BASIC (04-00)

A. Background

On December 14, 1999, PL 106-169 (the "Foster Care Independence Act of 1999") was enacted into law. One of its provisions created a new benefit program, Special Benefits for Certain World War (WW) II Veterans, in a new title VIII of the Social Security Act. Under this program, certain WW II veterans who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be entitled to a special benefit for each month they are qualified for special benefits and reside outside the United States.

Although the amount of these special veterans benefits (SVB) is a maximum of 75 percent of the SSI Federal benefit rate under title XVI, SVB is not an SSI benefit. Qualification for SVB is based on the veteran's WW II military service and other criteria as explained in VB 00102.001.

SVB is payable only to, or on behalf of, the veteran. There is no provision for the payment of benefits to spouses, dependents or survivors.

B. Definitions

1. United States

The 50 States, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands.

2. SSI Federal Benefit Rate

The amount of the SSI cash benefit (not including any State supplementary payment which is paid by the Commissioner of Social Security pursuant to an agreement under section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act or section 212(b) of PL 93-66) payable under title XVI to an eligible individual with no income.