Congressman Cohen Announces Veterans Assistance and $2.16 Million in Recovery Funds for the 9th Dist

The Veterans Affairs funding is being targeted to:

• Improve medical facilities and national cemeteries,
• Provide grants to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and domiciliaries,
• Remodel, modify or alter existing facilities to care for veterans, and
• Hire and train temporary claims processors, and to pursue needed information technology initiatives.

“I am very pleased to announce this important funding for veterans in the 9th District,” said Congressman Cohen. “These monies will improve the lives of our brave former soldiers and help to create jobs immediately as we upgrade facilities and equipment here in Memphis. I am also pleased that through the ARRA our veterans will be eligible for a one-time payment of $250 in order to alleviate some of the consequences of this recession. Statistics have shown that veterans have been hit inordinately hard by the downturn in the economy, and giving them some assistance during these tough times is the right thing to do.”

The VA will make a one-time payment of $250 dollars to eligible Veterans and survivors to mitigate the effects of the current economy. The VA estimates $700 million in payments will be made, with payments beginning in June 2009.

To be eligible for the $250 payment, the VA beneficiaries must have received compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation, or Spina Bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States.

No application is necessary. The VA will use its existing payment records to determine eligibility to the $250 payment.

Beneficiaries will receive their payments in the same way (either by direct deposit or mail) they receive their monthly VA benefits. The VA will inform beneficiaries and the public when releasing the payments. This payment is not countable in determining eligibility for VA pension or Parents’ DIC. The Internal Revenue Service cannot tax this payment.

The law allows only one $250 payment per individual. VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board will be paid through those agencies, and will therefore not receive the payment from VA.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265