One of the most common benefits for veterans are their disability payments, such as Veterans Compensation or Veterans Pension. Most veterans know if they are injured while working, they are entitled to compensation for their workplace injuries if negligence can be proven.
However, according to The Barnes Firm, personal injury lawyers in San Diego (https://www.thebarnesfirm.com/contact-us/san-diego-personal-injury-attorney/), if you get injured on the job and you’re a disabled veteran, always be sure to speak to your lawyer about any compensation you’re already receiving. You want to be sure a personal injury settlement won’t have a major impact on your current benefits. While many people understand the most popular veterans benefits, there are still several benefits out there that are under the radar and it’s important to consult a lawyer who is familiar with personal injury law, so you avoid any conflicting settlements.
“There’s a whole framework of resources out there,” Joseph Montanaro, a financial planner with USAA’s military affairs advocacy group, told Kiplinger. Don’t assume you’re not eligible, he says. And recognize that spouses and dependents may qualify, too.
Here are a few veteran benefits that you may not have heard of:
The Aid & Attendance Program
Long-term care can quickly eat away at savings and will be difficult for any family that struggles to provide for day-to-day necessities. The Aid & Attendance program is designed to help struggling veteran senior pay for long-term care. This money will help them cover the cost of rising nursing home costs and various assisted living programs. Veteran couples can receive up to $25,000 in aid per year, and surviving spouses can receive around $13,000.
To qualify, you should have less than $80,000 in assets, not including ownership of one vehicle and one home. On the same token, the Department of Veterans Affairs also offers a caregiver support program to help navigate military benefits, which can be especially useful for senior veterans. This support program will also help you navigate the complicated barriers of veteran aid.
There are companies that specialize in the VA Aid and Attendance pension application process. Visit Veterans Home Care for more information on how they can help you.
Free Tax Preparation
No matter what your financial situation is, preparing your taxes is never a fun ordeal. In fact, it’s not uncommon for stress levels to rise during dreaded tax season. However, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (whose offices are found in military bases), you can have your taxes prepared for free. Not only does this relieve you of the burden that comes with filing your taxes, but it can also ensure your taxes are filed correctly. Accountants in these offices have plenty of experience dealing with military-specific tax issues, which can become complicated quite easily.
Hire Your Friends & Family to Help
For veterans and family members who are receiving help from their trusted loved ones, there’s a little-known benefit that will allow qualifying vets to pay their family and friends for their caretaking. This is called the Veteran-Directed Care Program and it makes it easy for those who you depend on for tasks like laundry and basic living tasks to be compensated for their time and devotion. This payment can be upwards of $2,000 per month.
Hearing Aid Services
According to the VA, nearly 3 million veterans are currently receiving disability benefits for hearing loss or tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. With so many people suffering from hearing loss after service, it’s crucial that they have the right remedy. At the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation for the American Legion, veterans do not have to wait for a referring physician to secure an appointment with a booking specialist. Your VA insurance will cover the cost, whereas insurance through government programs like Medicare typically do not cover this.
VA Foreclosure
If you’re a veteran looking for a home, you’re in luck. The VA maintains a lengthy list of all the homes that have been finances with VA loans and gone into foreclosure. Veterans will be able to sort through this list of properties and purchase homes at discount level; all homes included in the list are also eligible for VA financing, which means a bulk of the finance researching has been automatically filtered for you.
American Corporate Partners
Finding employment after service can be one of the most troubling tasks for veterans. Fortunately, with programs like American Corporate Partners, you can work with mentors who can connect you with top companies for employment opportunities. This program doesn’t just provide you with the right connection; they also help you get prepared for the interview process and will work with you to ensure the odds are in your favor.
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