Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-08-25
DC. Veterans GeHinq
Self-EmpIoyment Aid
Show Sharp Increase
By George Beverage

A sharply increasing number
of District veterans operating a
variety of businesses are receiv-
ing free grants from the Govern
ment during low-income months,
a check showed today.
So far this year, they have re-
ceived over 1000 more checks than
were issued during all of 1915 for
seif-employment allowances.
The allowances, authorized in the
CT Bill of Rights along with unem-
ployment compensation pay, are
designed to help veterans get
started in business for themselves.
S1O0 Monthly Guaranteed.
II they earn less than $100 in
any month, the former servicemen
are eligible for payment of the
difference between what they actu-
ally earn and 500. Participation is
limited to 10 and two-fifths months,
or the time it would take, drawing
full payments each month, to get
the maximum of 81 ,040.
Businesses of the 454 Washington
veterans who have drawn benefits so
far range from architects and engi-
neers TO sandwich counter operators.
During one recent month, 16 vet
Grams received payments as writer's
novelists end magazine, and other
free-lance writers-whose rejection
slips had mounted higher than their
incomes.
All that Is necessary for them to
qualify is to present proof that they
have been working at their business
to the District Unemployment Com
pensation Board, which administers
the benefit.
Farmers Draw Bulk Of Allowance.
Veterans Administration figures
show that over the Nation 80 per
cent of the grants are made to
veterans who operate stheir own
farms. Heaviest applications come
from the Southeastern and South
Central States.
c. A. Wharton, director Of the
District board, said two veterans in
June received aid as operators OF
livestock and poultry farms. That
was about the closest Washington
has come to farm participation.
Professional men and women &C
count for the majority of District
claims, high percentage of them
lawyers. Mr.. Wharton said recent
applications have indicated trend
by veterans to- 60 into photography
here. Photographers are grouped
along with such service industries"
as cleaning and valet shops to form
the second largest group.
Other occupations listed and COL
lected for during recent month
included five veterans in contract
construction work, IS In manufac-
turing, IS In trucking and ware
housing and two in export and i'm
port businesses. Seven listed finance.
real estate and insurance businesses,
and IS others had slack months in
retail trades, including several who
had opened sandwich and soft drink
stands.
Prize Fighter Could Draw.
Asked whether prize fighter
would be eligible for the grant, Mr..
Wharton said none had applied,
but that If one did, he probably
would be ruled unemployed" rather
than self-employed.
Veterans Administration officials,
however, said boxer without an
income who was in training for
fight probably could win an appeal
for the 500 monthly payment. 1t
would make no difference, they
added, If he had made $4,000 in a
fight the month before.
So far this year, Mr.. Wharton's
office has sent out 1881 checks for
s124,359. During last year, only Ali
checks were issued, for total of
s38,S88. Fifty-one have remained on
the rolls until they have received
all the benefits for which they were
eligible. t
Mr.. Wharton said the average
self-employed applicant here has
stayed on the rolls about Is weeks.
Veterans Administration figures
show, however, that the average
payment during the first half of
this year in the District was $93.60-
close to the 500 maximum.