Monterey, CA Billions In Veterans Benefits Still In Limbo

View From A Nonprofit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

Many people have no idea the chaos which is being caused by the government shut down which has been going on since the first of the month.  It literally took an act of Congress to get the Department of Defense to start sending out death benefits again to the families who lost someone in one of the many military actions we now are facing.  The $100,000 seems like a small amount of money after losing a loved one.  But for those trying to bring up small children with little or no income, it makes a huge difference.  The problem is not fully resolved.  The Pentagon cut a deal with a non-profit called Fisher House Foundation, which will provide the money to the families until the government can get its financial act together and send out the checks.  "I am offended, outraged and embarrassed that the government shutdown had prevented the Department of Defense from fulfilling this sacred responsibility in a timely manner," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters in announcing the deal with the Foundation. The House of Representatives voted 425-0 to restore the benefits, and Congress is expected to as well.   That is only putting out one fire, however.  $6.25 billion in benefits due to more than 5 million veterans, troops, families and children of deceased military members will not be paid out in October unless a deal is reached in Congress.  "I just didn't think you would allow this to happen," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki told Congress.  "This is not a game."  How sad that we can't even pay our obligations to families who lost someone in battle while the government is now considering not paying Social Security, Medicare, Disability and other benefits just so it can pay looming interest payments.  One of our Platinum Sponsors, Family inHome Caregiving, provides caregiving services which are paid for by the Veterans Administration and wonders what the fate of people under that benefit system will be.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands to Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.