Veterans & Families May Be Due

VA Benefits Even If Problem

Was Not Service-Related

By Russell E. Haddleton

As more and more Americans have been called upon to serve on active duty with the military in recent years, the question of veteran's benefits and pensions has become an increasing issue for these former servicepeople...and their families.

Many are not aware of the benefits which may be available to veterans or the widows or widowers of veterans even if the serviceperson was not injured during his or her military service. And this includes aging veterans of previous conflicts who are now senior citizens.

The Veteran's Administration offers what is known as "non-service-connected disability benefits" that may include a "low-income pension," "housebound benefits," and "aid and attendance." Aid and attendance provides funds, up to $1,842 monthly, for additional care to assist with activities of daily living, in the home, in an assisted living facility, or in a skilled nursing facility.

To be entitled to receive aid and attendance, you or your spouse must have served at least 90 consecutive days in the military, one day of this time during a war period. You or your spouse must have received other than a dishonorable discharge, and must be in need of the assistance of another individual, in your home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing facility. You or your spouse must meet the income and asset qualifications, as determined by the Veteran's Administration.

The widow or widower of a deceased veteran may also be entitled to receive benefits.

If you have a medical problem which may result in a stay in nursing home, or which requires expensive home health assistance, it may be possible to secure benefits from the VA.

In planning for entitlement to VA benefits, as in the case of Medicaid planning, time is critical. In the case of VA benefits, planning may be easier than in the case of Medicaid qualification.