Q: How can I learn more about Veterans benefits and see if my dad qualifies now that he needs more care?
A: In our country, we estimate there are over 18 million Veterans who have served in conflicts around the world including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even in the Persian Gulf War. There are several benefits provided by the Veterans Administration (VA) that may be available, including disability compensation, pension, health care and burial.
There are two specific programs that can provide older Veterans with additional money if they are eligible and receive a VA pension. One is called The Aid and Attendance Benefit and the other is the Homebound benefit.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is an increased monthly pension. A Veteran may be eligible if they are a wartime veteran, receives a Veterans Administration pension, is age 65 or older, and meets at least one other requirement. They must either need another person to help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding or dressing, or have to stay in bed due to illness, have limited eyesight that qualifies, or be a patient in a nursing home due to a disability.
The other is the Homebound benefit, which provides an increased pension payment for someone who is homebound due to permanent disability.
It is also important to know that the VA provides services specifically designed to support you as the family caregiver. There is a toll-free Caregiver Support Line you can call to learn more about assistance programs, get help accessing services, become connected to a local Caregiver Support Coordinator, or reach someone to listen to you and support you. You can reach this support line at 1-855-260-3274.
The VA healthcare system offers geriatric health care services that can include long term care, homemaker home health aide care, adult day health care, nursing, and residential care. You can learn more here.
Locally, you may contact the main Veterans Service Office in Ventura for assistance in understanding your options and completing any needed applications. You can reach them at 805-477-5155.
Senior Concerns is presenting a Zoom seminar called “Veterans Benefits: What You Need to Know” on Tuesday, November 14th from 3-4pm. It will be presented by Jim McHugh, Ventura County Veteran Services Officer. He will provide information on what the Veterans Service Office does to help Veterans, explain the process to make a VA disability claim and talk about other Veteran benefits. You can register online here. or call 805-497-0189.
While the VA system is large and can feel confusing, there are many benefits offered. Be sure to do the research and inquire to understand what may be available to your father and your family.
Veterans Day is approaching, celebrated each year on November 11th. The reason for this date is that it was considered to be the end of “the war to end all wars.” Fighting ceased in World War I when a temporary cessation went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
On this Veterans Day we want to make sure all our veterans feel appreciated and thanked for their service to our country. Everyone can help spread this information to ensure our veterans know what benefits and supports are available to help as they age in our community.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
