Home : Finance : 9 VA Benefits That Seniors May Not Know About

9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about

9 VA benefits that seniors may not know about

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits for senior veterans for their bravery and dedicated service to the nation. Referred to as VA benefits, some popular ones include disability compensation, pension, and healthcare. Older veterans struggle to return to their daily lives after leaving the military. These perks assist them in meeting their personal needs. However, a lot of these benefits are underutilized mostly because senior veterans are unaware of them.

Aid and attendance (A&A)
The Aid and Attendance program offers additional monthly payments to eligible veterans and their spouses who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This extra income makes daily help more accessible for veterans. To receive this benefit, the veteran must receive a pension, require assistance with daily activities, or be bedridden. One must go through their local VA office and provide all necessary documentation to apply for this benefit.

Home-based primary care (HBPC)
Some veterans may find it difficult to visit their doctors. In such cases, the VA also offers home-based primary care services, where the healthcare provider visits the patient at the convenience of their home. To be eligible for this benefit , senior veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and have a referral from their primary care physician.

Adult day health care (ADHC)
Caring for a senior is physically and emotionally challenging. Thus, the VA benefits also provide veterans with adult day health care services to give caregivers a break. Here, one can engage in social activities, therapy, companionship, and bonded meals, among others, in a safe and supervised environment. What’s more, these services are customized depending on one’s needs.

Eligibility for this benefit depends on one’s enrollment in the VA healthcare system and the level of daily assistance required. These services can be accessed at the local ADHC center, which can be found on the VA website or the nearest VA office.

Respite care
The VA benefits include respite care services, including in-home care and short-term stays at assisted living facilities. Just like ADHC, eligibility for this program requires enrollment in the VA healthcare system and evidence of a need for support. One can speak to the primary care provider or visit the VA office to learn which respite care option may be best suited for one’s needs.

Geriatrics and extended care services (GEC)
Temporary care may not suffice for senior veterans dealing with complicated health issues. To give them additional support, the VA runs the GEC services program, which includes palliative care, hospice care, long-term care, and more. Like other VA health programs, eligibility for this is tied to one’s enrollment in the VA healthcare system and a referral from the primary care doctor.

Housebound benefits
Some senior veterans may have restricted movement due to a permanent disability, which confines them to their homes. For such individuals, the VA offers housebound privileges. Please note that these cannot be availed along with A&A benefits.

Housebound benefits offer veterans a special monthly compensation (SMC), which may be used for hiring help, remote buying, repairs, and renovations. To avail of this benefit, one simply needs to send a completed VA form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance ) to their pension management center (PMC).

Mortgage assistance
As seniors hit a certain age, their ability to work and earn a livelihood gradually decreases, which could lead to personal financial hardship. Thus, the VA also runs programs to provide veterans with mortgage repayment assistance and financial counseling. Under these programs, one can opt for special repayment loans or modifications to lessen their burden. These VA loans typically have attractive terms, such as no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and no prepayment penalties.

These loans are not provided by the VA but by private entities such as banks and mortgage companies. To qualify, the borrower must provide the lender with a certificate of eligibility from the VA, which can be obtained from the VA website.

Free tax preparation
Some seniors may also need help filing their taxes and returns. The VA, in association with the IRS, arranges this for them. They provide IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE ) programs, which help seniors create tax sheets, calculate earned income, note deductions, and manage the rest of the taxation process professionally.

Non-degree college programs/certifications
Some senior veterans may be in the pink of health, looking to expand their skill repertoire. To do so, they can tap into the VA’s GI bill benefits, which gives them and their spouses access to aid (tuition and money for books and supplies) so they can enroll in specific non-degree training programs such as HVAC repair, truck driving, beauty schools, and more. For this, the veterans must qualify for the GI bill and enroll in an approved school.

To apply for VA education benefits, one needs documents and information such as their social security number, education and military service history, bank account direct deposit information, and basic information about the institute they plan on attending or are currently a part of. With this information, the application can be found and filled out online via the VA website.

Most Popular

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that makes the skin reddish, inflamed, and itchy because of specific triggers. It can affect any body part and appear anywhere on the skin. The most common symptoms are dryness, bumps, rashes, redness, and peeling of the skin. Despite being one of the most typical forms of atopic dermatitis, there is no such common definite cause; however, particular triggers cause eczema flareups, including specific kinds of soaps. Soaps and eczema flareups When eczema triggers, most of the time, it makes its appearance in certain typical parts of the body. These include behind the knee areas, hands, and feet. Some of the most common triggers of eczema flareups include household cleaners containing specific chemicals, and, most notably, soaps. However, the experience of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. One of the most typical symptoms is dry skin, where the soap’s role becomes significant. It is a pretty well-known fact that using soaps makes one’s skin dry. This happens because of specific harsh chemicals that swipe off moisture from one’s skin. These chemicals can also trigger severe irritation and reactions, specifically if the skin is too sensitive or if one is suffering from eczema.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition. Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable.
7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats.
7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them.

Popular Articles

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health
health
01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
Avoid these 5 smartphone habits
smartphones
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis
health
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More