Does Everyone Get a VA Pension?
One of this country’s best kept secrets is that most veterans who served during a wartime period and their surviving spouses qualify for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Wartime Pension and don’t receive it. Why?
“Two of the biggest issues that happen with veterans who come to my firm is they don’t know they qualify for the pension or the VA tells them they don’t,” said Scott Collins, firm owner and managing attorney of Elder Law Guidance in Richmond.
Collins, a VA-accredited attorney and veteran, has handled hundreds of veterans’ cases and helped them qualify for the VA Pension and Disability Compensation.
Through his experience, he has identified three warning signs that veterans and their family members need to apply for this benefit. We will discuss them in detail below.
But first things first. What is a VA pension?
What is a VA Pension?
VA Pension, also known as Veterans Pension or Veterans’ Non-Service Connected Disability Pension, is a tax-free benefit available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. It is designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who Qualifies for a VA Pension?
To qualify for a VA pension, you must meet the following requirements:
- The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty during wartime.
- The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- The veteran must have limited income and net worth.
- The surviving spouse must not have remarried or has reached a certain age.
Why Do So Many Veterans Not Receive This Benefit?
Despite being eligible for the VA Pension, many veterans and their families do not receive this benefit. One of the main reasons is that they don’t know about it. Another reason is that they may not meet the eligibility criteria or believe they don’t qualify based on misinformation.
Sometimes, veterans may receive conflicting information from different sources within the VA. This can be confusing and lead to incorrect assumptions about their eligibility for pension benefits.
The Three Warning Signs You Need to Apply for VA Pension
You’ve Had Any Surgery or Limitation on Your Mobility
Say you’re a retiree getting a knee replacement – it’s supposed to be a temporary condition, but you’re struggling with recovery and need some rehabilitation at home or extra in-home care while you heal. Enter VA pension’s in-home care benefits, designed to keep you at home and on the mend where you want to be. You may have up to $2296 available to meet these medical needs.
Your Kids or Family Are Helping Out More Than Usual
You may find that you’re asking your kids for a few more errands than usual, help up and down the stairs or getting around, or even struggle to remember things that once came easily. These things can creep up on both of you or surprise you one day. You/they would love some help with in-home care but don’t know where to start or how to afford it. VA healthcare and pension is precisely where you can begin!
You’re Going into Assisted Living Services or Needing In-Home Care
Maybe you never went to the VA and now have some age-related troubles. Is there anything for you? YES. There’s VA healthcare and VA pension benefits to help with these. Sometimes, the VA will tell you you don’t qualify for either, but working with a VA-accredited attorney like Collins can help you qualify even when the VA says no.
What to Do If You Recognize These Warning Signs
Don’t hesitate to apply for VA pension benefits if you recognize any of these warning signs. The first step is to gather all your documents and information, including discharge papers, marriage certificates, financial statements, and medical records.
Next, you can apply online or visit a local VA office for assistance. If you have difficulty gathering the necessary information or understanding the application process, consider seeking help from a VA-accredited attorney.
At Elder Law Guidance, we are dedicated to helping veterans and their families access the benefits they have earned. Contact us today at (859) 544-6012 to schedule a free consultation to find out what benefits you’re eligible for at one of our three convenient Richmond locations.
