There are many benefits available to U.S. military Veterans that could be especially helpful for elderly Veterans.
These benefits include: disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
VA Additional Monetary Benefits
Some elderly Veterans who are eligible for or who receive a VA Pension benefit can get extra help by VA programs that provide an additional monetary benefit. These benefits are for those who need help with daily activities, or are housebound.
You or the elderly Veteran will need to apply to see if you qualify for these benefits, you can find more information by clicking here: www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
To be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, you must qualify for at least one of the requirements below, as well as already receive a VA pension:
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- You need help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, or dressing
- You are bedridden or need to be in bed for a large portion of the day due to illness
- You are a nursing home patient
- You have limited eyesight (if you have 5/200 or less, even with the use of glasses or contacts; or you have concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)
To be eligible for Housebound benefits:
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- You may qualify for this if you are confined to your home due to a permanent disability that doesn’t go away.
VA Health Care
Veterans who need support and/or assistance daily can benefit from the VA’s extended care program (AKA long term care). This is available for Veterans of all ages, especially for geriatric or elderly Veterans. For elderly Veterans with more complex needs, there is a geriatrics program. Veterans can receive these care programs in their own home, at VA medical centers, or in their community.
The Geriatrics Program can help the veteran and their family with home and community services, advanced care planning, paying for long term care, brain health, fitness, and more.
Click on the Links below for more information about each of these topics:
Spouses, Dependents, Family Caregivers
If you are a spouse, dependent, or family caregiver to a Veteran, you may also be eligible for benefits. Some possible benefits you may be eligible for are; health care, life insurance, money to help pay for school or training. Click here for more information about the benefits available to Veterans’ family members and to see if you qualify: www.va.gov/family-member-benefits
How To Apply
- Apply online with eBenefits.
- Work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys, and agents. (Beware unaccredited individuals who prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefit claims, or hold themselves out as being authorized to do so, are in violation of Federal law.)
- Find a regional office near you to work with a VA employee, go to our Facility Locator page to find your nearest office.