Category Archives: Retirement

Special Pension for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance Helps Caregivers of Veterans 65 and Older

Posted on by vfwlady

A little-known veterans‘ benefit for long-term care expenses is available to wartime veterans and their spouses. But the benefit is being overlooked by thousands of families.

The Special Pension for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,949 a  month toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days and one day during wartime – stateside or overseas.

Yet, an estimated $22 billion a year goes unclaimed, said Don Soard, a volunteer with Operation Veteran Aid in Oklahoma City. In 2007, only 134,000 seniors nationwide received the benefit, which was established in 1952.

“Literally hundreds of thousands don’t even know about it,” Soard said. “Due to incomplete information, many disqualify themselves on income or assets or find the paperwork too burdensome.” Read more: HERE<<

The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple.

Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. (Form 21-534 surviving spouse) (Form 21-526 Veteran.) This application will require a copy of DD-214 (*see below for more information) or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses.

*To request a copy of a DD-214 visit www.vetrec.archives.gov.

*To get help filling out the forms, contact: Operation Veteran Aid

Please feel free to share the article with anyone you know who is a veteran of a war. >>THE AID & ATTENDANCE PENSION

Social Security Credit Information for Veterans Serving Active Duty Between 1957-2001

Posted on by vfwlady

Veterans in active duty service between January 1957  and December 31, 2001*, who are recently retired or currently planning for retirement, need to know how about how their Military service can equal a higher monthly Social Security earnings credit.

All veterans qualify for up to $1200 per year of additional earnings credit IF at least 24 months of their active duty Military service occurred during that time frame.  If your service was between 1957 and 1967, you may need to re-apply for the benefit if you did not ask for it when you retired.

The credit is given to those who qualify at the time of application – You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office!

Here’s how the special extra earnings are credited on your record:

Service in 1957 Through 1977

You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.

Service in 1978 through 2001

For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn’t complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details.

If your active military service occurred:

  • From 1957 through 1967, they will add the extra credits to your record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
  • From 1968 through 2001, you do not need to do anything to receive these extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record.

*In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel, but allows those who served prior to that date to request the credit.