Filipino WW II Veterans Compensation Applications Due

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) encourages and reminds all Filipino World War II Veterans eligible for payment under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to file their claims.

Claims for this one-time, lump-sum payment must be submitted by February 16, 2010. "Filipino veterans served honorably side-by-side American soldiers during World War II. Many sacrificed their lives, and those who remain deserve what was promised them over sixty years ago," said Congresswoman Eshoo.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congress authorized the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to give a total compensation of $198 million to soldiers of the Philippine Government who served before July 1, 1946, while such forces were in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States. This also applies to some recognized guerilla forces and Philippine Scouts. Veterans must fill out VA claim form 21-4138(CF) Statement in Support of Claim (Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund).

This can be downloaded at: https://eshoo.house.gov or http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ If awarded, Filipino Veterans receive a one-time payment of $15,000 for U.S. citizens, and $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens. Applying for this benefit will not affect other existing veterans benefits. As of January 1, 2010, 39,591 claims have been received and 11,345 applications have been granted.

Filipino WW II Veterans must submit the following:

- Two forms of identification such as a driver's license, birth certificate, Senior Citizen ID, Bureau of Post ID, Voter ID Card;

- Copies of any military discharge documents showing service in one of the three qualifying types of service mentioned in  question #1 above.

- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claim number (if applicable); and 

- U.S. citizens should submit copies of pages 2 and 3 of their U.S. passport.

Note: Persons who served in the Philippine Scouts under Section 14 of the Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945 should submit the original or a certified copy of Enlisted Record and Report of Separation, WD AGO FORM 53. All original documents will be returned.

Claims can be submitted by mail or in person to any VA Regional Office. They can also be mailed to the address in Manila at the top of the compensation form.

Please contact Congresswoman Eshoo's District Office at (650) 323-2984; the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or go to http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ for more information.

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