Little Known Veterans Benefits

[scesnick]

USS Ranger, AZC(AW). Spent 3 years on the Carl Vinson in Alameda, Chiefs Mess was closed for yard work. USS Abraham Lincoln was next to us and the Chiefs mess invited all the Carl Vinson Chiefs over for lunch one day.

mark

Small world !! I was stationed on the Abe almost the whole time it was in Alameda. What a dump that place was.

 

[mjarrels]

Yep small world. We closed the door and cut off the lights in Alameda before moving to WA. State (home port change). Since I lived in Coupeville Wa. anyway, I was happy to not have that 926 mile comute. While the Chiefs mess was closed, we had to eat in the dirty shirt wardroom for a month. Officer food really sucks. Ca. had such big plans for the closed waterfront bases, now watch mythbuster blow it up. I was able to have a Navy career that most people would die for, thought about writing a book "never a bad tour"

mark

 

[jinman]

Here is an easy to understand pdf file that even has some examples of how benefits are calculated. There are several organizations that will help veterans and/or spouses fill out applications. My FIL recently applied and was approved for the improved veterans pension and is receiving substantial income from the VA which really helps. He's gone from wondering about keeping his house to being able to keep it and also buy a new car. The money and help are real. Veterans deserve it.

 

[scesnick]

Here is an easy to understand pdf file that even has some examples of how benefits are calculated. There are several organizations that will help veterans and/or spouses fill out applications. My FIL recently applied and was approved for the improved veterans pension and is receiving substantial income from the VA which really helps. He's gone from wondering about keeping his house to being able to keep it and also buy a new car. The money and help are real. Veterans deserve it.

jinman.,
That is awesome news !!! If any group of Americans deserve a bit of help it is our Veterans.
If I my ask, Does you FIL receive some sort of care? I was under the impression that was a requirement, correct?

 

[jinman]

If I my ask, Does you FIL receive some sort of care? I was under the impression that was a requirement, correct?

Yes, my FIL has regular care after colon cancer and a colostomy. He also has pretty severe heart disease. His medical expenses are pretty high and Social Security was his primary income. I believe the improved pension was able to supplement his income by around $750 per month. Of course, that is tax free.

 

[scesnick]

Yes, my FIL has regular care after colon cancer and a colostomy. He also has pretty severe heart disease. His medical expenses are pretty high and Social Security was his primary income. I believe the improved pension was able to supplement his income by around $750 per month. Of course, that is tax free.

Glad to hear your FIL has benefitted from this program.

 

[LostInTheWoods]

The money and help are real. Veterans deserve it.

That is awesome, and you're right, vets deserve it. Interesting that we OIF/OEF/GWOT vets are not on the list. I scanned the pdf and didn't see an age requirement, but might have missed it.

 

[scesnick]

That is awesome, and you're right, vets deserve it. Interesting that we OIF/OEF/GWOT vets are not on the list. I scanned the pdf and didn't see an age requirement, but might have missed it.

The age limit is 65 or older OR disabled. I have seen a few other exceptions as far as where and when you served. But, for the life of me, I can't find it now. If in doubt call your local VA office and ask.

 

[jinman]

Here is a link to an index of VA benefits (the official VA site). From this site, you can branch out to learn about all the veteran's benefits from the US government. I'd also like to point out the many services to veterans that are based within state boundaries. For example, Texas has the Veterans Land Board. Also veterans in TX can receive discounted entry or free entry into state parks based on levels of disability. Many other states also take care of their veterans. If you know of services in your state, why don't you post here in this thread and make it more complete reference of veteran's benefits.

 

[smstonypoint]

Here is a link to an index of VA benefits (the official VA site). From this site, you can branch out to learn about all the veteran's benefits from the US government. I'd also like to point out the many services to veterans that are based within state boundaries. For example, Texas has the Veterans Land Board. Also veterans in TX can receive discounted entry or free entry into state parks based on levels of disability. Many other states also take care of their veterans. If you know of services in your state, why don't you post here in this thread and make it more complete reference of veteran's benefits.

Good idea. I found this site which provides summary info on veteran benefits/programs by state.

State Veteran's Benefits Directory - Military Benefits - Military.com

Apparently each state has an office dedicated to veterans' benefits.


Back to the VA web site you linked. I'm going to spend more time looking, but the availability of the program discussed by the OP wasn't immediately obvious to me.

Steve