Social Security Legislative Bulletin

Number: 110-37
Date: September 24, 2008

On September 23, 2008, the House passed H.R. 6897, the “Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008,” by a 392-23 vote. The legislation would provide one-time compensation payments to Filipinos who fought for the United States during World War II.

Provisions of interest to the Social Security Administration are described below.

•  Would authorize $198 million to pay eligible World War II era Filipino veterans a one-time sum of $9,000. Eligible veterans who have become U.S. citizens would receive $15,000. In all cases, the veterans would be required to submit an application and necessary proofs to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

•  Would exclude such payments made to individuals living outside the United States from affecting eligibility to special benefits for certain World War II veterans (Title VIII of the Social Security Act). 1

1 The bill does not include a similar exclusion for SSI purposes for Filipino veterans living in the United States .

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