Welcome back to part II of our Aging Veterans Unaware of VA Pension Benefits in Florida blog post! Picking up where we left off:
Costly Misunderstanding
There are several reasons why veterans are unaware or misunderstand these benefits. First is the very name of the benefit itself – improved pension benefit. Pension benefits usually come after years of service, not after only 90 days of service.
In addition, many veterans often assume the available benefits are for those who have a service-related disability not just because they turned 65. As the name implies, this program is a non-service connected benefit.
Finally, it is uncommon for a benefit to be available in part just by virtue of age. However, the Veteran NSC Improved Pension Benefit does not require a qualified veteran to have any disability provided that they are over the age of 65.
Important Documents
Applicants who plan to seek VA benefits for the first time must submit the Service Discharge Form (DD-214, DD-215, or for WWII veterans, a WD form). This form will determine their service dates and reason for discharge, full name and military service number.
Applicants seeking VA benefits related to a veteran’s death must submit the following:
- Veteran’s birth certificate
- Veteran’s marriage certificate
- Children’s birth certificates or adoption papers
- Veteran’s death certificate
Next Steps
There are several places to find additional information regarding the application process.
- Department of Veteran Affairs – The entire program is explained throughout their website. For additional questions please contact VA Benefits at: 1-800-827-1000 or visit http://www.vba.va.gov.
- State Veterans Service Officers can assist veterans in filing claims for benefits. Their locations and phone numbers can be found through the phone book under “State Government, Veterans Service Officer.”
- VONAPP – Veterans Online Applications allow an individual to fill out the required forms regarding VA compensation, pension, education and vocational rehabilitation benefits. For more information or to get the correct forms, visit http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/faqs.asp.
These resources can assist in the application process. Other assistance can be provided through various national, county, or local service organizations. In addition, in-home care providers like Ocala, Gainesville or The Villages Comfort Keepers and senior care facilities can assist in accessing the information necessary to evaluate a person’s eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program.
Comfort Keepers of Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages can provide professional guidance while the applicant is completing the necessary paperwork and being assessed for eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program. Once approved, Comfort Keepers can be the solution for quality in-home care for seniors in Ocala, Gainesville, or The Villages, Florida.
If you have questions about senior home care for your loved ones in Gainesville, The Villages, or Ocala Florida call us at 855-592-0013. We provide superior in-home care to seniors the elderly so they can live enriched independent lifestyles!
