Veterans' Benefits

  • ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS YOUR ATTORNEY MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

There are times when attorneys or other professionals may not be aware that some survivors of veterans may be eligible for a government pension. There are of course eligibility requirements for various types of pensions that would need to be met by a survivor. Those who are deemed eligible may then receive a monthly benefit based on the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).

  • GUIDELINES TO DETERMINE THE TYPE AND DOLLAR AMOUNT OF BENEFITS YOU MAY RECEIVE
  • Is the surviving spouse without dependents?
  • How many dependents beyond one, does the surviving spouse have?
  • Is the surviving spouse in need of housebound benefits?
  • Is the surviving spouse in need of Aid and Attendance benefits?
  • BENEFITS YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE

In addition to veterans’ benefits your funeral director has already made you aware of, such as the Government providing a grave marker, the presentation of the American Flag and Military Final honors at the funeral, there are other possible benefits you should know about. One important fact to be aware of is a veteran does not have to have been in combat to receive benefits, but in many cases he/she just had to be enlisted during a war or military action of the United States.

  • AID AND ATTENDANCE OR HOUSEBOUND

Survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to the monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to receive a pension. There are certain criteria to be eligible for Aid and Attendance, and Housebound funds, which must be met by those who apply.

As you can see, there are a number of possibilities to explore, regarding when a survivor of a deceased veteran may be considered for a veterans pension, and other monetary benefits. How to proceed with applying for benefits can become complicated, which is why we are available to assist you in the process.

  • ELIGIBILITY DATES AND EVENTS

Those who served in the following manner may qualify for benefits: Active Duty for at least ninety (90) days:

World War II – December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 Korean Hostilities – June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955 Vietnam – February 28, 1961 to July 1, 1975 Persian Gulf Era (August 2, 1990 – a date to be determined by Presidential proclamation or federal law) Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom are included in this category). Grenada Invasion – October 25, 1983 to December 15, 1983 Operation Earnest Will – July 24, 1987 to August 1, 1990 Panama Invasion – December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990

OR, Engaged in combat or in a combat support role in the: Lebanon Conflict – July 1, 1958 to November 1, 1958 Peace-keeping Mission in Lebanon – September 29, 1982 to March 30, 1984

For more information and assistance with veterans issues and benefits, please contact us at any time. We also strongly suggest that you contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at the number listed below, and ask for the location and phone number of the Veterans Service Office in your area.

Regional Office Location 555 Willard Avenue Newington, CT 06011 Phone: 1-866-928-8387