Overview
In This Section |
This section contains the following topics:
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1. Description of REPS Benefits
Introduction |
This topic contains a description of REPS benefits, including information on the
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Change Date |
June 11, 2015
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IX.i.6.A.1.a. Description of the Term REPS |
Benefits payable under Public Law (PL) 97-377, Section 156 are called Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) benefits.The term REPS was chosen because PL 97-377, Section 156 restores certain Social Security benefits that were reduced or terminated by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, PL 97-35.
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IX.i.6.A.1.b. Differences Between PL 97-35 and REPS Benefits |
The 1981 changes in PL 97-35 eliminated
REPS restores payments to
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IX.i.6.A.1.c. Unique Nature of the REPS Program |
The REPS program is unique in that it is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) using a mixture of VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) eligibility criteria.
SSA eligibility criteria are used in order to pay benefits to the claimant for approximately the same duration he/she would have been paid but for the 1981changes.
Reference: For more information on the REPS program, see
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2. Eligibility for REPS Benefits
Introduction |
This topic contains information on the eligibility for REPS benefits, including information on
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Change Date |
December 6, 2004
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IX.i.6.A.2.a. Applying for REPS Benefits |
A person claiming REPS benefits must complete VA Form 21-8924, Application of Surviving Spouse or Child for REPS Benefits (Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors).
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IX.i.6.A.2.b. Basic Eligibility Requirements |
Certain spouses and schoolchildren have basic eligibility to REPS benefits if they are survivors of members or former members of the Armed Forces who
Reference: For more information on REPS eligibility requirements, see 38 CFR 3.812(a).
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IX.i.6.A.2.c. Who Is Eligible for REPS Benefits |
Pay REPS benefits to
Notes:
Reference: For more information on approved postsecondary schools, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, 6.C.7.
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IX.i.6.A.2.e. Establishing Eligibility for SC Death |
If death occurred in service, the
Note: If death occurred in service, line of duty is not a factor.
Reference: For more information on death in service occurring after August 12, 1981, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, 6.B.3.b.
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IX.i.6.A.2.f. Establishing Eligibility for Death After Separation From Service |
If the Veteran died after separation from service the
Note: If separation from service was after August 12, 1981, the service-connected (SC) disability must have had its onset prior to August 13, 1981.
Reference: For more information on death or disability after separation from service, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, 6.B.3.
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IX.i.6.A.2.g. Considering COD |
Although the Veteran’s character of discharge (COD) might be a bar to the payment of benefits under 38 U.S.C. 5303, there may be entitlement to REPS benefits provided the
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IX.i.6.A.2.h. Establishing Eligibility in Special Circumstances |
Use the table below to determine if REPS benefits are payable in special circumstances.
References: For more information on
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3. Providing Notice of Potential Eligibility to REPS Benefits
Introduction |
This topic contains information on providing notice of potential eligibility to REPS benefits, including information on
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Change Date |
December 6, 2004
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IX.i.6.A.3.a. Notifying Dependents of Potential REPS Entitlement |
Notify dependents using the following forms:
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IX.i.6.A.3.b. Criteria for the Automatic Issuance of the Forms |
VA Forms 21-8934a and 21-8924 are automatically released by the central system computer if there is a running Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) award and either of the following criteria are met:
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4. Handling Inquiries From Claimants
Introduction |
This topic contains information on responding to inquiries from claimants, including information about
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Change Date |
December 6, 2004
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IX.i.6.A.4.a. Claimants’ Inquiries to ROs |
Normally, REPS claimants contact their local regional office (RO) if they have a question relating to REPS benefits.
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IX.i.6.A.4.c. Claimants’ Inquiries to the St. Louis RO |
Claimants may call the St. Louis RO directly for assistance or e-mail theVAVBASTL/RO/REPS mailbox.
The St. Louis RO can call or e-mail the beneficiary back once the claimant furnishes his/her phone number or e-mail address.
Note: A record of the telephone call must be prepared for the claims folder.
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5. General Information on Jurisdiction and Responsibility for REPS Claims
Introduction |
This topic contains information on the jurisdiction and responsibility for REPS claims, including information regarding
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Change Date |
December 6, 2004
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IX.i.6.A.5.b. Sending the REPS Liaison’s Contact Information to the REPS Mailbox |
Send the name, phone number, and fax number of the RO’s REPS liaison to theVAVBASTL/RO/REPS mailbox.
If the REPS liaison is detailed, on extended leave, or otherwise unavailable to perform the REPS liaison function, send the name of a replacement to theVAVBASTL/RO/REPS mailbox.
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IX.i.6.A.5.d. Responsibility for Determining Eligibility for REPS Benefits |
The table below describes who is responsible for determining eligibility for REPS benefits.
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IX.i.6.A.5.e. Determining Eligibility When the Deceased Veteran’s Claims Folder Exists |
The table below describes the responsibilities when the deceased Veteran’s claims folder exists.
Note: The deceased Veteran’s claims folder is also known as the xc folder.
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Change-June-11-2015-Transmittal-Sheet-M21-1IX_i_6_SecA_TS.docx | May 19, 2019 | 40 KB |
Historical_M21-1IX_i_6_SecA_6-11-15.doc | May 19, 2019 | 94 KB |
5-8-19_Key-Changes_M21-1IX_i_6_SecA.docx | May 19, 2019 | 57 KB |
in Chapter 6 Restored Entitlement Program For Survivors (REPS), Part IX Ancillary and Special Benefits, Subpart i Ancillary Benefits
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