Forgotten Widows

The "Forgotten Widows" are a group of women who were barred from receiving any compensation after the death of their United States Military spouses. As a result of the Survivor Benefit Plan being passed in the late 1970s, spouses of servicemembers who died before the act was put into effect were cut off from receiving any aid from the military.

The Department of Defense has repealed certain statutes barring the Forgotten Widows, a vocal minority in recent years, from receiving compensation. In 2001, the DoD allowed widows of servicemembers who retired from active service before September 21, 1972 and died before March 21, 1974 to receive a monthly stipend, on the condition that the widow has not remarried. Any spouses of armed forces reserve members who died before October 1, 1978 are also eligible.

The number of Forgotten Widows still alive is estimated to be in the thousands. Nearly 800 widows applied for compensation upon the relaxing of the Benefit Plan rules in 2001, with 550 applications approved.

Famous quotes containing the words forgotten and/or widows:

    “You are old, Father William,” the young man cried,
    “And life must be hastening away;
    You are cheerful, and love to converse upon death:
    Now tell me the reason, I pray.”

    “I am cheerful, young man,” Father William replied;
    “Let the cause thy attention engage;
    In the days of my youth I remembered my God,
    And He hath not forgotten my age.”
    Robert Southey (1774–1843)

    Every third year you shall bring out the full tithe of your produce for that year, and store it within your towns; the Levites, because they have no allotment or inheritance with you, as well as the resident aliens, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, may come and eat their fill so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work that you undertake.
    Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 14:28,29.