As the number of aging veterans grows nationwide, the need for personalized senior care can become a major concern for them and their families. The financial aspects can sometimes be the biggest challenge.

Many older adults who served in the U.S. military — including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard — aren’t aware they may be eligible for in-home personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA).

Who Qualifies For Veterans Benefits?

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care. Veterans may qualify for personal home care or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:

• Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable.
• Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.

How Do Veterans Benefits Work?

U.S. military veterans may qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs.

Here’s how each program works:

• Aid and Attendance benefits
  Veterans who receive a VA pension may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they need help with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. Veterans may qualify for “Housebound” benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. In most cases, benefits are paid directly to the veteran and added to their monthly pension.

• Community Care Network benefits
  Veterans who qualify for Community Care Network benefits may be eligible for assistance with home-health care costs. Qualified veterans will be assigned to a service care coordinator, who will determine how many hours per week the veteran requires care and will help the family connect with caregivers in their area. Community Care Network benefits are paid directly to partner organizations.

How Can Families Apply For Veterans Benefits?

Families can apply for personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration by completing the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the Veterans Administration.

Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and ask to speak to a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can assist veterans with their applications and answer questions about the program.

You must provide identification and documentation of your loved one’s veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents. Your VA service coordinator can provide more information about the documents you must provide with your application.

When Should Seniors Apply For Veterans’ Benefits?

The best time to apply for home care benefits through the VA is before your loved one needs to use them. Application processing times can be lengthy, and the application should be started as soon as possible to avoid paying out of pocket for in-home care while you wait for approval.

How Can Visiting Angels Help Veterans?

Visiting Angels is committed to supporting all older adults who want to age in place — including those who have served our country. Professional caregivers assist with personal care tasks, including grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.

Scheduling a free home care consultation with Visiting Angels is the first step toward connecting your loved one with the care they need. During the consultation, you can discuss whether they qualify for veterans’ benefits and how to apply.

Contact your Visiting Angels local home care office* today to learn more about how your veteran could benefit from personalized in-home care.

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* Please note: Not all Visiting Angels franchised locations accept Community Care Network Benefits for veterans or work with the Aid and Attendance Program.

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