September 10, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- FALEOMAVAEGA ANNOUNCES RESTORATION OF DIC BENEFITS FOR UNMARRIED SPOUSES

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that effective October 1, 1998, spouses of deceased veterans who lost survivor benefits when they remarried may be eligible to have DIC benefits restored if they are no longer married.

A 1990 federal law permanently terminated Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits when a surviving spouse of a deceased veteran remarried. The new law authorizes restoration of those benefits if the later marriage is terminated. Most commonly, the termination would be by death of the marriage partner or divorce.

"Anyone who believes they may qualify for DIC benefits under this change in the law should contact my office or the nearest VA office as soon as possible. The basic monthly rate for DIC is $850," said Faleomavaega.

DIC payments may be authorized for surviving spouses, unmarried children under 18, helpless children, and students between 18 and 23 if attending a VA-approved school. The veteran must have died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated on active duty, or from a disability compensable by the VA.

The Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Honolulu can be reached locally (toll-free) from American Samoa by calling 633-7928. Additional assistance is also available on the internet at www.va.gov or from Congressman Faleomavaega's Congressional offices. The national toll- free number to reach a VA counselor is 800-827-1000.