Frequently Asked Questions

Questions not answered below may be directed to info@goldstarwives.org .

What is Gold Star Wives of America?

Gold Star Wives is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization. The Charter was granted because GSW is unique in that it is the only service organization capable of providing services to the active duty and service connected military widow. To qualify for membership your spouse must have died while serving on active duty while serving in the uniformed services, or from their service connected disability as a result of that service.

What is the cost of Membership Dues?

Membership dues are $25 per year. The dues year begins January 1 through December 31. New members paying dues after July 1 receive the remainder of the calendar year plus the entire following year membership under their first $25 payment.

Who is eligible for membership?

Membership is extended to anyone whose spouse died while serving on active duty, or of a service - connected disability. Remarriage does not bar membership.

When are the National Newsletters mailed?

There are 4 newsletters a year, mailed the first week of December, March, June, and September. They are mailed at non-profit bulk rates, which means that it could take up to 3 weeks to be delivered.

How do I obtain a WWII-type service flag?

A banner with one gold star is available at $6.95 + tax (in some states) + shipping from American Legion Emblem Sales, 1-888-453-4466, M-F 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern time.

How do I reach CHAMPVA, TRICARE, Medical Matrix, or Meds by Mail to have questions answered?

Champva is available for survivors of service connected disability, or for a spouse who originally qualified for Tricare (Champus) has remarried and then been reinstated. (You cannot go back to Tricare) Champva is also available for those who have remarried and were at least age 55 when they remarried. Tricare is available for active duty spouses who have never remarried.

Champva - questions: 1-800-733-8387; information 1-888-289-2411; or EMAIL - hac.inq@med.va.gov

Tricare - questions: 1-800-538-9552

Medical Matrix - questions: 1-800-880-1377

Meds by Mail - questions: 1-888-385-0235

Is my DIC payment affected when I receive Social Security?
DIC stands for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, which is awarded to spouses of active duty, or service connected surviving spouses. There is NO SOCIAL SECURITY OFFSET for DIC.

What is SBP?

SBP is Survivor Benefit Plan. This usually only affects retirees and is a plan paid into by the retiree so her/his spouse will have benefits after the retiree dies. In cases where the retiree becomes disabled and it is ruled service connected. If death is caused by the service-connected cause, the surviving spouse would be entitled to DIC. The SBP is offset by the amount of DIC received. DIC is non-taxable and SBP is.

What does COLA mean?

COLA = Cost of Living Adjustment. For 2005 it will be a 2.7% increase.

How do I contact Veterans Affairs to answer my questions?

You may dial 1-800-827-1000 and this will automatically connect you to your VA Regional Office.

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a nonprofit national military widows service organization chartered by the United States Congress.