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South Dakota vets may be eligible for bonuses

If you’ve called South Dakota home, you may have some money coming to you.

The state is paying a veterans’ bonus of up to $500 to certain service members based on monthly service during qualifying dates.

Bonuses are available to service members who were legal residents of the state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into the armed forces; are currently on active duty or were honorably discharged from the armed forces; served on active duty during one of the following periods:

* Aug. 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991 — All active service counts for payment.

* March 4, 1991, to Dec. 31, 1992 — Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment.

* Jan. 1, 1993, to Sept. 10, 2001 — Only service in a hostile area qualifying for any U.S. campaign or service medal awarded for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment.

* Sept. 11, 2001, to a date to be determined — All active service counts for payment.

Veterans with qualifying service before Dec. 31, 1992 and after Jan. 1, 1993 may receive two separate bonuses of up to $500 each.

Application forms may be obtained by writing to: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or by calling 605-773-7251. Forms can also be requested by e-mail by writing to john.fette@state.sd.us. Writers should include their service branch and dates of service, street or post office box number, city, state and zip code. South Dakota residents can apply through the nearest county or tribal veterans service officer.