Cost-of-Living Adjustments Effective December 1, 2017, 61670-61671 [2017-27991]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 61670 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 248 / Thursday, December 28, 2017 / Notices For each $1 of annual income which is more than $8,663, the monthly rate will not be reduced. No Parents’ DIC is payable under this table if annual income exceeds $14,974. One parent who has remarried: If there is only one parent, and the parent has remarried and is living with the parent’s spouse, DIC shall be paid under 38 U.S.C. 1315(b) or under 38 U.S.C. 1315(d), whichever shall result in the greater benefit being paid to the veteran’s parent. In the case of remarriage, the total combined annual income of the parent and the parent’s spouse shall be counted in determining the monthly rate of DIC. One of two parents not living with spouse (38 U.S.C. 1315(c)): The rates in Table 3 apply to (1) two parents who are not living together, or (2) an unmarried parent when both parents are living and the other parent has remarried. The monthly rate of DIC paid to each such parent shall be $459, reduced on the basis of each parent’s annual income, according to the following formula: For each $1 of annual income which is more than $0 but not more than $800, the $459 monthly rate shall not be reduced. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $800 but not more than $6,475, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.08. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $6,475, the monthly rate shall not be reduced. No Parents’ DIC is payable under this table if annual income exceeds $14,974. One of two parents living with spouse or other parent (38 U.S.C. 1315(d)): The rates below apply to each parent living with another parent; and each remarried parent, when both parents are alive. The monthly rate of DIC paid to such parents will be $431, reduced on the basis of the combined annual income of the two parents living together or the remarried parent or parents and spouse or spouses, as computed under the following formula: For each $1 of annual income which is more than $0 but not more than $1,000, the $431 monthly rate shall not be reduced. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $1,000 but not more than $1,500, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.03. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $1,500 but not more than $2,000, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.04. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $2,000 but not more than $2,400, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.05. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:14 Dec 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 For each $1 of annual income which is more than $2,400 but not more than $2,900, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.06. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $2,900 but not more than $3,200, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.07. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $3,200 but not more than $7,187, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.08. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $7,187 but not more than $7,188, the monthly rate shall be reduced by $0.04. For each $1 of annual income which is more than $7,188, the monthly rate shall not be reduced. No Parents’ DIC is payable if the annual income exceeds $20,128. These rates are also applicable in the case of one surviving parent who has remarried, computed on the basis of the combined income of the parent and spouse, if this would be a greater benefit than that specified in Table 2 for one parent. Aid and attendance: The monthly rate of DIC payable to a parent under Tables 2 through 4 shall be increased by $343 if such parent is (1) a patient in a nursing home, or (2) helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person. Minimum rate: The monthly rate of DIC payable to any parent under Tables 2 through 4 shall not be less than $5. Section 306 Pension Income Limitations Veteran or surviving spouse with no dependents, $14,974 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(a)) Veteran in need of aid and attendance with no dependents, $15,513 (38 U.S.C. 1521(d) as in effect on December 31, 1978) Veteran or surviving spouse with one or more dependents, $20,128 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(a)) Veteran in need of aid and attendance with one or more dependents, $20,666 (38 U.S.C. 1521(d) as in effect on December 31, 1978) Child (no entitled veteran or surviving spouse), $12,244 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(a)) Spouse income exclusion (38 CFR 3.262), $4,782 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(a)(2)(B)) Old-Law Pension Income Limitations Veteran or surviving spouse without dependents or an entitled child, $13,112 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(b)) Veteran or surviving spouse with one or more dependents, $18,899 (Pub. L. 95–588, section 306(b)) PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Signing Authority The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on December 14, 2017, for publication. Dated: December 14, 2017. Jeffrey Martin, Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017–27992 Filed 12–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Cost-of-Living Adjustments Effective December 1, 2017 Department of Veterans Affairs. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: As required by law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hereby giving notice of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in certain benefit rates. These COLAs affect the dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) program. The rate of the adjustment is tied to the increase in Social Security benefits, effective December 1, 2017, as announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA has announced an increase of 2.0 percent. DATES: The COLAs are effective December 1, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel McCargar, Pension Analyst, Pension and Fiduciary Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (612) 713– 8911. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The provisions of Public Law 115–75, ‘‘Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017,’’ require VA to increase the benefit rates of DIC programs by the same percentage, and effective the same date, as increases in the benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act, effective December 1, 2017. VA must also publish the increased rates in the Federal Register. SSA has announced a 2.0 percent COLA increase in Social Security benefits, effective December 1, 2017. Therefore, applying the same SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1 61671 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 248 / Thursday, December 28, 2017 / Notices percentage, the following increased rates and income limitations for the DIC program will be effective December 1, 2017: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Monthly Payment Rates DIC Payable to a Surviving Spouse— Veteran Death on or After January 1, 1993 Basic Monthly Rate: $1,283.11. If at the time of the Veteran’s death, the Veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a serviceconnected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the Veteran for those same 8 years, add $272.46. For each dependent child under the age of 18, add $317.87. If the surviving spouse is entitled to aid and attendance benefits, add $317.87. If the surviving spouse is entitled to housebound benefits, add $148.91. If the surviving spouse has one or more children under the age of 18 on the award, add the 2-year transitional benefit of $270.00 (no change to this rate as a result of the round-down in 38 U.S.C. 1311(f)(4)). DIC Payable to a Surviving Spouse— Veteran Death Prior to January 1, 1993 Veteran paygrade sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES E–1(f) .................................... E–2(f) .................................... E–3(a,f) ................................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:14 Dec 27, 2017 Amount payable 1,283.11 1,283.11 1,283.11 Jkt 244001 Amount payable Veteran paygrade E–4(f) .................................... E–5(f) .................................... E–6(f) .................................... E–7(g) ................................... E–8(g) ................................... E–9(g) ................................... E–9(b) ................................... W–1(g) .................................. W–2(g) .................................. W–3(g) .................................. W–4(g) .................................. O–1(g) ................................... O–2(g) ................................... O–3(g) ................................... O–4 ....................................... O–5 ....................................... O–6 ....................................... O–7 ....................................... O–8 ....................................... O–9 ....................................... O–10 ..................................... O–10(c) ................................. 1,283.11 1,283.11 1,283.11 1,327.47 1,401.40 1,461.59 1,577.76 1,354.93 1,408.78 1,449.97 1,534.46 1,354.93 1,401.40 1,497.49 1,587.25 1,746.72 1,969.56 2,125.84 2,334.95 2,497.58 2,739.41 2,940.07 (a) Surviving spouse of Aviation Cadet or other service not covered by this table is paid the DIC rate for enlisted E–3. (b) Veteran who served as Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, or Commandant of the Marine Corps, or as Commandant of the Coast Guard. (c) Veteran served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army or Air Force, Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, or as Commandant of the Coast Guard. (d) If surviving spouse entitled to aid and attendance, add $317.87; if entitled to housebound, add $148.91. (e) Add $317.87 for each child under 18. (f) Add $272.46 if Veteran rated totally disabled for 8 continuous years prior to death, and surviving spouse was married to Veteran those same 8 years. (g) Base rate is $1,555.57 if Veteran was rated totally disabled 8 continuous years prior to death, and surviving spouse was married to Veteran those same 8 years. PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 DIC Payable to Children Surviving Spouse Entitled For each child over the age of 18 who is attending an approved course of education, the rate is $269.30. For each child over the age of 18 who is helpless, the rate is $541.76. No Surviving Spouse Entitled Number of children Total payable Each child’s share 1 .................................... 2 .................................... 3 .................................... $541.76 779.37 1,016.99 $541.76 389.69 399.00 For each additional child, add $193.27 to the total payable. For each additional helpless child over 18, add $317.87 to the total payable. Signing Authority The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on December 14, 2017, for publication. Dated: December 14, 2017. Jeffrey Martin, Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017–27991 Filed 12–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 248 (Thursday, December 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61670-61671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27991]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Cost-of-Living Adjustments Effective December 1, 2017

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: As required by law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is 
hereby giving notice of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in certain 
benefit rates. These COLAs affect the dependency and indemnity 
compensation (DIC) program. The rate of the adjustment is tied to the 
increase in Social Security benefits, effective December 1, 2017, as 
announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA has 
announced an increase of 2.0 percent.

DATES: The COLAs are effective December 1, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel McCargar, Pension Analyst, 
Pension and Fiduciary Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20420, (612) 713-8911.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The provisions of Public Law 115-75, 
``Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017,'' 
require VA to increase the benefit rates of DIC programs by the same 
percentage, and effective the same date, as increases in the benefit 
amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act, effective 
December 1, 2017. VA must also publish the increased rates in the 
Federal Register.
    SSA has announced a 2.0 percent COLA increase in Social Security 
benefits, effective December 1, 2017. Therefore, applying the same

[[Page 61671]]

percentage, the following increased rates and income limitations for 
the DIC program will be effective December 1, 2017:

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Monthly Payment Rates

DIC Payable to a Surviving Spouse--Veteran Death on or After January 1, 
1993

    Basic Monthly Rate: $1,283.11.
    If at the time of the Veteran's death, the Veteran was in receipt 
of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected 
disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on 
individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years 
immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the 
Veteran for those same 8 years, add $272.46.
    For each dependent child under the age of 18, add $317.87.
    If the surviving spouse is entitled to aid and attendance benefits, 
add $317.87.
    If the surviving spouse is entitled to housebound benefits, add 
$148.91.
    If the surviving spouse has one or more children under the age of 
18 on the award, add the 2-year transitional benefit of $270.00 (no 
change to this rate as a result of the round-down in 38 U.S.C. 
1311(f)(4)).

DIC Payable to a Surviving Spouse--Veteran Death Prior to January 1, 
1993

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Veteran paygrade                      Amount payable
------------------------------------------------------------------------
E-1(f)..................................................        1,283.11
E-2(f)..................................................        1,283.11
E-3(a,f)................................................        1,283.11
E-4(f)..................................................        1,283.11
E-5(f)..................................................        1,283.11
E-6(f)..................................................        1,283.11
E-7(g)..................................................        1,327.47
E-8(g)..................................................        1,401.40
E-9(g)..................................................        1,461.59
E-9(b)..................................................        1,577.76
W-1(g)..................................................        1,354.93
W-2(g)..................................................        1,408.78
W-3(g)..................................................        1,449.97
W-4(g)..................................................        1,534.46
O-1(g)..................................................        1,354.93
O-2(g)..................................................        1,401.40
O-3(g)..................................................        1,497.49
O-4.....................................................        1,587.25
O-5.....................................................        1,746.72
O-6.....................................................        1,969.56
O-7.....................................................        2,125.84
O-8.....................................................        2,334.95
O-9.....................................................        2,497.58
O-10....................................................        2,739.41
O-10(c).................................................        2,940.07
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Surviving spouse of Aviation Cadet or other service not covered by
  this table is paid the DIC rate for enlisted E-3.
(b) Veteran who served as Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps,
  Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air
  Force, or Commandant of the Marine Corps, or as Commandant of the
  Coast Guard.
(c) Veteran served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of
  Staff of the Army or Air Force, Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant
  of the Marine Corps, or as Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(d) If surviving spouse entitled to aid and attendance, add $317.87; if
  entitled to housebound, add $148.91.
(e) Add $317.87 for each child under 18.
(f) Add $272.46 if Veteran rated totally disabled for 8 continuous years
  prior to death, and surviving spouse was married to Veteran those same
  8 years.
(g) Base rate is $1,555.57 if Veteran was rated totally disabled 8
  continuous years prior to death, and surviving spouse was married to
  Veteran those same 8 years.

DIC Payable to Children

Surviving Spouse Entitled
    For each child over the age of 18 who is attending an approved 
course of education, the rate is $269.30.
    For each child over the age of 18 who is helpless, the rate is 
$541.76.
No Surviving Spouse Entitled

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Each
                 Number of children                     Total    child's
                                                       payable    share
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................................   $541.76   $541.76
2...................................................    779.37    389.69
3...................................................  1,016.99    399.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For each additional child, add $193.27 to the total payable.
    For each additional helpless child over 18, add $317.87 to the 
total payable.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. 
Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
approved this document on December 14, 2017, for publication.

    Dated: December 14, 2017.
Jeffrey Martin,
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, 
Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2017-27991 Filed 12-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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