BASIC (03-11)

A. Introduction

The beneficiary’s responses on the SSA-2010-F6 (Statement for Determining Continuing Entitlement for Special Veterans Benefits (SVB)) may result in an adverse adjustment to a beneficiary’s SVB payment, such as a suspension, benefit reduction, or termination.

B. Policy for events that cause suspension or a benefit reduction of SVB payment

The following is a list of events that cause suspensions or benefit reductions. Refer to SVB – Suspensions, Stop Payments, and Benefit Reductions Table of Contents VB 01503.000.

1. Cessation of residency outside the United States (loss of foreign residence)

Refer to:

• VB 01503.100 – Cessation of Residence Outside the United States (Loss of Foreign Residence)

• VB 01503.110 – Beneficiary Reports Going To (Or Is In) the United States

• VB 01503.115 – Beneficiary is Not Relinquishing Foreign Residence or U.S. Visit Not Expected to Exceed 1 Full Calendar Month

• VB 01503.117 – Beneficiary's Return Abroad

• VB 01503.120 – Beneficiary is Relinquishing Foreign Residence or Expects U.S. Visit to Exceed 1 Full Calendar Month

2. Failure to provide information

Refer to:

• VB 01503.200 – Failure to Provide Information (N20)

• VB 01503.201 – Requests for Information/Evidence

• VB 01503.205 – Requests for Additional Time to Comply

• VB 01503.210 – Exhausting All Efforts

• VB 01503.215 – Documentation of Efforts Taken To Obtain Evidence/Information

3. Whereabouts unknown

Refer to:

• VB 01503.300 – Whereabouts Unknown (S06)

• VB 01503.305 – Whereabouts Development

• VB 01503.310 – Whereabouts Development Beneficiary Not Located

4. Check returned for miscellaneous reasons

Refer to:

VB 01503.400 – Check Returned For Miscellaneous Reasons (S07)

5. A disqualification event occurs

A beneficiary cannot be qualified for any month that an individual has been removed or deported from the United States, is a fleeing felon, or lives in a barred country.

Refer to:

• VB 01503.500 – Suspensions Due To Disqualification Events

• VB 01503.510 – Removal (Deportation) From the United States (N13)

• VB 01503.520 – Verification of Removal (Deportation) – Beneficiary outside the United States

• VB 01503.550 – Fugitive Felons or Parole/Probation Violators (N25)

• VB 01503.600 – Payments to SVB Beneficiaries in a Treasury-Barred or SSA-Restricted Country

• VB 01503.605 – Change of Address to a Treasury-Barred or SSA-Restricted Country

• VB 01503.615 – Benefits Withheld While In a Treasury-Barred Country (U.S. Citizens and Nationals Only)

6. Other benefit income precludes SVB

Refer to:

• VB 01503.800 – Changes in Other Benefit Income

• VB 01503.805 – Processing Reports of Change in Other Benefit Income

• VB 01503.810 – Determining the Change in Other Benefit Income

7. 2009 Act exception

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed on February 17, 2009, authorized the release of a one-time, lump-sum payment to eligible World War II (WWII) Philippine veterans.

Eligible veterans who:

• are not United States citizens will receive a one-time payment of $9,000.

• are United States citizens will receive a one-time payment of $15,000.

The Act further provides for an exclusion of this income for purposes of all veterans benefits, including Title VIII benefits.

C. Policy for events that cause termination of SVB payment

The following are events that cause termination of SVB payment.

Refer to Termination Events – Table of Contents VB 01505.000.

1. Termination after 12 consecutive calendar months of suspension

VB 01505.005 – Termination of SVB after 12 Consecutive Months of Suspension (T31)

2. Request for voluntary termination

• VB 01505.011 – Beneficiary or Legal Guardian Requests Voluntary Termination of SVB

• VB 01505.012 – Representative Payee Who Is Not Legal Guardian Requests Voluntary Termination

3. The death of the SVB-entitled individual

VB 01505.015 – Death of a Beneficiary (T01)