, 2010 is the deadline for filing of Filipino World War II Veterans of their application for a one-time lump-sum payment under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In a video message posted by the director of the US Department of Veteran Affairs, Jon Skelly, he encouraged relatives of ailing veterans to help them meet the deadline for the filing of claims.
He said that there have been many questions lately about having to attach documentations in the application letter. “This is not necessary.” Skelly said. “Simply fill out the one-page application and my office will take care of the rest and will contact you if we need more information.” Skelly added in the video.
He also stressed that the law did not provide benefits for widows and children or any other heirs of veterans. However, certain widows of veterans who filed their applications but died while the papers were being processed were qualified to receive payments.
The law, signed by US President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, authorized the release of a one-time payment to eligible Filipino veterans to be made through the US Department of Veterans Affairs from a $198-million appropriation established for this purpose.