Question: I am a surviving spouse of a veteran and didn't get my spouse's pension benefit for the month of his death. Will the Department of Veterans Affairs pay me for the pension payment that I never received?

Answer: The VA has taken actions to identify and pay surviving spouses who are eligible to receive the deceased veteran's VA compensation or pension benefit for the month of the veteran's death. This benefit is only payable to surviving spouses of veterans who were receiving VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of their death.

If you are a surviving spouse of a veteran who was receiving VA benefits at the time of death and believe you may be eligible for the month-of-death benefit, please go to http://www.va.gov. When you reach the Web page, please select: “;Question”; for the Type of Inquiry and “;Survivors Month of Death Benefit”; for your topic.

The VA has also established a special survivors' call center for spouses who believe they may be entitled to this retroactive month-of-death benefit. Call the toll-free telephone number, (800) 749-8387. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central standard time.

Q: How can I use My HealtheVet if I don't have a computer?

A: You can use computers at the VA Medical Center. You may also use computers at public libraries, Internet cafes, etc. For more information about My HealtheVet, go to http://www.myhealth.va.gov or call the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Department of Veterans Affairs at 433-0049.