Title Info: Veterans Affairs, Department of, Korean War Era Veterans Bonus Claims, 1955-1960

These records include a card file index to claims submitted by Korean War veterans to the Washington State Auditor for compensation between 1955 and 1960.

Each 5 x 8 inch card represents a claim filed by a Korean War veteran. These cards typically show the veteran’s full name, serial number, claim number, date and location of birth, service dates, branch of service, address at the time of claim, date and amount of payment, and cause of rejection for rejected claims.

In 1955, the State of Washington passed the Korean Veterans’ Bonus Law. Under this law, every Washington State resident “who was on active federal service as a member of the armed military or naval forces of the United States between the 27th day of June, 1950, and the 26th day of July, 1953” was eligible for a bonus payment according to the length of time and location served. These claims were filed with the Washington State Auditor and remained with that agency until 1976, when the Washington State Department of Veterans' Affairs was established and took over the claims.