(a) As used in this section, “eligible member or veteran” means a member or former member of the Connecticut National Guard who (1) is or was called to active service on or after September 11, 2001, (2) is or was in such active service for at least ninety consecutive days, and (3) if discharged, is or was honorably discharged or discharged for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

(b) (1) On and after July 1, 2005, the Adjutant General shall pay each eligible member or veteran the amount of fifty dollars for each month or major part thereof of active service by such eligible member or veteran on or after September 11, 2001. On and before June 30, 2007, the maximum payment to any eligible member or veteran shall not exceed five hundred dollars.

(2) On and after July 1, 2007, the maximum payment to any eligible member or veteran under this subsection shall not exceed five hundred dollars, except that such maximum payment shall not exceed one thousand two hundred dollars if, during such active service, such eligible member or veteran is or was deployed to an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States.

(3) No payment shall be made under this subsection to any eligible member or veteran who makes application for such payment later than three years after the date of the cessation of such operations in which such member or veteran served.

(c) The Adjutant General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall include procedures for verification of eligibility of an eligible member or veteran and for the application for and payment of the amounts specified in this section.