United States Department
of Veterans Affairs
Restored Entitlement
Program for Survivors
Authority: The Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) is authorized by Section 156 of Public Law 97-377 and restores certain Social Security benefits that were terminated or phased out under amendments to the Social Security Act in 1981.
Eligibility: Certain surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans who died on active duty before August 13, 1981, or who died of a service-connected condition incurred before August 13, 1981, have potential eligibility to REPS benefits.
Payments: REPS benefits are payable from the "date of first eligibility" whenever the claim is received by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). The month of "first eligibility" for REPS will vary. For a surviving spouse claimant, it is generally the month the youngest child in custody turns age 16. For a child claimant, it begins with the month full-time enrollment in post-secondary education
Cost of Living Adjustments: Cost of living adjustments (COLAs) are computed from information in the veteran's Social Security record as of August 1981 or the date of the veteran's death (if the veteran died after August 1981). The COLA percentages for surviving spouse beneficiaries are the same as those approved for USDVA Dependence and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). COLA percentages for child beneficiaries are the same as those approved for USDVA Dependents Education Assistance Benefits (Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code). The percentages are not based on the Social Security COLA. Therefore, the amount restored by REPS will not necessarily equal the amount one would have received from Social Security.
Benefit Checks: REPS benefit checks are issued on the first of the month and represent the amount due for the preceding month. REPS payments are identified as "VA REP BEN" on the check. If no longer entitled to REPS benefits, the benefit checks should be returned. Any REPS overpayments must be repaid and are subject to collection including from, but not limited to, other USDVA benefits.
Reporting Requirements: Factors that might affect entitlement to REPS benefits are detailed in the linked pages below. Notice of any changes that affects REPS entitlement must be promptly reported to:
Restored
Entitlement Program for Survivors
Regional Office (331/21Q)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
400 South 18th Street Saint Louis, Missouri 63103-2271
314.589.9803
Telefacsimile: 314.589.9703
For additional information:
Surviving Children Beneficiary Information
Surviving Spouse Beneficiary Information
Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors Fact Sheet (VA Form 21-0536) dated January 1995