The amount of the special VA payment is the same as the amount of Social Security benefits that would have been paid had the veteran died with the required insured status. These amounts will be computed by SSA under the regular computation formulas which were in effect when the veteran died. Apply the usual rules and procedures for suspensions and terminations, and for determining the maximum (applying the rule of deductions before reduction for the maximum). A certified earnings record and the appropriate proofs are also required.

Example 1:

The DD-1300 (Report of Casualty) received from the Army shows that Tom Dash died in military service on June 30, 1974, after 3 months of service. Because they had no other covered work, they were neither fully nor currently insured. they were survived by a widow and two children who would have been eligible for SS benefits had the veteran died either fully or currently insured. The special non-insured VA payment applies; the PIA and benefit amounts are computed as if insured status existed, and are the amount of the special VA non-insured payment.

Example 2:

According to the VA Form 21-4180, Dick Park died on July 1, 1957, from a service-connected cause as a result of service performed after September 15, 1940. They were survived by a widow who is now age 60 and who would have been eligible for RSI benefits had the veteran died fully insured. There was only a currently insured status. The special VA payment applies; the PIA and benefit amounts are computed as if insured status existed, and are the amount of the special VA non-insured payment.

1. a. 

   Benefits Payable On Only One E/R (Family Maximum Not Involved)

   Where the veteran does not have the required insured status the survivor who is otherwise eligible may be entitled to benefits on another E/R — e.g., a widow who later becomes entitled to benefits on their own E/R. The special VA payment on the veteran's E/R is payable for any month that the amount of the payment, computed as in A above, exceeds the amount of the RSDI benefit payable to the survivor on the other E/R.

   Where the amount of special VA payment would exceed the amount of the RSDI benefit payable to the survivor on the other E/R, the special VA payment generally will be certified to the VA, but only to the extent that it exceeds the RSDI benefit payable.

2. b. 

   Benefits Payable on Combined Earnings Records (Family Maximum Involved)

   In determining the amount of benefits payable in combined family maximum cases, add together both the insured and uninsured maximums. SSA should pay only the amount that would be payable on the insured E/R(s). The difference between the amount payable by combining the family maximums and the amount payable on the insured E/R(s) should be certified to the VA for payment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 412.

   In order to facilitate a proper degree of control of these cases, all Social Security numbers should be cross-referred and the insured SSN's should be cross-referred and the insured SSN's should be listed under code 166. The VA rate can later be processed manually after the RSDI rate is adjusted for each general benefit increase.