Soldiers' survivors rip benefit delays

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-vets08.html

Last October, the state trumpeted a new soldiers' death benefit that awards the largest amount of any state -- $268,000 -- to families of Illinois soldiers who died in the war on terror.

But eight months later, only three families have been paid, frustrating grieving families and prompting embarrassed politicians to pledge changes in the fledgling system.

Although 81 families have filed a claim to receive the death benefit, their cases must snake through a process so bureaucratic it involves at least five different state agencies, including the Illinois Court of Claims, which meets just once a month.

'Tell me "yes" or "no" '

One war widow calls the state's claim process "bizarre" and says she is tired of the delay and the lack of information given to families about why it takes so long to get the money.

[billyoc]

1. Why do these widows hate america? n/t