As we approach Veterans Day 2024, it's the perfect time to explore the benefits available to aging veterans and learn how to help access these valuable resources. If you're supporting a parent who served, navigating Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can feel overwhelming – but understanding these benefits is crucial for ensuring your loved one receives the care and support they have earned and deserve.
The most important thing to know is that VA healthcare benefits can be used alongside Medicare, private insurance, or other coverage. Your parent may qualify for VA healthcare in one of three ways:
Service-Connected Injuries or Conditions
Including physical injuries or conditions that developed because of military service
Special Circumstances
Such as Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, or former POWs
Income-Based Qualification
For veterans with income below certain thresholds
Primary and specialty medical care
Mental health services
Prescription medications
Medical equipment and supplies
Home health services
Nursing home care when needed
Support services for family members helping to coordinate care
One of the most valuable but often overlooked benefits is the Aid & Attendance pension benefit. This provides monthly payments to help cover the cost of assistance with daily activities. For 2024, qualified veterans can receive:
Up to $2,229 for a veteran
Up to $1,432 for a surviving spouse
Up to $2,642 for a married veteran
Up to $1,757 for a veteran with a sick spouse
To qualify, your parent needs to:
Have served at least 90 days of active duty, with one day during wartime
Need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating
Meet certain income and asset limits
Before applying for any VA benefits, make sure you gather these key documents.
💡Pro Tip: Use Tender's Vault to securely store digital copies of all these important documents for easy access when needed.
Military Service Records
DD-214 (discharge papers)
Service medical records
Any awards or commendations
Current Medical Information
List of current medications
Recent medical records
Documentation of any service-connected conditions
Financial Information
Recent tax returns
Bank statements
Documentation of medical expenses
Don't try to navigate this alone! Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free help with:
Understanding available benefits
Gathering required documentation
Filing claims and applications
Appealing denied claims
Some respected VSOs include:
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VA Caregiver Support Program: Provides training, resources, and, in some cases, financial support for family caregivers
Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7 support at 988 (press 1)
VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
Tender Community: Connect with other families supporting veteran parents on the app
AARP Veterans Resources
Tender can help you manage your parent's VA benefits by:
Storing important documents in the secure Vault
Setting reminders for important deadlines and appointments
Keeping track of medication schedules
Coordinating care with siblings and other family members
Accessing expert guidance through TenderAI
Gather Documentation: Use this guide to collect the necessary paperwork
Connect with a VSO: Find a local office
Schedule a VA Health Evaluation: Even if your parent has other insurance
Explore Aid & Attendance: If your parent needs help with daily activities
Store Everything in ✨Tender✨: Keep all documents and information organized in one secure place!
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. The Tender community includes many supporting aging parents who are veterans. We're here to help you navigate these complex systems while ensuring your loved one receives the care and benefits they've earned through their service.
Looking to connect with other families supporting veteran parents? Join the conversation in the Tender community section of the app.
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