A national study by Associated Press shows that the government is paying benefits to veteran's survivors from as far back as the 1800's.
Some say the government needs to take a closer look at who's getting the money, and some folks are suggesting that it's time to change the system.
The issue of who's receiving what benefits is complex, but it has some people questioning whether some of the money could be better used toward our national debt.
According to the Associated Press, more than 40 billion dollars a year goes to veterans and survivors of wars from the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century.
For many returning soldiers, and the families of those who give their lives, there is a justifiable need for the money.
But some question the need for the 20 million taxpayer dollars that go to veterans and families of World War I each year.
The AP cited former government officials calling for testing to determine a beneficiary's financial need, to decide if an individual receives a monthly government check.
We reached out to the Regional Veterans Affairs office, as well as the County Veterans Affairs office, and neither was available to comment.
We will keep working to follow up on this story, and explore the likelihood of benefit changes in the future, and tell you how it would affect local vets here in Erie.
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