As one of the few Veteran-owned and Veteran-operated local home care agencies, we understand exactly why Veteran benefits are important, and we also understand the sacrifice our local Veterans have made. 

As the number of aging veterans grows nationwide, the need for personalized senior care can become a major concern for them and their families. The financial aspects can sometimes be the biggest challenge.

Many older adults who served in the U.S. military — including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard — aren’t aware they may be eligible for in-home personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA).

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 active 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?

As a credentialed Veterans' Administration Community Care provider, we can help and answer your questions. 

Scheduling a free home care consultation with Visiting Angels is the first step toward connecting your loved one with the care they need. We serve many areas in North Idaho, i.e.,  Athol ID, Priest River, ID, Coeur D Alene ID, Fernan Lake Village ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Hayden Lake ID, Post Falls ID, Sandpoint, ID, Harrison, ID, and Moscow, ID. Give us a call today to set up a complimentary consultation at 208-415-1000.