By Ginny Estupinian
Very few veterans and their families are aware that there is a veterans’ benefit available to cover long-term expenses. This is benefit is available to wartime veterans and their spouses through the Special Pension for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance. The benefit can pay up to $1644 a month with a total of $19,736 annually. It can be used toward assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days and one day during wartime.
This is not something new as this benefit was originally established in 1952. Sadly each year an estimated $22 billion goes unclaimed. In 2007, only 134,000 seniors nationwide received the benefit.
Once the necessary forms are filled out the approval comes within four to six months. For veterans who are blind or have memory issues as well as widows with medical needs, the process can be streamlined and payments are retroactive.
If you are a veteran that has served during wartime, or the spouse/widow, and 65 and older, you need to get information about this benefit that can allow you to have a better quality of life in your later years.
