Army Reserve responds terroist attacks - Attack on America - terrorist attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon, September 11, 2001 - Illustration

Army Reserve Magazine, Fall, 2001

Shortly after the attacks, VA began working with the casualty offices of the military services to expedite life insurance benefits as remains are identified. VA will give the highest priority to help surviving family members obtain their VA benefits.

VA has compiled information in "Veterans Benefits for Survivors" currently highlighted at http://www.vba.va.gov. In addition, because a significant portion of the population is veterans, VA expects that a large number of veterans were killed in the attacks in addition to the active-duty members. The widows and-widowers of these former servicemembers also may be eligible for certain benefits depending on income, whether the veteran had been rated with a serious disability, whether the veteran served in a period of war and other factors. More information about how VA services apply in individual cases is available from benefits counselors at 800-827-1000.

Benefits

Death Payments

When an active-duty member dies at work or in the line of duty, the death is considered service-connected whether accidental or due to a hostile force. VA pays a basic monthly rate of $911 to eligible surviving spouses. In some cases, VA can pay more, such as an adjustment for each dependent child. Under this program, called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, the basic rate is adjusted annually and payments continue indefinitely, generally until the death or remarriage of the spouse.

Life Insurance

Most servicemembers and reservists take VA's life insurance coverage, though a few decline coverage. VA expects most will have opted for life insurance coverage at the highest levels, setting payments as high as $250,000. VA is ready to process insurance-payments for the beneficiaries of those killed in the terrorist attack within 48 hours of receipt of the casualty report from the Defense Department and the claim from the beneficiary. VA also offers the designated policy beneficiary free, personalized and objective financial planning services through nationally renowned commercial insurance and financial services.

Burial and Headstones

The servicemembers who died -- as well as civilians who were honorably discharge veterans killed in the attacks - all are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery or, if the family wishes to arrange burial in a private cemetery, VA will provide a headstone or marker. Because deaths while on duty are considered service connected, VA will pay up to $1,500 toward private burial expenses in those cases. If the decedent will be buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased to the cemetery may be reimbursed. Certain burial benefits would also extend to those retired from the reserves or National Guard.

Educational Assistance

VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program generally provides up to 45 months-of education benefits to the surviving spouse or child aged 18 to 26 where a servicemembers died in the line of duty. In addition, professional, educational and vocational counseling will be provided to these beneficiaries without charge.