Veterans insurance form
now available online

Question: I am interested in checking on my Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance Application. Is there a way to do this through my computer?

Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its online benefits applications to include Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, which means veterans can be assured their application is transmitted to the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia without mailing delay. The application can be found at the VA's main Web page, www.va.gov, or through the insurance Web pages at www.insurance.va.gov. To initiate the process through a secure Web site protecting users' privacy, eligible veterans should clink on "Apply for S-DVI Insurance Online Using Our Autoform Application."

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance is a VA program of life insurance that provides $10,000 of coverage to veterans who have received a service-connected disability rating for a new condition from VA within the past two years; were separated from service on or after April 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable conditions; and are in good health, except for their service-connected conditions.

The online application process guides applicants through each step of the application. The first steps of the process allow veterans to immediately determine if they are eligible for the insurance. They also can learn about the different types of insurance plans and premiums.

Veterans who are uncomfortable submitting applications online may also print their application from the Web site and mail or fax it.

For more information on VA's insurance programs, contact the VA at 433-1000. You can also access the VA's main Web site through the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii.

Q: I have more than one residence. Which address is used for means testing under the geographically based income thresholds?

A: The address used to determine your geographically based income threshold is your permanent address. Typically, it is the location in which you declare residency for voting and tax purposes. Income thresholds, used for the national Means Test as well as for geographic adjustments for high cost-of-living areas, are updated annually. To obtain information, contact the VA at 433-0600.