---
title: "Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/xii.ii.2.a-special-allowance-under-38-u-s-c-1312-a"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000175223/M21-1-Part-XII-Subpart-ii-Chapter-2-Section-A-Special-Allowance-Under-38-USC-1312a"
updated: "2026-09-07T14:38:06.780897Z"
---

November 16, 2004  

### XII.ii.2.A.1.a. Description of the Special Allowance

The special allowance under [38 U.S.C. 1312(a)](<http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/38/1312.html>) is a gratuitous benefit to the surviving dependents of a member of a uniformed service who was not a fully and currently insured individual under Title II of the Social Security Act who died on or after January 1, 1957 per [38 CFR 3.804](<https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=248499a92e578d26aaab8b06a3027ce4&mc=true&node=se38.1.3_1804&rgn=div8>), either 

  * while on active duty or active or inactive duty for training, or 
  * after separation as the result of a service-connected disability incurred after September 15, 1940.

### XII.ii.2.A.1.b. Who Can Be Paid the Special Allowance

The special allowance is paid **_only_** to the persons as designated by and at the rates and for the periods certified by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  

### XII.ii.2.A.1.c. Who Cannot Be Paid the Special Allowance

The special allowance cannot be paid based on 

  * entitlement to compensation under
    * [38 U.S.C. 1151](<http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/38/1151.html>), and 
    * [38 U.S.C. 1160](<http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/38/1160.html>), or
  * Philippine service under [38 CFR 3.804(b)(2)](<https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=248499a92e578d26aaab8b06a3027ce4&mc=true&node=se38.1.3_1804&rgn=div8>).

## 2. Jurisdiction for Payment of the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)

This topic contains information on the jurisdiction for payment of the special allowance under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a), including

  * jurisdiction of special allowance claims, and 
  * transfer of folders to the Philadelphia Pension Management Center (PMC).

August 14, 2014  

### XII.ii.2.A.2.a. Jurisdiction of Special Allowance Claims

The Philadelphia Pension Management Center (PMC) has the sole authority to make awards and payments of the special allowance under [38 U.S.C 1312(a)](<http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1312>).   Development of special allowance claims is the responsibility of the regional office (RO) with original jurisdiction.  **References:** For more information on

  * development of entitlement for the special allowance, see [M21-1, Part XII, Subpart ii, 2.C](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000175225/M21-1-Part-XII-Subpart-ii-Chapter-2-Section-C-Development-of-Claims-for-the-Special-Allowance-Under-38-USC-1312a>), and 
  * subsequent transfer of folders to the Philadelphia PMC, see M21-1, Part XII, Subpart ii, 2.A.2.b.

### XII.ii.2.A.2.b. Transfer of Folders to the Philadelphia PMC

When the SSA furnishes _SSA Form 101_ , _Determination of Award_ , _SSA Form 101C_ , _Determination of Award_ , or _SSA Form 101U3_ , _Determination of Award_ to the RO to authorize payment 

  * take necessary adjudicative action on any other claim pending in the case, and 
  * once adjudicative action is completed, permanently transfer the deceased Veteran’s claims folder to the Philadelphia PMC for payment of the special allowance under [38 U.S.C 1312(a)](<http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1312>).

## 3. Answering Inquiries From Claimants

This topic contains information on answering inquiries from claimants, including information on 

  * inquiries answered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and 
  * referring inquiries to the SSA.

November 16, 2004  

### XII.ii.2.A.3.a. Inquiries Answered by VA

After the approval of an award, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) answers inquiries relating to 

  * when the initial payment will be made 
  * the nonreceipt of a check 
  * the change of address of the payee, and 
  * the change of fiduciary. 

**Note:** Include the Social Security number on any correspondence sent to a payee.  Send a copy of the letter to the servicing SSA Program Service Center (PSC).  

### XII.ii.2.A.3.b. Referring Inquiries to the SSA

Refer all inquiries pertaining to matters other than those listed in M21-1, Part XII, Subpart ii, 2.A.3.a to the servicing SSA PSC, using a locally-generated letter, and inform the claimant of the referral.  **Note:** This includes inquiries concerning the amount of payment and termination of payments.