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Grandparents raising the children of soldiers

by Elizabeth on April 26th, 2007

Research has shown us that there are many grandparents, who, for whatever reason, are raising young grandchildren. Though it can be rewarding, this scenario can also be very stressful, particularly financially.

There are many grandparents caring for the children of deployed soldiers, but, if the unthinkable happened, and, the parent is killed in action, did you know that the grandparents (or other caregivers) raising these children of United States soldiers are not eligible for the death benefits that would be provided a spouse?

The Washington Post did a series a while back about these “Forgotten Families“, and, it is apparent that the death benefit should be extended to caregivers other than spouses where appropriate.

Rep. Thomas Latham - R- Iowa proposed a bill to provide additional options regarding the designation of the person o receive the death gratuity paid with respect to a member of the Armed Forces who dies without a surviving spouse, but who is survived by a minor child.

No matter what your feelings on the war are, this problem of supporting a sandwich generation without a “middle” is bound to grow. I hope something good comes of this for our seniors and children alike.

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POSTED IN: Children