“Dependent”, as used in this chapter, means a blood relation or the spouse of a Connecticut soldier, sailor or marine who, at the time of the calling of such soldier, sailor or marine into active military or naval service, is actually and solely dependent upon such soldier, sailor or marine for support and maintenance. “Separation allowance” means a sum of money to be paid to the dependent or dependents of a soldier, sailor or marine whenever he or she is taken from his or her regular employment by which he or she earns his or her livelihood and supports those dependent upon him or her and is placed in active military or naval service either by the state or by the United States.