Make Sure You're Getting All Of Your Veteran's Benefits

Are you receiving all of the veteran benefits that you should?

If you are the surviving spouse or dependent—or a veteran yourself—and you could use some extra income, you should look into the Non-Service Connection Pension. This pension is offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs and is a tax-free source of monthly income available to qualified applicants to help them pay medical expenses.

This little known benefit for those who have served in our armed forces was the subject of a recent article in the Houston Chronicle titled “Elder Law: Qualifying for veterans' benefits improves care for vets, families.”

To meet the criteria for qualify for the Non-Service Connection Pension, the applicant must establish the following:
1. The veteran served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day in a qualified war time period;
2. The veteran must have been discharged other than dishonorably;
3. The applicant must have limited assets and income; and
4. The applicant has high medical expenses.

Also, if the veteran himself or herself is the one applying, he or she must be 65 years old or older, or be 100% permanently disabled.

If you feel you may qualify for the Non-Service Connection Pension, it will be worth your while to speak with an elder law attorney who has experience with Veteran's Benefits.

During your visit make sure you are doing all you can to make your investments work for you, and that you have the fundamental estate planning and elder law documents in place for your benefit and for your loved ones.

Reference: Houston Chronicle, February 14, 2014: “Elder Law: Qualifying for veterans' benefits improves care for vets, families”