U.S. Military Death Benefits Denied To Families Of Fallen Soldiers

A combination of pictures shows (L-R) Special Agent Joseph M. Peters, 24, 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, 25, Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24, and Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, 25, are pictured in this combination photo of undated handout photos released to Reuters on October 8, 2013. REUTERS/U.S. Army/Handout

Shutdown Slows Aid To Families Of U.S. Troops Killed In Afghanistan -- Reuters

(Reuters) - For the families of four U.S. soldiers killed by insurgents in Afghanistan on Sunday, the partial U.S. government shutdown will take a particularly personal toll.

The Pentagon says it is not allowed to pay these families a "death gratuity," as long as the shutdown continues. The same goes for the family of a Marine who died in Afghanistan on Saturday and any others who die during the budget impasse.

A legal review of a law meant to shield the military from the shutdown determined that, while the Pentagon can promptly pay salaries and other benefits, the $100,000 tax-free payment to families of fallen troops is not covered.

The payment usually comes within a couple of days of a service member's death, helping the family grapple with the immediate financial needs before other federal government benefits become available.

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More News On U.S. Military Death Benefits Being Denied To Families Of Fallen Soldiers

'Just disgusting': Outrage after shutdown delays payment for families of fallen -- NBC
Shutdown Delays Benefits to Families of War Dead -- Wall Street Journal
Shutdown outrage: Military death benefits denied to families of fallen troops -- Washington Times
US Military Won't Compensate Families For Dead Soldiers During Government Shutdown -- Business Insider
Mother of fallen soldier denied death benefits: 'I won't ever understand it' -- Today News
Outrage builds over lapse in funding for families of fallen heroes -- CNN
Military death benefits suspended amid shutdown -- MSNBC
The Worst Consequence of the Government Shutdown -- Jim Geraghty, NPR

My Comment: The Pentagon and the Commander in Chief have the authority to make an exception to this even with the government shutdown .... if they are smart they should correct this immediately.