Often Overlooked Aid for War Time Veterans

Full Article at: Little known benefit aids war-time veterans, spouses

Editor:

"Those who serve during conflict are eligible for up to $19,000 a year. A little-known benefit for long-term care expenses is available to war-time veterans and their spouses. But the benefit is being overlooked by thousands of families.

The special pension for Veterans Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,644 a month, $19,736 annually toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days and one day during war-time - stateside or overseas. Veterans and their spouses can receive up to $23,396 annually and spouses of deceased veterans $12,681. Yet, an estimated $22 billion a year goes unclaimed each year.

In 2007, only 134,000 seniors nationwide received the benefit, which was established in 1952. The Veterans Administration will provide help to families to complete the necessary forms so that approval comes in four to six months. The process is streamlined for vets who are blind or have memory issues and widows with medical needs. Most applicants qualify and payments are retroactive."