Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Two VA programs provide some elderly Veterans with an additional monetary payment if the Veteran is eligible for or receiving a VA pension benefit. Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount paid if the Veteran meets one of the following conditions:
• the Veteran requires help performing daily functions such as bathing, eating, or dressing
• the Veteran is bedridden
• the Veteran is a patient in a nursing home
• the Veteran’s eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less
And Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid if the Veteran is substantially confined to the Veteran’s immediate premises (residence or hospital) because of a permanent disability.
Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs. Extended care—also known as long-term care—is a program for Veterans of all ages who need the daily support and assistance of another person. Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long-term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
A Veteran may find tailored information on how to apply for a particular benefit or program on the web page for the specific VA benefit or program. Veterans can also apply for these VA benefits by (1) applying online (using the VA eBenefits portal), (2) working with an accredited representative or agent (most work with Veteran Service Organizations or VSOs), or (3) going to a VA regional office and having a VA employee assist the Veteran with applying for benefits.
In Texas, elderly veterans are entitled to various benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include disability compensation, pension, education, healthcare, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and burial services. Specifically, two programs, Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound, offer additional monetary payments to those who qualify for VA pension benefits and meet certain conditions. A&A benefits are available to veterans who need assistance with daily activities, are bedridden, live in a nursing home, or have severe visual impairment. Housebound benefits are for those veterans who are largely confined to their home due to a permanent disability. Geriatric care and extended care (long-term care) are also available to elderly veterans with complex needs, which can be provided at home, VA medical centers, or in the community. Veterans in Texas can apply for these benefits online via the VA eBenefits portal, seek assistance from accredited representatives or agents, often from Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), or visit a VA regional office for help in applying for benefits.
