Category Archives: Veteran’s Benefits
Are There Exceptions to the VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility Requirements?
One of the most basic rules when applying for the VA Aid and Attendance pension is that the veteran must have served in the military for at least 90 days, one day of which was during a time of war. This leads many people who served for less than 90 days to believe that… Read More »
How Do I Notify the VA That My Parent Passed Away?
Dealing with the death of a loved one is always hard, and putting off the settling of your parent’s affairs can make it even more difficult. If your parent received the VA Aid & Attendance pension, it is important that you notify the VA of their death as soon as possible so that you… Read More »
VA Aid and Attendance for Legally Separated Spouses
It is clear that divorced spouses of veterans cannot receive surviving spouse benefits from Aid and Attendance, but some people may be unsure about the rules regarding spouses who were only legally separated from the veteran at the time the veteran passed away. For legally separated spouses, the rules are identical to the rules… Read More »
New Veterans’ Cemetery Opens in Virginia
According to local news reports, a new cemetery for veterans, the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, has opened in Dublin, Virginia, in the southwestern part of the state. Because there are over 80,000 veterans living in southwest Virginia alone, retired Lieutenant Colonel Pat Green pushed for the completion of the $7.2 million cemetery. Veterans who… Read More »
If I Have Power of Attorney, Can I Access My Spouse’s Account Online?
We always advise our clients to have a power of attorney in place so that they can handle their spouse’s finances if their spouse becomes unable to do so. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, some banks have changed their power of attorney policies for online banking. Many people who have managed their spouse’s… Read More »
VA Benefits and Long-Term Care Insurance
Many of our clients find it helpful to use a long-term care insurance policy to help pay for the cost of assisted living facilities or nursing homes. However, if you use your policy after you have begun receiving VA benefits, it is important to remember to notify the VA about the new policy as… Read More »
What If Mom and Dad Got Married After Dad Was Discharged from the Military?
The VA Aid and Attendance Pension is for veterans and their surviving spouses. Many of our clients do not believe they are eligible for the surviving spouse benefit because they married their husband after his military service had ended. However, the VA has no rule that the spouse had to be married to the… Read More »
I’ll Only Get $50 Per Month from the VA. Should I Still Apply for the Pension?
Many of our clients become unsettled when they realize that they do not qualify for the maximum amount of the VA Aid and Attendance Pension. These clients often do not wish to go through the lengthy process of applying for the pension when they will not receive a significant amount of money from the… Read More »
Mom and Dad are separated, but not divorced. Will Mom’s assets be counted on Dad’s VA Application?
Many couples choose to separate without ever becoming divorced. This can cause confusion when it comes to completing the application for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension. Normally, the VA requires married applicants to provide financial information for both spouses. If your parents are separated, this could mean that Dad has to provide Mom’s… Read More »
War Veterans May Be Unaware They Qualify For VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
One of the services Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys often provide is helping clients navigate the application procedures and bureaucratic systems for the various state and federal medical insurance programs; and one thing that remains a surprise throughout the years is how many people forget about the VA Aid and Attendance Program for… Read More »