News (80)
Social Security Payroll Tax Deferral
Written by Public Affairs Officer
UPDATE: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was passed and extended the period for collecting deferred 2020 Social Security taxes. The period for collection is now January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (instead of January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021).
At the end of December, the 2020 Social Security tax deferral will end. Beginning January 2021, the normal 6.2% Social Security tax withholdings will again be deducted from pay for military members and civilians, and an additional deduction for the deferred 2020 Social Security tax collection taken from pay.
Per IRS guidance (as modified by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021), the Social Security taxes deferred in 2020 will be collected from pay between January 1 and December 31, 2021.
Military Members -
For active duty military members, the 2020 deferred Social Security taxes will be collected in 24 installments, from your mid-month and end-of-month pay between January 1 and December 30, 2021.
For reservists and guardsmen performing intermittent duty in 2021, the amount collected may not be the same every pay period. DFAS will collect 2% of net available from each weekly, mid-month and end-of-month pay, and will continue until the deferred taxes have been repaid in full.
Beginning in January 2021, your myPay LES will reflect the monthly collection amount and contain a note in the remarks section that shows the remaining balance of deferred Social Security taxes.
Civilian Employees –
The amount of Social Security taxes deferred in 2020 will be collected in 24 installments between pay-periods ending January 16 and December 4, 2021.
Beginning in January 2021, your myPay LES Remarks section will include the 2020 deferred OASDI collection amount in that pay period, as well as the remaining balance to be collected.
If you separate or retire prior to the deferred Social Security tax being collected in full the unpaid balance will either be collected from your final pay or you may receive a debt letter with instructions for repayment.
Background
Pursuant to IRS Notice 2020-65 and at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management, Social Security (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) or “OASDI” tax withholdings were temporarily deferred from September through December 2020 and will be collected from wages paid between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, for employees who had wages subject to OASDI of less than $4,000 in any given pay period. These actions were in response to the Presidential Memorandum issued on August 8, 2020.
Still have questions? See the Military and Civilian FAQs for more information.
January series to honor the Desert Storm Veterans 30th anniversary
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Today the VARC is sharing a January series to honor the Desert Storm Veterans 30th anniversary. The series will highlight experiences from all military branches and leadership, will cover VA research, Registry exams and environmental exposures, and will share how this war ‘forever changed the US military’.
Please see the description and links below.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/
In January 1991, members from all five military branches joined a coalition to push out Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm.
During January 2021, VA will profile these Veterans in a series of stories for Desert Storm’s 30th anniversary.
More than 2.2 million U.S. service members served during the era and an estimated 694,550 deployed to the Gulf. An estimated 1.68 million Veterans from that era are still alive.
During January, these stories will feature Veteran experiences from a wide range of perspectives. Army and Marine Veterans tell about battles on the ground. Air Force Veterans share about their experiences in the air. Navy and Coast Guard Veterans tell about their experiences at sea. These stories will include print and video stories. The coverage starts Jan. 1.
Veterans will also provide their perspective on the legacy of Operation Desert Storm. From the first war covered on cable news to a joint service campaign that overwhelmed the opposition, Veterans will share how the war forever changed the U.S. military. The coverage will include both individual stories and overall pieces, including an interview with Army Veteran Colin Powell, who served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Desert Storm.
Veterans can also learn about VA research and VA’s Gulf War Registry Health Exam. This program alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to environmental exposures during their military service.
Veterans told these stories over the past several months. A team of VA story tellers interviewed Veterans starting in May 2020.
Where to view
People can view content at a special Desert Storm website at https://www.blogs.va.gov/
Content is always available on the following social media channels.
· Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/
· Twitter feed is at https://twitter.com/
· YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/user/
· Instagram is at https://www.instagram.com/
Marsha Turner, MSEd
Managing Director / Alternate Designated Federal Officer
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses
Health Services Research & Development
Durham VA Health Care System
508 Fulton Street (152) | Durham, NC 27705
P: 919-945-6462 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A new year to support Marines and FMF Corpsmen and FMF Chaplains
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Okay, Marines. Listen up. This is a new year, but it is no different than any other year in supporting your fellow Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains. Be there for someone and you will make a difference.
We each stood on the yellow footprints, coming from all backgrounds and belief systems. We were all different (we still are different!), but we stood for a common goal. That is what makes Marines. Standing and supporting each other.
Let 2021 be the year that you make a difference. Join a Marine Corps League detachment. Donate to the League. Recruit others to join. Connect the community to your local detachment. Reach out and make a difference. I promise that not only will you not regret it, but you will wonder why you did not make this effort years earlier.
The Marine Corps League’s door is open to you, regardless of MOS, rank, or time or place of service. The Marine Corps League is here for you, so you can be here for others.
Happy New Year Marines. Do good.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today, the New Orleans and Bedford, Massachusetts VA Medical Centers are the first two department facilities to begin administration of COVID-19 vaccinations to frontline health care employees and Veterans residing in long-term care Community Living and Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder centers.
See here for a photo of the first VA patient to receive the vaccine.
Both facilities are part of the initial group of 37 VA medical centers across the country that began receiving and administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine this week.
The sites were chosen for their ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.
COVID-19 vaccine implementation will include an initial limited-supply phase followed by a general implementation phase, when large supplies of the vaccine become available.
“Ultimately, the department’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all Veterans receiving care at VA,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “As increased vaccine supply is obtained, VA plans to distribute these vaccines at additional facilities to provide the vaccine to more Veterans and employees.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in clinical trials the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. The vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, 21 days apart. The side effects appear similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived.
VA will report directly to the CDC data on all vaccine doses administered by VA. The department will also provide general, public updates on the number of people who receive the vaccination at these sites, similar to how VA posts COVID-19 testing figures.
Veterans seeking additional information may sign up to get updated information through VA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Keep Me Informed tool, visit the VA Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs webpage, contact their care team or visit their facility website.
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For VA’s news releases
For Veterans: Coronavirus FAQs page
Further information: VA's public health response.
files/20-190_VA_begins_COVID-19_vaccinations_14DEC2020_FINAL.pdf
VA Colmery Act IT implementation complete
Written by Public Affairs Officer
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Office of Information and Technology (OIT) successfully completed all Information Technology (IT) updates to process education benefits for Veterans.
Since 2018, VA has ensured Veterans realized the impact of these provisions — including restoration of entitlement, removal of the delimiting date to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and full benefits to eligible Purple Heart recipients — while implementing these changes within its IT systems.
The implementation of the Colmery Act has been a joint undertaking with VBA, OIT, MITRE Corporation and Accenture Federal Services. Working together as an integrated unit, the team delivered comprehensive software development, integration, testing, communications and training to meet immediate needs.
The “go-live” of Colmery Act IT updates ultimately changes the way VBA interfaces with Veterans. The integrated solution allows VA to better serve Veterans in pursuit of their education and career goals through improved processing times, rapid response to legislation and fewer manual work arounds.
The team utilized an innovative Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to collaborate across multiple systems and VA offices, resulting in improved engagement, quality and efficiency. Despite transitioning to a virtual work environment in March, the team adapted quickly and continued to meet the mission leveraging the SAFe approach.
The following updates represent important benefits changes for GI Bill® students, as the Colmery Act expands opportunities under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
· Removed the expiration of benefits for those who served on or after Jan.1, 2013.
· Changed the way Post-9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance is calculated.
· Expanded Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility to include Purple Heart recipients.
· Established the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship and improved the attendance verification process for scholarship recipients.
· Proration of the entitlement charge for licensing, certifications, and national exams.
To communicate these important changes and provide updates throughout the implementation process, VA conducted extensive communication, outreach campaigns and gathered feedback. This included channels such as email, toolkits and focus groups, as well as grassroots efforts such as social media campaigns reaching more than 910,000 stakeholders, and a nine-state, 24-stop nationwide School Tour.
For more information on the bill visit VBA benefits.
For VA’s news releases
For Veterans: Coronavirus FAQs page
Further information: VA's public health response.
M4L Warriors Connected Fall 2020 Newsletter
Written by Public Affairs Officer
News Releases
VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers begins expanding eligibility to Veterans of earlier eras - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today implementation of a new information technology (IT) system marking the official launch of the first phase of expansion of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) to caregivers of eligible Veterans of earlier eras. (10/1/20)
VA launches White Ribbon VA campaign to promote healthy relationships during Domestic Violence Awareness Month - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched White Ribbon VA, a month-long national call to action to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (10/1/20)
VA awards adaptive sports grants for Veterans - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it will award nearly $15 million to 119 national, regional and community programs, headquartered in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (9/30/20)
VA wins presidential award for its in-house innovations improving health care services for Veterans - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it received the highest level of distinction within the Gears of Government President’s Award program for three innovations that have greatly improved services for Veterans at VA hospitals across the country. (9/30/20)
For more of VA’s news releases
For Veterans: Coronavirus FAQs page
Further information: VA's public health response.
VA resumes in-person benefits services halted by the COVID-19 response
Written by Public Affairs Officer
VA resumes in-person benefits services halted by the COVID-19 response
WASHINGTON — The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the reestablishment of in-person benefits services in select locations throughout the country.
"During the last few months, VA regional offices continued performing our essential mission virtually — to provide benefits to Veterans and eligible family members," said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. "We have robust safety measures in place that will allow us to resume in-person services while protecting the health and safety of Veterans, their families and our team members who serve them."
ROs will continue adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines which includes the use of social distancing, face coverings, hand sanitizer and asking sick individuals to stay at home.
Veterans can continue to interact with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) virtually for accessing benefits information online or when filing a claim online. For claim-specific questions call 1-800-827-1000. To check the availability of an RO near you, visit VA benefits offices.
VBA’s return to normal, pre-COVID-19 public-facing operations align with White House guidelines for re-opening. Read more about our response to COVID-19.
October's meeting has been cancelled.
Disaster Resources Available to Veterans
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Disaster Resources Available to Veterans |
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“Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the natural disasters,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times.” Health Care AssistanceIf you have questions such as where to go for care or how to receive prescribed medications, VA has established a toll-free number for assistance in areas that have been impacted by disasters. Veterans or their families can call the VA Veterans Disaster Response line 24 hours, seven days a week at 1-800-507-4571. Debt ReliefIf you are affected by a natural disaster, have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact VA's Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to request assistance. If you have questions on Compensation or Pension benefits: Call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 Other Resources
Free Help for Homeless VeteransDial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless, displaced and at-risk Veterans Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends Visit https://www.va.gov/homeless/ California Specific Resources:
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Print out your VA Welcome Kit
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Free training for Veterans and spouses with NPower
Written by Public Affairs Officer
These days – for various reasons – we spend so much of our time on the internet. Now more than ever, we rely on the internet to catch up on news, shop, and even play virtual gaming.
Now, Veterans and their families can be a part of shaping the online experience with free, virtual training and certification in technology and digital skills, offered by NPower.
The U.S. is the world’s largest technology market. With the fastest growing economic sector and many job opportunities in these areas, there’s never been a better time to gain the skills for a more secure future. NPower’s free, virtual training and certifications are offered in tech fundamentals, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and coding.
Navy Veteran Anthony Shaw used NPower’s training and internship program to help lift himself from homelessness, and now is an IT Project Manager. “I absolutely love what I do, and am grateful for this opportunity [with NPower].”
What to expect
Veterans and their spouses simply apply online for any of these training courses. They can then speak to an NPower team member, attend a virtual information session to ask any questions, participate in a virtual interview, and start classes to launch their IT career.
After 16 weeks of intensive hands-on technical and soft-skills training, students are placed in a 7-week paid internship with top corporations and nonprofits for on-the-job experience. Veterans and spouses can also benefit from NPower’s mentoring, employment readiness workshops, and job placement assistance.
Army Veteran Raymond R. also took a chance on being all he could be and, after training and interning through NPower, is now an Infrastructure Delivery Manager with a large company. “I can honestly say that the reason I’m here is because of the training and mentorship I received from NPower.”
As a NPower alumni, Veterans can access a growing network in technology, as well as advanced programs, professional workshops, panel events, and can even give back to the community as a guest lecturer, mentor, or NPower ambassador.
Click here to apply and start your career in digital technology. Virtual classes start Sept. 8, 2020.
Commandant Dennis Tobin writes:
Marines, I have been trying to put together a video or a live feed to explain what has transpired over the last couple months regarding our convention, no luck so far with the video idea. I will keep trying. First I want to apologize for everyone for receiving word from the hotel before me. We were obligated to notify the hotel officially first, which we did yesterday morning, we did not expect them to hit the refund button right away. We expected some conversation before hand. Second, let me try to explain the process, we, the Board of Trustees tried to hold out as long as possible before decided Go/No Go. We held numerous video conferences and telecoms to review current conditions, restrictions and regulations. Yesterday we made the No Go decision and cancelled the 2020 Convention. The number 1 reason for the decision was the health and well being of all our members, especially those seasoned members 65 and over. We could not put members at risk, there are still too many unknowns, restrictions and regulations in place. We had to get our attorneys involved because there were financial issues involved. If not done properly the league could stand to lose a great deal of money. The integrity of the league is also at risk and the integrity of the Dept. of Florida and their convention people. So there has been a great deal to consider and its the National Boards responsibility to make sure all of these issues are addressed and dealt with properly. Had we failed in any area it falls directly on me as your National Commandant. So we moved slow and steady to accomplish our mission, the mission you the membership elected us to do. This is only the second time in our 100 years that a National Convention has been cancelled. The last time it happened was in 1932. Not bad. These have been some crazy and trying times for us all and this was the hardest decision this Board has had to make. So again I apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused. Enjoy the rest of you summer and please stay safe. Semper Fidelis,
Dennis Tobin National Commandant
Leatherneck Honor Guard anticipates return to active duty during the VA Phase 3, corresponds to Washington State Phase 4, in July/August 2020
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Implementation of Phases
The timeline for moving through the 3-Phase process will be dependent upon the ability to minimize and control exposure and infection levels and to maintain a constant decrease over time. NCA will meet all criteria and parameters in Department guidance, along with specific criteria outlined in this document.
Phase 1
Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans
• • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.
• • Cemeteries conduct direct interments of casketed and cremated remains.
• • Direct interments may be witnessed by immediate family upon request (limited to 10 or fewer witnesses).
• • Virtual memorialization options are made available for families.
• • Committal services and military honors remain suspended.
• • Ceremonies and other broadly attended events remain postponed.
Activities to Protect the Workforce
• • Allow employees in high risk populations and vulnerable individuals as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to continue telework.
• • Continue use of telework and consideration for rotations of a recommended percentage of staffing cohorts (e.g., 25%) for NCA Central Office (NCACO) based employees.
• • Cemetery team members will continue working at national cemetery sites, using team rotations as supported by workload and staggering shift schedules to support distancing in common areas (locker rooms, break rooms, etc.) and minimize equipment sharing.
• • Close common areas, to include Public Information Centers, Administrative Buildings.
• • Enforce strict physical distancing protocols at all facilities.
Phase 2
Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans
• • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.
• • Resume committal services and military honors with attendance limitations/at-risk population disposition in accordance with CDC-recommended guidelines.
• • Allow ceremonies and events where projected attendance/at risk populations disposition is within CDC-recommended guidelines
• • Schedule and conduct memorial services (in lieu of committal services) for all direct interments conducted as of 3/23/2020.
• • Schedule and conduct interments postponed by families due to COVID restrictions.
Activities to Protect the Workforce
• • Continue use of telework and consideration for rotations
• • Cemetery team members will continue working at national cemetery sites, using team rotations as supported by workload and staggering shift schedules to support distancing in common areas (locker rooms, break rooms, etc.) and minimize equipment sharing.
• • Open common areas, to include Public Information Centers, Administrative Buildings, with access restrictions ((e.g., limiting number of individuals entering at any one time) if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols. with attendance limitations/at-risk population disposition in accordance with CDC-recommended guidelines.
• • Enforce moderate physical distancing protocols at all facilities.
Phase 3
Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans
• • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.
• • Conduct committal services, military honors, and public ceremonies and events normally and consistent with best practices in social distancing.
• • Schedule and conduct memorial services (in lieu of committal services) for all direct interments conducted as of 3/23/2020.
• • Schedule and conduct interments postponed by families due to COVID restrictions.
Activities to Protect the Workforce
• • All employees will return to work sites in accordance with re-entry plans and resume normal schedules.
• • Reopen common areas provided they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.
• • Enforce limited physical distancing protocols at all facilities.
Leathernecks:
Please see the Tahoma National Cemetery message below. Second Saturday ceremonies scheduled for March and April, and the March 29th Vietnam Veterans event, are postponed.
Burials, which include military honors, which we perform at the committal service will continue under normal scheduling. Second Saturday ceremonies will resume on May 9th, which we have the assigned duty day.
Again, while events and ceremonies are being postponed, this has no impact on the Leatherneck Honor Guard scheduled duty days for March, April and May.
Bill Smiley, Tahoma Coordinator, will make his usual and customary phone notification on Monday, March 16th with the Third Tuesday, March 17th Duty Day schedule.
My prayers are with you and your families that you remain healthy and happy.
Larry Alcantara, Commander
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ALL,
The Coronavirus continues to impact more communities around the country and the world. Public health officials are warning the public, especially those that are sick or vulnerable based on age and/or a pre-existing health condition, to practice social distancing and avoid large group activities. To that end, we are postponing all events and ceremonies (excluding burial services) that are scheduled to occur at Tahoma between now and April 15, 2020. For Tahoma National Cemetery, this will include our 2d Saturday Honors Service for both March and April, as well as our planned Vietnam Veterans Ceremony on March 29th. At this time, we do not have a re-schedule date for the Vietnam Veterans Ceremony. We are hopeful that we can resume the 2d Saturday Honors Service in May on May 9th.
We truly appreciate all of your continued service to Tahoma National Cemetery and our Veteran community. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions.
v/r, JD
Jennifer Dehorty
Assistant Director
Tahoma National Cemetery
Fort Lawton Post Cemetery