Veterans and Surviving Spouses, The VA May Owe You Money January 17, 2009

A third of all senior citizens in this country may qualify for a little known veterans disability income benefit called Pension. Pension is also called "Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit”. This benefit can pay up to $1,843 a month to qualifying veteran households to cover the cost of home care, assisted living or nursing home care. The income is paid in addition to all other household income to reimburse the family for their long term care medical costs. If younger than 65, the veteran must be totally disabled. If age 65 or older, there is no requirement for disability. There is no disability requirement for a single surviving spouse.

According to a recent study there are about 7.1 million living veterans over the age of 65 who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam or the Gulf War. In addition it is estimated there are approximately 4.4 million surviving spouses of these war veterans over 65. The veterans could be eligible for Pension under the right circumstances and their surviving dependents could be eligible for Death Pension under the right circumstances as well. Widows are hardest hit. According to a VA estimate, only one in seven of the survivors of the nation's deceased soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who likely could qualify for the pension actually get the monthly checks.

Altogether there are about 11.5 million potential beneficiaries for VA pension benefits in this country. The Census Bureau estimates there are approximately 35 million seniors over the age of 65. Comparing those who could receive pension over the total number of seniors means that about 33% of all seniors could be eligible for this veterans benefit income. Yet, according to government census statistics, only about 4.7% of the 11.5 million or so seniors who could qualify are actually receiving Pension or Death Pension. Part of the reason for the lack of participation is that the public is not aware of this special income program.

To “get the word out”, a FREE educational seminar on the VA Pension Benefit will be presented by the SMART Consumer Group in conjunction with Allied Veterans Advisors. It will be held in the Turrentine Room of the Escondido City Library on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 at 1:00 pm. The Escondido City Library is located at 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025.

All veterans and surviving spouses are welcome to attend.

Official Website: http://www.SMARTConsumerGroup.com/vapension.htm