Veteran Benefits

At Visiting Angels Plymouth-Canton, we are passionate about ensuring the Veterans of this nation who have sacrificed so greatly to maintain the freedoms all Americans enjoy are treated with the utmost respect and receive the absolute highest quality care available. As an agency that is highly experienced in Veteran care, we know firsthand about the unique challenges aging Veterans can face as a result of their time in the service. 

Michigan is home to nearly 568,000 Veterans, according to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, of which more than 40 percent served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War combined. As the men and women of our Armed Services seek health care options that allow them to stay in their homes comfortably, we want them to know we at the Plymouth-Canton branch of Visiting Angels and its owner, Julie Haggart, have a strong connection to the Veteran community. This dedication was shaped by Julie's inextricably bond with her grandfather who served in the Army during World War II.  

In addition to the outstanding and unmatched care our team provides for  Veterans, we organize a plethora of  activities and opportunities throughout the year to support Veterans. These functions include providing food and supplies to Veterans in need, sponsoring organizational assistance to help Veterans turn their home into a safe living environment, and leading educational events that include a free meal to teach Veterans about the Veteran Affairs benefits available to them.  A special luncheon and pinning ceremony is also held annually to recognize all of our clients, where their name, rank, and military branches are announced. In addition, in 2022, our agency sponsored an event that sent over 100 Veterans to a hockey game. 

We are honored and proud to provide home health care services to over 100 Veterans in the following Michigan cities: Belleville, Canton, Garden City, Inkster, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Southgate, Taylor, Wayne, Westland, Wyandotte, Dearborn Heights, and Van Buren Township. 

We know it can be overwhelming to navigate home healthcare options and Veteran benefits at the same time. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is always available to answer all your questions and help you understand the best options for your Veteran’s  unique situation. 

Below, you will find information about Veteran benefits, but we are always available to talk you through the options. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. 

Who Qualifies For Veterans Benefits?

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care. Veterans may qualify for personal home care or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:

Served in the  military, naval, or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable.

Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.

How Do Veterans Benefits Work?

U.S. military veterans may qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs.

Here’s how each program works:

Aid and Attendance benefits
Veterans who receive a VA pension may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they need help with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. Veterans may qualify for “Housebound” benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. In most cases, benefits are paid directly to the veteran and added to their monthly pension. 

Community Care Network benefits
Veterans who qualify for Community Care Network benefits may be eligible for assistance with home-health care costs. Qualified veterans will be assigned to a service care coordinator, who will determine how many hours per week the veteran requires care and will help the family connect with caregivers in their area. Community Care Network benefits are paid directly to partner organizations.

How Can Families Apply For Veterans Benefits?

Families can apply for personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration by completing the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the Veterans Administration.

Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and ask to speak to a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can assist veterans with their applications and answer questions about the program.

You must provide identification and documentation of your loved one’s veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents. Your VA service coordinator can provide more information about the documents you must provide with your application.

When Should Seniors Apply For Veterans’ Benefits?

The best time to apply for home care benefits through the VA is before your loved one needs to use them. Application processing times can be lengthy, and the application should be started as soon as possible to avoid paying out of pocket for in-home care while you wait for approval.

How Can Visiting Angels Help Veterans?

Visiting Angels is committed to supporting all older adults who want to age in place — including those who have served our country. Professional caregivers assist with personal care tasks, including grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.

Scheduling a free home care consultation with Visiting Angels is the first step toward connecting your loved one with the care they need. During the consultation, you can discuss whether they qualify for veterans’ benefits and how to apply.

Michigan Veteran Benefit Resources 

Michigan offers special benefits for Service members, Veterans and their Families including property tax exemptions, Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, Michigan National Guard state retirement pay, employment assistance, civil service preference, special vehicle license plates, as well as hunting and fishing license benefits. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status. Learn more here. 

Again, don’t hesitate to contact us today to get all your questions answered. We are passionate about supporting the Veterans of this country, and are dedicated to providing unmatched home care for them. 

We help families sleep better at night by taking care of your loved ones.