Under the new economic stimulus legislation that President Obama recently signed into law, certain disabled veterans will receive a government check for $250. VetsFirst, along with other members of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’ Veterans Task Force, appealed directly to congressional leaders to include a provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that would provide economic relief to disabled veterans.
VetsFirst believes that because the draft ARRA provisions included a similar payment to disabled recipients of Social Security benefits, it would be unfair to exclude disabled veterans who receive VA disability benefits from the economic boosts under the same law. Congress and the President agreed and now veterans can rightfully participate in advancing the U.S. economy.
Under the Act, veterans who receive VA service-connected disability compensation or nonservice-connected VA pension will also receive a $250 economic stimulus check. This payment will be tax-exempt and will not be considered as countable income for purposes of qualifying for VA and other federal benefits. Checks are expected to be issued beginning in June 2009.
VetsFirst will steadfastly continue its mission to advocate for interests of disabled veterans and their families.