Misc Advice

Benefits Offered by the VA to Aging Veterans

February 7, 2022Filed Under: Misc Advice

US Census Bureau statistics show that over 18.2 million veterans live in the United States, and 38 percent of them are 65 or older. Additionally, the Census Bureau reports that more than 9 million veterans receive services from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) annually. If you are a veteran or have a loved one who is, it is important to understand all the VA resources and aid that are available. Beyond education programs, home loans, and job search and training resources, the VA also provides a host of other resources to assist you as you transition to your retirement years.

Wartime Veterans Supplemental Income (Veterans Pension)

Supplemental income is available for wartime veterans through the VA pension benefit. If you served at least 90 days of active duty before September 7, 1980, or 24 months after that date, or served the full period for which you were summoned or ordered to active duty with at least one day of wartime, you may qualify. You must have also been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. There are strict income and asset requirements attached to this benefit as well as the survivor’s pension and the housebound or aid and attendance allowance discussed below.

Survivors pension

If your late parent or spouse served during wartime, you might qualify for the survivor’s pension. This tax-free program provides relief for unmarried children or a widow or widower who has low income. The deceased military veteran must have served a minimum of 90 days active service with a minimum of one day served during a period of wartime before September 7, 1980, and been dishonorably discharged. After that September date, the deceased veteran must have served a minimum of 24 months or the full period summoned or ordered to serve active duty. Pensions are based on annual family income and under a designated amount set by Congress. More details regarding military pension eligibility are found on the VA website.

Housebound Allowance and Aid & Attendance Benefit

If you are eligible for or are already receiving a veterans’ pension, you may qualify for additional monetary benefits. If you are permanently disabled and must remain in your current home, the Housebound Allowance will increase your monthly pension. Aid & Attendance (A&A) will compensate a veteran who is either residing in a nursing home, bedridden, requires assistance for activities in their day-to-day life, or whose eyesight problems meet specific thresholds of degradation. More details for Housebound Allowance and A&A eligibility can be found on the VA website.

Veterans Life Insurance Options

There is a wide variety of life insurance offerings through the Veterans Administration. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI, VA form SGLV8286) is a group term life insurance that is low-cost and is automatic for most active-duty service members. It is also available for those veterans who serve at least 12 periods of inactive training per year with the Ready Reserve or the National Guard. Other automatic qualifiers include belonging to the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service, and for midshipmen and cadets of the US military academies and ROTC members. You can extend the coverage up to two years if you are fully disabled at separation. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI, VA form SGLV 8286A) allows you to convert your SGLI to a civilian program of lifetime renewable term coverage after leaving military service.

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

If you qualify for SGLI, your spouse and children are qualified for Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI, VA form SGLV 8286A). This insurance covers your dependent children free of charge, although the coverage for your spouse cannot surpass your amount of coverage.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection

If you sustain a traumatic injury during your service that leads to amputation, blindness, or paraplegia, you qualify for benefit payments made through Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI, VA form SGLV8600).

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance

The Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI, VA Form 29-4364) coverage is provided to veterans who have been given a VA rating for what is called a new service-connected disability within the past two years. Coverage is free for eligible veterans who are fully disabled, and you can purchase additional life insurance.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

As a veteran, if you are disabled and approved for a VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, you may receive mortgage life insurance coverage through the Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI, VA Form 29-8636).

This link takes you to an overview of these VA insurance benefits. You can click on the insurance program by name and be automatically redirected to the appropriate VA web page for that benefit.

Disability Compensation

Tax-free Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC, VA Form 21-534EZ) is available to veterans who sustain or aggravate an injury or disease during their active service. The disability may include physical and mental health issues and secondary or related items diagnosed after your discharge. Your child may be eligible for DIC if they are not included in the spouse’s DIC, and there is an income-based DIC for parents. A disability can also qualify you for a higher, tax-free Special Monthly Compensation if you are housebound and need special assistance or have trouble performing daily living activities. Additionally, housing and insurance benefits through the VA, like Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance, Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance, and Adapted Housing Grants may be available.

Geriatrics and Extended Care Services

The Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC) provides help to veterans with life-limiting illnesses, multiple chronic conditions, or disabilities associated with aging, injury, or chronic disease. The GEC will assist a veteran living at home or in a nursing home, assisted living, or other residential community care facilities. GEC services include home health aide care, daily care, telehealthcare, palliative care, respite care, hospice care, and even veteran-directed care.

Military Burial

Veteran burial benefits include a gravesite in a national veteran’s cemetery, a government marker or headstone, the opening and closing of that grave and its perpetual care, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. The marker, headstone, burial flag, and certificate are provided at no cost to the veteran. Additionally, dependents and spouses buried in a national veteran’s cemetery may also qualify for some benefits such as burial with the veteran, inscription on their headstone, and perpetual care. For a complete description of your veteran benefits, check this VA website link.

Percentages of veterans receiving benefits:

25-34 years 24.7 percent
36-44 years 21.5 percent
45-54 years 25.8 percent
55-64 years 19.8 percent
65-74 years 5.0 percent
75+ years 1.3 percent

If you are a veteran or have a loved one who is, it is crucial to understand that veteran resources go far beyond career and end-of-life issues. Many veterans are not taking full advantage of VA offerings. Many VA age-related programs can benefit a veteran’s life beyond simply planning their future care. Become acquainted with the many options available and determine which programs you qualify for and best serve your interests. With so many benefits available through the VA, you can improve your living situation during your retirement.

The overview is just a summary of what may be available to a wartime veteran or a veteran who is disabled as a result of their prior service. If you or a loved one would like to explore whether you are eligible for benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Cincinnati office by calling us at 513-771-2444 with any questions.

Top 3 Reasons All Veterans Need an Attorney

September 20, 2021Filed Under: Misc Advice

It is a sad reality that many veterans’ benefits get tied up in the system and never get paid out. A quick internet search can lead to story after story of veterans who have struggled to receive the benefits that are owed to them. Robert DiCicco spent his final years battling through the red tape to get his benefits and pay for the bills to his assisted living facility. The sad part is he didn’t live to see it. The benefits he was owed did come through ten days after his death, but they were taken back by the Veteran’s Administration. The DiCicco family had to begin again as his wife was left to fight for the benefits as his beneficiary. The unfortunate part is that these stories are far too common. In fact, many veterans die or give up before they ever receive benefits. Knowing how and finding a professional advocate is a veteran’s best option.

Success rates are boosted with a professional advocate.

The National Organization of Veteran’s Advocates, Inc. (NOVA) reports that veterans represented by attorneys have the lowest denial rate in front of the Board of Veteran’s Appeals (BVA). NOVA also notes that veterans with attorney representation are more likely to have their appeals allowed by the BVA. Another great benefit to having an attorney is the Equal Access to Justice Act. This act says that if the attorney wins the appeal, then the government must pay the veteran’s legal fees. Therefore, the attorney gets paid without affecting the veteran’s benefits.

Qualified attorneys know their way around the process.

Attorneys who specialize in veteran’s benefits cases understand the process. These attorneys know what paperwork needs to be filed and when. They can also walk the veteran through the process. Attorneys can read and understand the case files and records which can help the veteran maximize their benefits and even find benefits the veteran may not be aware of. After assessing case files, the attorney can determine the most efficient path to take to achieve these goals. In a system where many veterans are waiting years for benefits, there is a huge benefit to using an attorney.

Having a professional advocate provides personalized help.

A veteran with an attorney advocating for their case has personalized help. Case managers and people within the system cannot provide this kind of assistance to their clients as they are dealing with a multitude of cases. Attorneys and firms generally only take on the number of cases they have time to give attention to, allowing them to fight on your behalf. In addition, an attorney is able to answer claims-related questions the veteran may have in a timely manner. Without an attorney, the only way the veteran can get answers is by calling the VA and often waiting long periods of time for answers. An experienced attorney can also help the client to know what records are needed to support claims and to provide sworn statements when necessary. You can be assured that if the BVA is hearing an appeal, they have an attorney. Therefore, it stands to reason that the veteran would want to even out the playing field by having an attorney as well.

When it comes to something as important as veteran’s benefits, it only makes sense that a veteran is better off with someone who knows the ins and outs of the process. It is the job of the attorney to advocate for their client, but they also provide support and information which is invaluable. If you don’t want to end up like Robert DiCicco and countless others like him, consider getting an attorney as soon as possible to help with your claim.

If you’d like to discuss your particular situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Cincinnati office by calling us at 513-771-2444 with any questions.

Estate Planning Guide Essentials: Personal Property Memorandum

August 10, 2020Filed Under: Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Misc Advice, Senior Health and Wellness

Happy senior couple from behind looking at front of house and car

Family members often end up arguing over mom or dad’s favorite items when that parent dies. Arguments can take place over things like a coffee mug, a piece of jewelry or a painting. These types of arguments can be eliminated by filling out a personal property memorandum and keeping it with your will or trust.

A personal property memorandum is designed to cover who should receive items owned that don’t have an official title record. Personal property includes furniture, jewelry, art, and other collections, as well as household items like china and silverware. Personal property memoranda may not include real estate or business interests, money and bank accounts, stocks or bonds, copyrights, and IOUs.

When writing your memorandum, it is best to keep things simple. Personal property memoranda generally resemble a list of items with the attached names of the inheritors. It can be handwritten or typed but should always be signed and dated.

All items should contain sufficient detail so that argument and confusion can be avoided. Complete contact information including address, phone, email, and a backup contact if possible should be included. Do not include items that you have already explicitly left in your will or trust.

The beauty of a separate list of personal items and their planned distribution is that if you later decide to change who receives what, you simply update your current list, or replace the list altogether. You can destroy an old record or maintain signature and dates on each of your personal property memoranda so that it is easy to identify your most current set of wishes.

A personal property memorandum for your tangible personal effects is a simple way to address how you want your personal property to be distributed. We would be happy to help you create a legal personal property memorandum along with any other estate planning documents you may need.

How to Successfully Travel with Disabilities

June 16, 2020Filed Under: Misc Advice

Traveling with disabilities or accessible traveling can seem, for some, like an overwhelming task with so many extra considerations. However, it doesn’t have to be if the right research, planning, and preparations are done ahead of time. There are even travel agencies that specialize in disabled travel. The most important thing is to be prepared.

Consult with a Physician

Whenever a disabled person is planning to travel, one of the first steps to take is to discuss the travel plans with the person’s physician. Be sure to give the doctor an accurate picture of what the trip will entail. In many cases, the physician can help plan for medical needs while traveling. The doctor can prescribe certain measures to help make travel easier and can provide you with a medical statement for emergency situations. It is also helpful to have your doctor’s name and phone number available while traveling, as well as to identify medical care at the travel destination. Be sure to carry extra medication in case of unforeseen delays and have all medication in carry-on bags to prevent loss. Be prepared because the doctor may also advise against certain types of travel depending on the disabled person and their disability.

Know Your Rights

When planning for accessible travel, it is important to know the rights of people with disabilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certain procedures for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. It is important, before going through airport security, to understand these procedures. The Air Carrier Access Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provide information regarding the laws for those traveling with disabilities. Unfortunately, many employees of airlines, cruises, theme parks, and other travel destinations will not know the law regarding those with disabilities, so it is always best to obtain the information ahead of time.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is the most important tip and encompasses all the other tips. One easy way to plan ahead is to hire a travel agency that specializes in accessible travel. These agencies can plan for the specific disabilities and needs of the traveler with disabilities. If you wish to plan your own travel, then begin to plan early. First, research and create an itinerary for your trip. Websites can be helpful in obtaining information about accessibility and services offered. Even with websites, calls should be made to schedule the necessary accommodations that are needed to make each stop on the itinerary enjoyable. Remember to be detailed when describing the disability, so that everyone understands the limitations accurately.

Planning ahead for flights can also be very helpful for people with disabilities. If possible, avoid connecting flights and fly direct to the destination. It is also recommended to check in with the flight attendant before landing to make an exit plan. Once you’ve disembarked, if a wheelchair is necessary, make sure you have set up accessible ground transportation to and from the airport. All of this can be done ahead of time to help ensure more relaxing travel for everyone involved in the adventure.

The experience of travel can be smooth and enjoyable with the right information and planning. Of course, even the best plans can experience turbulence along the way, but planning and documenting can help to lessen any bumps along the way. Just remember, after calling and booking for the special needs, call again and touch base 24-48 hours in advance of traveling to ensure all appropriate accommodations are in order.

If you have questions or need guidance in your planning or planning for a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact our office by calling us at (513) 771-2444.