The freedoms, benefits, and quality of life enjoyed by everyone living in the United States would not be possible without the sacrifice of every veteran, surviving spouse, and family member of those who served in the Armed Forces. While there is no way to ever truly repay veterans and their families for the sacrifice they have made, the government does attempt to give back to veterans and their dependents in the form of veterans benefits. Most veterans are aware of the benefits available to them through some of the more well-known programs; however, veterans and their dependents may also be entitled to assistance from other, less well-known, programs as well. To help you better understand the benefits that may be available to you, the elder law attorneys at The Mendel Law Firm, L.P have put together some frequently asked questions and answers relating to veterans benefits. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
What is veterans pension?
Am I eligible for veterans pension?
- Were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- Served 90 days or more of active military, naval or air service with at least one day during a period of war, AND
- Have countable income below the maximum annual pension rate, AND
- Meet the net worth limitations, AND
- Are age 65 or older, OR is shown by evidence to have a permanent and total non-service connected disability, OR is a patient in a nursing home, OR is receiving Social Security disability benefits.
- Veterans who entered active duty after September 7, 1980, must also have served at least 24 months of active duty service. If the total length of service is less than 24 months, the Veteran must have completed his/her entire tour of active duty.
What is the Veterans Aid and Attendance program?
I am a surviving spouse. Am I eligible for any financial benefits?
How do I qualify for DIC benefits?
- You were married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR
- You were validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957, OR
- You were married to the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the Veteran's death began or was aggravated, OR
- You were married to the Veteran for at least one year, OR
- You had a child with the Veteran, AND
- You cohabited with the Veteran continuously until the Veteran's death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation, AND
- You are not currently be remarried
If I am a disabled veteran am I entitled to any benefits?
- You have a current physical or mental disability.
- You had an injury or disease in service or experienced an event in service that caused or aggravated an injury or disease.
- There is a link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease in military service.
Will I be able to get any help with education or training as a result of my service?
What is veterans pension?
Am I eligible for veterans pension?
- Were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- Served 90 days or more of active military, naval or air service with at least one day during a period of war, AND
- Have countable income below the maximum annual pension rate, AND
- Meet the net worth limitations, AND
- Are age 65 or older, OR is shown by evidence to have a permanent and total non-service connected disability, OR is a patient in a nursing home, OR is receiving Social Security disability benefits.
- Veterans who entered active duty after September 7, 1980, must also have served at least 24 months of active duty service. If the total length of service is less than 24 months, the Veteran must have completed his/her entire tour of active duty.
What is the Veterans Aid and Attendance program?
I am a surviving spouse. Am I eligible for any financial benefits?
How do I qualify for DIC benefits?
- You were married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR
- You were validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957, OR
- You were married to the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the Veteran's death began or was aggravated, OR
- You were married to the Veteran for at least one year, OR
- You had a child with the Veteran, AND
- You cohabited with the Veteran continuously until the Veteran's death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation, AND
- You are not currently be remarried
If I am a disabled veteran am I entitled to any benefits?
- You have a current physical or mental disability.
- You had an injury or disease in service or experienced an event in service that caused or aggravated an injury or disease.
- There is a link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease in military service.