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lcqcare Asked June 2015

Any benefits for disabled mentally challenged child (54) of a deceased veteran?

head injury with seizure disorder. Individual needs safe living situation but Social Security benefit income is too low
to pay for any private facility. Also has not been able to qualify for group home in state due to restrictive IQ rules for ICF Medicaid waiver. Extended family member has been caretaker for past 45 years but now needs to make other long term arrangement. Individual is mobile and can take care of personal needs with prompting and supervision. Medication must be monitored and given to control seizures.

GardenArtist Jun 2015
The VA does provide benefits for dependents of qualified vets, but I don't know all the details. You can find out in a few ways:

1. Search the VA website for benefits for dependents.

2. Contact your local VA; I would start with the Eligibility Department although they may direct you to another division to determine whether or not the individual is qualified. If so, they'll tell you which forms you need to complete.

3. Contact a local American Legion or VFW post and ask where their nearest advocacy post is, if there isn't one in the closest VA hospital or outpatient facility. There are qualification specialists at these "service organizations" who can help you with the process of applying for benefits. They're more familiar with the process and the benefits than most individuals and it's part of their mission to help Vets and their families.

4. Sometimes local congresspeople prepare and disseminate booklets on veterans benefits. The ones I've found do address dependents and related issues.

Good luck; I hope you find something; sounds like you've been a dedicated carer for a long time.

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