How do I find out the status of my grandmothers surviving widow benefits?

Presuming you are seeking VA Improved Pension with or without Aid and Attendance:

1. To discuss a claimant's case the VA must have a VA Form 21-0845 - "Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to A Third Party" signed by the applicant or Power of Attorney on file: www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0845-ARE.pdf

2. To be designated as "Claims Representative" for another the VA must have on file VA Form 21-22a "Appointment of Claims Representative" signed by the claimant or Power of Attorney: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-22A-ARE.pdf

3. If Power of Attorney is signing include copy of the POA.

4. The above can be mailed to the VA Pension Management Center that covers your state: http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/resources-contact.asp

5. To obtain status on the application you may call 800-827-1000 or the toll free number for the Pension Management Center associated with your state.

6. The VA will consider the first application received unless there is a period of a year separating the two.

These are benefits for what program? If it were me I would call them and ask.

Do you mean Social Security benefits or V.A. or a private pension? Does either of the people who submitted the application have financial power of attorney? Of the other person has financial power of attorney they are authorized to cash or deposit the check for your grandmother, I believe. Listen to cwillie and phone the source of the benefits.

Are you Power of Attorney? You will have a difficult time getting information if you are not her Power of Attorney.

From the look of your question, you are referring to Surviving Spouse benefits from the VA which is a death pension from your late grandfather. You can call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and follow the recorded instructions to get the status of the two applications. Make sure you have the VA file number, as well as your grandfathers' SS# and DOB.

Just to add, keep in mind that anything that has to do with the Government takes forever, especially if it has to do with money. We have been waiting nearly six months to hear anything regarding an amended tax return we sent in. But it's an excellent idea to call and keep calling if you have to and speak with a live person if you can. I found out our issues with the return were lost in space after spending 45 minutes waiting on the phone.. I am still not convinced anything is being done. Be determined and polite but firm until you get a definitive answer!

The application must be signed by the surviving spouse/or veteran, and there are various requirements, Seems doubtful either person submitted a request that will yield results. If you are in Georgia check my profile and contact me... if you wish

#1 Find out the name if company
#2 Look online to find out the status