I specialize in helping veterans, particularly senior veterans, members of a veteran's family, or the surviving spouse of a veteran understand how to obtain long term care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most veterans are not aware of the benefits available through the VA that includes health care (VA Clinics and Hospitals) Prescription Drug Benefits,access to state veterans homes, and two disability income programs called Compensation (for service related disabilities) and the "Non Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit". These income programs can be extremely helpful for veterans or widows of veterans who are facing increased living expenses associated with the long term care of the aging.

It's astounding that roughly 1/3 of all seniors can qualify for up to $1,949 a month in additional income through Pension under the right conditions. Pension is also known as the "aid and attendance benefit." Yet government statistics show only 5% of potentially eligible veterans are actually receiving the Pension benefit.

This benefit can help you pay anyone including your child for home care. It can also be used to help you pay for professional care in the home, for assisted living, or for nursing home. Imagine having an extra $1,949 a month that you didn't even know existed.

The video above is from NBC Nightly News (Friday, February 23, 2007).

Feel free to watch the short video for more information on veterans' benefits.