For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
Ambulatory clinic ready
to answer health queriesQuestion: Whom do I call about veterans' health care questions?
Answer: The Honolulu Veterans Affairs (VA) ambulatory care clinic operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may speak with a nurse at any time by calling 433-0852 (after hours, weekend and holiday calls are answered by the San Francisco VA Medical Center). You may also want to use the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii.
Question: My husband recently died of a service-connected disability. I am receiving veterans' compensation. When I apply for widow's benefits at age 60, will the veterans' compensation be affected in any way?
Answer: Your compensation might be lowered because you receive Social Security benefits. However, your Social Security benefit will not be affected because you receive veterans' compensation. As a rule, your veterans' compensation is only affected if the benefit you receive from the Veterans Affairs is based on need or if the amount is based upon your monthly income. Otherwise, you should be able to receive both, Social Security and veterans' compensation without one affecting the other. If you begin receiving widow's benefits at age 60, remember that you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you're eligible and your retirement rate is higher than your widow's rate. In many cases a widow can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate at age 65. The rules vary depending upon your situation, so you should contact Social Security for information. As for veterans' compensation, if you have any questions concerning the amount you are receiving, contact the VA at 433-1000.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
