Q. Are surviving spouses eligible for this benefit?
A. If you are a surviving spouse of a wartime service veteran, you may be entitled to receive an Aid and Attendance pension or a Housebound pension if you meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above plus:
Annual family net income (income minus expenses) is below a yearly limit set by law. Effective December 1, 2009, the annual net income limits are as follows:
- Aid and Attendance pension: Surviving spouse of a wartime service vet with no dependents: below $12,681
- Housebound pension: Surviving spouse of a wartime service vet with no dependents: below $9,696
As with veterans, the surviving spouse's countable income is reduced by medical expenses related to his/her care.
Note: A surviving spouse does not usually have any dependents. The spouse must have been married to the wartime service veteran for at least one year before the veteran's death (unless they had a child). A person who has divorced a wartime service veteran is not considered a surviving spouse of a wartime service veteran and cannot claim benefits.
Q. What if a surviving spouse thinks they may be entitled to monetary benefits because their husband/wife was a vet, but cannot find discharge papers?
A. Many veterans have misplaced their discharge records, known as DD-214s. The first place to look is at the county courthouse where many vets recorded their discharge record when they came home. In the book we explain the procedure for eVetRecs, an electronic method of requesting discharge records if the vet or next-of-kin is requesting the records. We also talk about three other methods of obtaining discharge records.
Q. Is there a program to cover the cost of medication for vets?
A. Yes, Once a veteran is approved for Aid and Attendance or Housebound pensions, the veteran is eligible for free medications, hearing aids, and incontinent supplies. A form 1010EZ must be used to file a claim.
Q. How does a vet find out about pensions that are eligible for, which they don't currently know about?
A. We like to think our book, 'Checks for Vets," is your all-in-one guidebook for all information related to VA pensions. Another great source for information is the veteran service organizations, such as the regional offices of the American Legion, DAV, and VFW. The book features a national directory of all these organizations.
Joseph Scott McCarthy is a veteran advocate with more than 8 year's experience working with Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions. He has educated and guided thousands of veterans and their surviving spouses and adult children through the VA pension process. He has been a healthcare professional for 29 years, in marketing and administration for assisted living, independent living and skilled nursing facilities. For more information, visit www.checksforvets.com