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Program Description

Certain World War II Veterans can get special benefits if they served in one of the two groups below:

  • Served in the active U.S. military from September 16, 1940 through July 24, 1947.
  • Served in the organized military of the Philippines from July 26, 1941 through December 30, 1946. This was while those forces were in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces.

General Program Requirements

To qualify for benefits, you must meet all of the conditions below:

  • Live outside of the U.S.
  • Be age 65 or older as of December 14, 1999.
  • Be a World War II veteran from one of the groups above.
  • Qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as of December 1999.
  • Qualify for SSI the month you apply for these benefits.
  • Have other benefit income that's less than 75% of the current SSI rate.

Benefits are payable for each month you live outside of the U.S. Dependents and survivors do not qualify for this benefit.

Application Process

To learn about Social Security benefits you may qualify for, use the SSA BEST (Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool). When you complete the questionnaire, you get a list of benefits to review. You can print this page for your records.

To apply for benefits, visit the Apply for Social Security Benefits page. You can also call to get benefit information and learn how to apply.

Last Updated: 05/03/2023