Thursday, November 18, 2010
Veteran's Pensions
Our veteran's who are fully disabled or age 65 or over may be entitled to a little known VA benefit. It is known as Non-Service Connected Aid and Attendance pension benefit. One can be housebound or in Assisted Living or even in a nursing home. Marv became a VA accredited attorney advisor over a year ago and says he is really enjoying getting these pensions for his clients.
Basically, a veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty and with one of those days during a time of war. If service was after 1980, they need one year on active duty. So far most clients have been vets from WWII and the Korean Conflict, or their widows.
This is a summary of the Maximum Pension rates:
Single Veteran $1,644 per month or $19,736 per year
Married Veteran $1,949 per month or $23,396 per year
Widowed Spouse $1,056 permonth or $12,681 per year
Once awarded Aid and Attendance or Household Status, one may get free medications and equipment, glasses nd hearing aids from a VA Hospital/Clinic or through the mall.
Each case is unique and planning steps are usually needed to obtain qualification. While we charge for planning services, we do all VA Applications on a pro bono basis.