As a veteran or a veteran’s surviving spouse, you need to know the benefits that may be available to you to help cover the expense of home care services. In our last blog post, we outlined two different kinds of benefits to explore. If you think you may qualify for veterans’ home care benefits, what happens next?
How to Apply for Veterans’ Benefits
Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits are incredibly helpful when it comes to paying for home care services. But applying for and actually receiving these benefits can be challenging.
At Happier Home Care, we’re here every step of the way to help you obtain these benefits if you qualify.
First, contact the VA regional office with jurisdiction for your claim. This is the same office where you filed your claim for pension benefits. If you’re unsure of the appropriate office, any VA regional office can help you find where you need to go, or check here for more information.
When you apply for veterans’ benefits, you’ll need to bring a report that includes:
- Verification from your doctor that confirms the need for either Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits
- Clarification about which benefit you are applying for: either Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, with details on what you can do in a typical day, how well you get around, and where you go
- Adequate detail to confirm an injury or disease that has caused mental or physical impairment, loss of coordination, or any condition that impacts your ability to self-dress and undress, eat, use the restroom, and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness
Even though the process is cumbersome and can take up to six months to either approve or deny benefits, if approved, benefits will be retro-dated to the date of your application.
Helpful Links
- Veteran’s Pension: Find detailed information on the veteran’s pension, see if you are eligible, download the application or apply online
- Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits Q&A: Find answers to a variety of questions about veterans’ benefits, links to forms, and other resources
- Military Records Request: Use this tool to request copies of military records including awards and decorations, orders and endorsements, performance reports, security clearance, qualifications, licenses, certificates, and more
It isn’t easy to apply for veterans’ benefits, but it’s well worth your time and effort if you qualify. Our care experts are here with the help and support you need. Reach out to us at 818-651-6679 with any questions or to learn more about our home care in Encino, Pasadena, Studio City, and the surrounding area.