If there was no prior claim or if the widow(er) inquires about benefit payments and
the veteran is uninsured, refer them to the VA. No action can be taken until the VA
determines whether the death was service-connected and sends another Form 21-4180.
(Of course, if the widow(er) presents a Report of Casualty from one of the service
departments showing that the veteran died in service, assume that death was service-connected
and develop for the special VA Form 21-4180.) These instructions also apply to a dependent
parent.
The PC will request the FO to secure a claim and the required proof from the widow(er)
for entitlement to age widow(er) benefits if:
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•
The benefits are being paid on the basis of a currently insured status; and
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•
The special VA payment applies; and
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•
The unremarried widow(er) is age 60 or over, or within three months of age 60 at the
time benefits terminated because they no longer have an entitled child under age 16
in-their-care.