What are US Veteran Services?
The United States of America proudly represents the strongest and most advanced military in the entire world. It is on the backs of our beloved veterans that the citizens of our nation have security and freedom. If you, a loved one, or a surviving spouse of a veteran then you may be eligible for certain benefits.
Current Maximum Pension Rates
Married Veteran
Single Veteran
Surviving Spouse
Both Spouses Veterans (each person)
Pension Asset Brightline - 2024
Spousal Dependency Indemnity Compensation
Veteran Benefits Can Enhance Your Senior Care
The cost of care can skyrocket as seniors’ needs increase. Many reach a point where personal care assistance is necessary, either in-home or within a senior care community. Often, an individual or a couple’s income is insufficient to cover these increasing costs, but there is help available for veterans and their spouses.
In order for veterans to qualify for this pension, the VA reviews the following:
For surviving spouses of veterans, the requirements are identical but preclude eligibility in the event of divorce or remarriage.*
The VA offers these benefits retroactively, so awards are backdated to the date of application. This is important to note when considering care options. Often, individuals have to borrow from family members or explore temporary loan options while they wait for the VA to process their claim, but these loans can be repaid with retroactive funds.
While many individuals are eligible for this benefit, the key to receiving it is filling out and filing a completed application; applications should also be supplemented with supporting documentation. The time it takes the VA to process claims depends largely in part on the information provided by the individual filing. The more detailed the claim, the less work the VA has to put forth in locating the information themselves. Providing the VA with all they need on the front end can also curtail denials. This can make all the difference when the need for increased care is immediate.
Once in receipt of the benefit, it is important to preserve healthcare expense records. Though the pension it is not difficult to maintain, the VA does audit recipients on occasion, and good record-keeping can prevent interruptions in the monthly deposits. It is also important to notify the VA of any changes in circumstances, such as a move, a change in income, or an upward adjustment in assets.
Thus, though personal care needs often increase with age, causing income to be redirected to cover the costs of care, the additional funds the VA offers can increase care options and make care more affordable.