February 18, 2009

Filipino WWII Veterans to Receive Additional U.S. Benefits

An additional U.S. benefit to eligible Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans is included among the many provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law February 17, 2009 by U.S. President Barack Obama. 

These new benefits further reflect the United States’ great respect for the bravery and service of Philippine WWII veterans and for their partnership with the U.S. military in defending freedom.  Furthermore, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 formally recognizes the service of Filipino WWII veterans as active military service in the Armed Forces for purposes of this law.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes one-time lump-sum payments to all eligible Filipino WW II veterans.  Those veterans with U.S. citizenship will receive a one-time lump-sum payment of $15,000.  Non-U.S. citizens will receive a one-time lump-sum payment of $9,000.  This is an additional benefit for those eligible and qualified WWII veterans.  It will not change or affect other benefits an individual may be receiving.

Working to quickly implement this new benefit for these honored WWII veterans, the United States Embassy, through its United States Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office will administer these benefit payments.  Further instructions on how to apply will be posted on the U.S. Embassy website at http://manila.usembassy.gov.  Veterans can also inquire at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office located at the U.S. Embassy.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office will also be conducting extensive outreach, within and outside of Manila, to the many Filipino WW II veterans throughout the Philippines to ensure all those entitled receive the benefits they deserve as soon as possible.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office pays approximately $15 million per month in monetary benefits to veterans residing in the Philippines.  Some $8 million of this goes to Filipino WWII veterans or their survivors each month, totaling nearly $100 million per year for Filipino beneficiaries.  This new lump sum benefit will result in approximately $120 million in payments to eligible Filipino WW II veterans residing in the Philippines.

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