During the holiday season, our wonderful veterans often come to mind. After all, one of the many things we have to be thankful for in America is our freedom.
So it seems like an appropriate time to talk about a pension benefit many veterans don’t know they could be receiving. Aid and Attendance helps vets and their spouses pay for senior care. KCTV News in Kansas City reports:
“The benefit is … for low-income veterans who are totally or permanently disabled, or age 65 or older that qualify based on income and assets,” said Ron Cherry, a service officer with the Veterans of Foreign War. “We assist them in residential care, home care or even nursing home care.”
To qualify, the veteran must have served 90 consecutive days of active duty with one of those days occurring during a time of war.
A veteran can receive up to $1,632 a month, a couple up to $1,949 and a surviving spouse up to $1,056.
The benefit is underutilized, the article says. You can get free help with the paperwork from service organizations.
Thank you to all our veterans and their families. May you have a beautiful holiday season.
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.
