VA Pension Benefits - The Facts

VA Pension Benefits

The Facts...

VA Pension is a benefit that many veterans just are not aware of, or are often told that they don’t qualify for, even if they can become qualified. If you are a Veteran or a Widow of a Veteran, you may be able to obtain tax free income from the VA to help pay for the cost of home health care, assisted living care, and nursing home care. The benefit is called “Improved Pension.” In addition to the Pension, a person who is housebound or in need of the assistance of another person with activities of daily living may receive additional pay called Housebound Benefits or Aid and Attendance Benefits, which is s supplement to the Pension.

All of the following criteria must be met before a veteran or widow(er) of a veteran can receive Improved Pension benefits:

• The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active service with at least one day of service during a wartime period.
• The veteran must have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
• The claimant must have limited income and assets available.
• The claimant must have a permanent and total disability, and the disability was caused without willful misconduct of the claimant.
• The veteran or widow(er) submits a signed application to the VA.

As of June 23, 2008, the VA began REQUIRING that ANYONE who assists a veteran or family member with the preparation, presentation and prosecution of a claim for benefits to be accredited by and through the VA BEFORE they can legally provide assistance. Thus, to protect yourself while going through the VA process, make sure you are using an accredited agent. To check if a person is accredited, you can go to: United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Accreditation Search and type in their name for confirmation. (A one time agent – usually a family member – does not need to be accredited).

Don’t rely on the VA to help you get qualified for this important benefit.  They cannot and will not. A qualified, accredited attorney can.

Contact us today at (248)278-1511

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This article regarding VA pension benefits by Michigan lawyer Nicole Wipp and the Family & Aging Law Center PLLC is not, and should not be construed as, legal advice. It is for general informational purposes only. To better understand how this legal concept can be applied to you, consult with an attorney.