Question: What benefits are available to Filipino World War II veterans under the stimulus bill?

Answer: They could be eligible for up to $15,000.

Veterans have until Feb. 16, 2010, to apply. Claims are now being accepted for this one-time payment of $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens and $15,000 for Filipino veterans with U.S. citizenship.

Eligible veterans must have the following information or documentation submitted with the claim: two forms of identification (driver's license, state-issued ID card, Department of Veterans Affairs-issued ID, etc.); copies of military discharge documents showing qualifying service; Philippine Veterans Affairs Office claim number and/or VA claim number; PVAO bank account statement; U.S. bank account statement; and U.S. citizens must bring U.S. passport.

To receive this benefit, the veterans need to be briefed on the entitlement and file a claim at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office. VA counselors located in Tripler Army Medical Center's E-Wing can do the briefings and assist in filing the 21-4138(CF) VA claim form. For additional information call the VA at (800) 827-1000.

Q: If Public Law 110-329 provided VA with additional funding, then why isn't enrollment open to all veterans?

A: By law the secretary of veterans affairs determines annually whether VA has sufficient resources to expand enrollment for veterans who may have been previously denied enrollment in VA's health care system because their income exceeded VA's means test thresholds.

The new provision allows veterans whose incomes do not exceed these thresholds by more than 10 percent to enroll in VA's health care system. It is anticipated that this rule will take effect in June. For further information, call 433-0600.

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