Underutilized Veterans Benefits
US Veterans and their families often underutilize VA benefits. Whether it is due to a lack of information, the application process, or believing they won’t qualify, many families simply don’t apply. This is unfortunate because these benefits could significantly improve quality of life and overall well-being.
Navigating the maze of veterans’ benefits can be tricky. Certainly, it will take some effort on your part. This quick Veterans’ benefits guide isn’t just a list, rather, It’s a bridge to the benefits veterans have earned with their service. We designed this guide to educate you and to lead you to the next steps in unlocking Veterans’ benefits. It is a good overview, however, you will learn more as you navigate to the links provided in this post.
Benefits for Veterans
The following is a list of some of the benefits Veterans and their families may qualify for. For your benefit, we’ve included links with each description to help you determine eligibility, apply, and get connected to information and assistance. For a complete list of benefits visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
- VA Health Care Benefits: Covers a range of health services. Services include preventive, primary, and specialty care as well as diagnostic, inpatient, and outpatient care services. Additionally, it provides comprehensive health care through VA hospitals and outpatient clinics. You can enroll through the VA’s website or with assistance at local VA facilities.
- Pension Program: Provides supplemental income to veterans who are 65 or older with limited financial resources. The pension helps cover the costs of everyday living. File for a pension online, by mail, or with the aid of a VA-accredited agent.
- Aid & Attendance & Housebound Allowance Benefit: Assists veterans who require help with activities of daily living or who are confined to the home due to health issues. You will document medical need and submit applications through VA forms available online. You can also bring your information to a VA regional office near you.
- Veterans Directed Care: Empowers veterans by providing them with a self-directed budget to manage their care services actively. This program is perfect for veterans who want to select their own caregivers, including family members. Contact your local VA office to discuss eligibility and enrollment.
- Home Loans and Housing Assistance: This benefit allows veterans to secure loans at favorable rates to purchase, construct, or upgrade their homes, sometimes without any down payment. Private lenders or mortgage companies process applications, however, veterans may also apply directly through the VA Home Loan program itself.
- Burial Benefits and Memorial Items: VA burial benefits support service members, veterans, and their families in planning and covering the costs for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. The VA also provides memorial items to honor a veteran’s service. These items, including a headstone or marker and a burial flag, come at no cost to the family. You can plan ahead with the VA’s pre-need determination of eligibility program or arrange services when needed.
Benefits for Families Of Veterans
- Survivors Pension: The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service may be eligible for monthly pension benefits. File for a pension online or by mail. Alternatively, you may apply with the aid of a VA-accredited agent.
- Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors, and Family Caregivers: The spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. If you are caring for a Veteran, additional assistance may be available. Learn more about these resources and how to apply.
Use What You Earned!
Be the best advocate possible for yourself or your loved one. Take action to ensure you access the full range of benefits available. While you educate yourself, please share this information with others and encourage them to do the same.
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Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend consulting experts for specific guidance. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.
Author: Liz Craven
Liz Craven, co-publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide with her husband Wes, combines personal experience and heartfelt dedication in her work. Their journey in eldercare began with a personal story—caring for Wes' grandmother, Mabel, who lived with Alzheimer's. This chapter in their lives not only highlighted the complexities of eldercare but also kindled a deep-seated passion to support others facing similar challenges. Since then, Liz and Wes have navigated caregiving three more times. These experiences have added layers of depth to their insights, allowing them to offer a blend of empathetic understanding and practical advice through the Sage Aging ElderCare Guide. Liz’s commitment to making eldercare more approachable and less daunting shines through in every piece of advice she offers, aiming to ease the caregiving journey for others.
