November is a time to honor the sacrifices made by both veterans and their families, especially with Veteran’s Day around the corner and the entire month devoted to Military Family Appreciation Month. With these events in mind, now is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the military benefits for families that military members and their families are entitled to for the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our country.
As of 2021, the National Library of Medicine reported that roughly only half of the veteran population is enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), meaning that many veterans and their families are missing out on their VA benefits, including Aid and Attendance pension and Survivor benefits.
Here’s a guide on how those benefits can help you as a military family member or veteran, and how you can make sure you aren’t leaving anything on the table.
Signing Up with the VA
VA benefits may cover services that include but are not limited to home care. If you are a veteran, be sure you are enrolled in VA healthcare so that you don’t miss out on the benefits you’ve earned. If you have a service-connected disability, see your VA primary care doctor for further guidance. If you don’t have a service-connected disability, you can apply in one of the following ways:
• Phone: Call the toll-free hotline 877-222-8387 Mon.– Fri. 8 A.M to 8 P.M.
• Online: Visit the VA healthcare website, and fill out the Online Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
• In Person: Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ), and bring your completed form to your nearest VA medical center or clinic.
• Mail: Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ), and mail your completed form to the VA Health Eligibility Center.
Learn more about how to apply for VA healthcare.
Ways you may qualify for home care benefits through the VA
Several VA benefits cover home care, and in many cases, Veterans may be eligible for more than one program. Read below for more information on programs that may cover home care and other services.
1. Homemaker and Home Health Aide: This benefit is for eligible Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. Care is provided by
organizations like SYNERGY HomeCare who are part of the Community Care Network, a network of VA-approved providers. *Homemaker and Home Health Aide benefits can only be used in combination with Aid and Attendance Pension benefits. Only available to Veterans, not to spouses.
2. Aid and Attendance Pension: This is a benefit paid by the VA to eligible Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses in addition to a veteran’s basic pension.This can be used to cover home care services, including assistance with daily activities like bathing, eating, dressing, memory care, and support for disability or illness.
3. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): The VA now includes assistance for family caregivers of eligible Veterans. They must be a family member or live with the Veteran full-time to be considered. Each Veteran is allowed to have one primary caregiver, and is eligible to receive at least 30
days of respite care each year, a stipend for their caregiving services, and other benefits.
4. Veteran-Directed Care (VDC): The VA’s Veteran-Directed Care program allows Veterans to manage their own care and hire caregivers to help them age in place. Eligibility is based on a Veteran’s health status or care needs.
Get Help from VA Specialists
Even though the VA system is here to support veterans and their families, we understand that it can still be overwhelming. For that reason, there are many VA specialist consultants, Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives and accredited veterans attorneys whose job is to simplify the process.
Not only can these experts provide you with knowledge of the ins and outs of the VA system, but they can also save you time and effort and make sure you receive the help you need as soon as possible.
Find a VA-accredited representative or VSO.
The majority of SYNERGY HomeCare agencies are contracted with the VA as approved providers and can provide personalized and compassionate care for veterans and their families. These agencies, some of which are run by veterans themselves, can walk you through the process and point you in the right direction, whether that be providing you with in-network home care or connecting you with a local VA representative who can answer your questions about military benefits for family.
Learn more about how VA benefits and how SYNERGY HomeCare can help you as a veteran or the family member of a veteran.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
