Thoughhard toprove (nationalfigures are not available), anecdotal evidence suggests that the familygrant can be worth lessthan the former array ofbenefits.
Small nonprofits and community organizations that receive federal grants will tell you that the paperwork and scrutiny that comes with even the most modest federal award is often so exhaustive as to nullify the benefitsof the grant.
The government recently abolished VAT on such repairs, but the Church believes a 50% grant towards them would be justified, because of the benefits church buildings bring to the community.
Mr Panetta said that while the remaining benefits are blocked by a federal law that does not recognise same-sex marriage, he foresaw a time "when the law will allow the department to grant full benefits to service members and their dependents, irrespective of sexual orientation".