Veterans Benefits in American Samoa

Note: CRITICAL ELIGIBILITY LIMIT: A.S.C.A. 7.0202(b) defines preference eligible as a US national of American Samoan ANCESTRY who is a veteran, a disabled veteran, or the unmarried widow of a veteran, so the 5-point tier is restricted by ancestry. Veteran requires at least 180 consecutive days of active duty other than training, separated under honorable conditions. Disabled veteran requires a present service-connected disability or receipt of VA compensation, with NO minimum percentage. A drafting asymmetry leaves the 10-point tier apparently not ancestry-restricted while the 5-point tier is; confirm with ASG HR. If an appointing authority passes over a preference eligible it must file written reasons the Director reviews and can overrule.

Note: A.S.C.A. 7.0208. This applies ONLY to people who already held an ASG career service position before being ordered to duty; it is not an open hiring benefit. The 120-day clock runs from release from duty, and release must be under honorable conditions. This is a territory-law analogue to federal USERRA rights, which may also independently apply. A related provision, A.S.C.A. 7.0209, entitles a preference eligible separated without misconduct to have their name placed back on the register for every position they are qualified for, on request.

Note: PRIMARILY FEDERAL-CLAIMS ASSISTANCE. The office was created by Fono Mandate in 1999 and does not itself pay any territory-funded cash benefit; nearly everything it delivers is help obtaining FEDERAL VA benefits. Since February 2022 it has been the territory lead on veteran suicide prevention under the Governor's Challenge. Start by completing the Veterans Registration Form on the Forms page. P.O. Box 2586, Pago Pago, AS 96799; (684) 699-2910. Its own Programs page currently renders no available programs, so no territory-funded program list exists.

Note: One of the few tangible territory-provided services for American Samoa veterans, and it matters disproportionately where residential broadband is limited: the telehealth cameras are the practical route to VA video appointments without leaving the island. No eligibility screen, disability rating or discharge standard is published. Walk-in service, no online application; (684) 699-2910. Hours are not published and current staffing is UNCONFIRMED.