More Veterans are Now Eligible for PACT Act Benefits
Passed in 2022, the PACT Act is the single-largest legislation related to the expansion of benefits for American veterans. PACT is an overall expansion of health care for veterans who have been exposed to chemical, physical, and environmental hazards while they were serving in the line of duty. Because of the fact that many of the conditions that have resulted from this exposure are presumptive, it’s been deduced that the exposure happened while in the line of duty. As such, more veterans are eligible for these benefits than they have been in previous years.
Monthly Compensation
Aside from veterans, families are also now eligible for monthly compensation from the PACT Act. This is paid through a process which is known as DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.) This payment is distributed to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran who has died from a service-connected disability.
Compensation Requirements
In order to qualify for benefits from the PACT Act, an individual must have lived with the veteran on a continual basis until their passing. For spouses to qualify, they must have been married within a period of 15 years of discharge from military service. Children of veterans must either be under the age of 18 or 23 years old if currently enrolled in school. Parents are eligible if they are the biological, adoptive, or foster parent and their income level meets a certain parameter.
Reapplying for Revaluation
If you’ve been denied coverage before, you have a legal right to reapply for compensation. This also applies to children, spouses, and parents of the veteran in question. There are also resources available to assist you in the application process. If you need assistance in applying or requesting a re-evaluation, you can find assistance at va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation. For all other information relating to the PACT Act and to see if you qualify, you can visit va.gov/PACT.
SRQ Vets
Sarasota is home to many veterans who have served both domestically and overseas, and many more are still on active duty. SRQ Vets is a non-profit organization owned and operated by veterans to provide support, assistance, and other resources for those who have answered the call. For more information on us, the various services we have to offer, and how you can help, visit us at srqvets.us.