Veteran Benefits

As of April 24, 2015, the state of Iowa enacted a new law that combats financial advisors, insurance companies and others from charging veterans and their families for services many VA county offices can provide for free. Please click the “Resources” tab and look under Veterans for a disclosure form that must be presented to anyone being asked to pay for services in applying for VA benefits.

The Veterans’ Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that some may not be aware of. This Improved Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. This is a “pension benefit” and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.

If you are thinking about paying someone for help in obtaining veterans benefits, please carefully read the following DISCLOSURE:

Veterans benefits services are offered at no cost by federally chartered veteran service organizations and by county commission of veteran affairs offices.