Are Merchant Marines Eligible for Service Benefits?

Merchant Marines travel international seas in the course of their service.

The Merchant Marine is the convoy of ships that transports troops, supplies and goods to the armed services during wartime. During peacetime, it imports and exports goods between countries. Its members' service benefits are limited.

World War II Veterans

Although Merchant Marines were a necessary naval auxiliary force during World War II, they were exempt from service benefits. Several World War II Merchant Marine veterans sued the Secretary of the Air Force for benefits in 1987 and, in 1998, mariners who served during World War II were granted veteran status, according to USMM.org.

Subsequent Veterans Benefits

Merchant Marines who served in hostile conditions during the Gulf, Vietnam and Korean wars did not have veteran status as of 2010. The only benefit offered them is a free U.S. flag and grave marker to the families of mariners who died while supporting armed forces during wartime or in times of national emergency.

Benefit Outlook

As of 2010, only Merchant Marines who were active between Dec. 7, 1941, and Aug. 15, 1945, and Civil Service personnel who serve on seagoing vessels of the Naval Transportation Service and U.S. Army Transport Service were acknowledged as veterans eligible for benefits.

References

• Veterans Benefits Administration: Are Merchant Marines Eligible for Service Benefits?
• United States Merchant Marines: Are Merchant Marines Eligible for Service Benefits?