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Illinois Line-of-Duty Benefits Payment Backlog Dwindling
The backlog of claims filed for death benefits for families of National Guard members in Illinois is getting lighter.

A state law established in 2003 gave the same benefits to survivors of guard members and reservists killed in the line of duty that survivors of police and firefighters get, which is around $300,000.

Captain Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, says the state's backlog of claims has fallen from more than 70 last December to around 40 claims now.

"Since I started working that was one of the first things that Governor (Pat) Quinn talked to me about and it's been a priority. It will stay a priority. I don't think it's fixed until every claim and every benefit is processed in a timely manner."

Grant says he's working with the Illinois Court of Claims to untangle the technicalities that have prevented payments.

Quinn says the backlog has been eased because of pressure that's been put on the Court of Claims, which determines who receives death benefits and how funds are divided among beneficiaries.

Lawmakers have enacted or proposed legislation to speed up the process. The Illinois House recently heard a bill that would require payments be made immediately to any claimant whose status as a beneficiary is not in dispute.

State Representative Don Moffitt is listed as a co-sponsor of the bill.
03 15 09 by Newsroom
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