Urgent: Military Gold Star Families Are in Danger of Losing Vital Financial Support
When a service member leaves active duty, they have the option to pay into the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) which is an annuity that will pay the surviving spouse in the event of the service member’s death. When a service member is killed while on duty or from a service-connected death, their surviving spouse is awarded the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA. However, because of current legislation, surviving spouses cannot collect both forms of compensation and an offset is in place that allows the surviving spouse to collect only their DIC and not the SBP that they have paid into.
To alleviate the financial strain caused by this offset until it can be repealed, The Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) was created in 2008. This is an allowance paid to surviving spouses of service members who died a service-connected death. The SSIA was created by Congress because they agreed that it is wrong to deny the surviving spouse the full amount of compensation but could not come up with the funding at the time to repeal the offset. However, the SSIA was created with a time limit and it is set to expire in October 2017 unless action is taken. Currently, there is no momentum or vote planned on this and Congress needs to be encouraged to address this rather than allow the benefit to expire.
The SSIA is a vital income for our Gold Star Families who have paid the ultimate price in support of our country. This is an urgent and time-sensitive matter. Please support the elimination of the SBP/DIC offset by asking your congressional representatives to cosponsor H.R. 1594 in the House and S. 979 in the Senate. Also, seek support for H.R. 4519. Use the toll-free Capitol Hill line (866) 272-MOAA (6622) to call your congressional representatives today. For additional information regarding the SBP/DIC offset, visit the Survivor Advocacy Issues section of MOAA’s Web base.
Jennifer
Finding Community and Camaraderie with Welcome Home Troops
At Welcome Home Troops, we believe that community is more than just a word – it's the cornerstone of our mission. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for veterans and their families, where they can feel connected, valued, and understood.
More Than Just Tickets: Building Relationships
When a veteran, like Zachary Bodek, requests a ticket to an upcoming event (like the exciting NASCAR race!), we don't just hand it over. We see it as an opportunity to foster deeper connections.
Zachary initially requested a single ticket. Our Founder, Sue Rebar, recognized a chance to build community. She reached out to Zachary to explore the possibility of bringing a friend or family member along.
Imagine Zachary's surprise when Sue contacted him on his wedding day! With a little luck and perfect timing, Welcome Home Troops was able to offer Zachary and his new wife a pair of infield tickets to the NASCAR race.
This personal touch exemplifies our commitment to individualized support. We believe in going the extra mile to ensure that each veteran feels valued and that their unique needs are addressed.
Building Community Together: Pre-Race Tailgates
To further strengthen the bonds within our community, we host pre-race tailgate parties. These events offer a relaxed and social atmosphere where veterans and their families can connect, enjoy free food and beverages, and engage in fun activities before the race begins.
15 Years of Building Community
For over 15 years, Welcome Home Troops has been dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. We are proud of the community we have built and the positive impact we have made on the lives of countless individuals.
Join the Welcome Home Troops Community
Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who wants to support our mission, we invite you to join the Welcome Home Troops community. Together, we can create a brighter future for those who have served our country.
