VA Benefits for Seniors - What Do You Quality For?
As a former member of the U.S. military, you are entitled to benefits. In the 19th century, American military Veterans' benefits were expanded to include widows and dependents. Today, the VA (federal Department of Veterans Affairs) provides a range of benefits to Veterans and active-duty military members and their families, including medical care, home loans, burial benefits, and money for education.
You may be interested to know that senior Veterans who are housebound for one reason or another or who need in-home assistance with their daily activities may qualify for monthly compensation in addition to the general VA retirement pension. Currently, the VA offers two related benefits. One is Aid and Attendance, and the other is called Housebound benefits.
According to the VA website, to qualify for Aid and Attendance compensation, one or more of the following must be true:
- You need another person to help you dress, feed, and bathe yourself
- You spend a significant portion of your day in bed due to illness
- You are in a nursing home due to a cognitive or physical disability
- You have severely limited eyesight
If you have a disability that will not go away, and you are housebound practically all of the time, you can apply for Housebound benefits. As a reminder, the VA says that you cannot qualify for both benefits at the same time. Contact your local VA benefits office to find out if you qualify for more VA benefits and ask for a VA form 21-2680.
Be prepared to provide the following information when you return the form:
- Doctor's report stating that you need some sort of in-home care
- Details about how you spend a typical day and night
- Details about how your disability affects the way you care for yourself and your home
Even without disabilities, many seniors find themselves needing household assistance and in-home companionship. Comfort Keepers is delighted to provide both.
Obtain Home Care Services in Carrollton, Texas
At Comfort Keepers of Carrollton, Texas, we are proud to provide in-home care to Veterans in our community. We provide a variety of services and create customized care plans based on each client’s needs. Some services we provide include:
Preparing meals
Bathing, grooming, and dressing
Transportation to doctor appointments
Laundry and light housekeeping
If you want to know more about Comfort Keepers and how your VA benefits may cover the cost of reliable and friendly in-home care, get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. Our phone number is (972) 573-4100.
