Around 16 million American military personnel served in World War II, and many of the Veterans are now receiving VA benefits i.e. Pension and Health Care. According to an estimate, there are still more than 1.7 million WWII veterans living in the United States or abroad. With the continuing age and increasing needs, many have to turn to veterans’ benefits for assistance.
US Veterans are entitled to a number of benefits including health care, disability compensation, pension, home loans, education and training, insurance, rehabilitation, employment, and burial. Following details provide information about the VA benefits for which World War II veterans may entitle for.
Home Care for World War II Veterans
WWII veterans with persisting illnesses and physical difficulties wanting to remain at home may entitle for home care. This includes aid in daily living activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, toilet use and transferring including household jobs i.e. meal preparations and chores. Also when home health care is needed, it is usually provided by licensed health care professionals.
Assisted Living
One of the much better options for WWII veterans is an Assisted Living Facility (ALF). ALFs offer an all in all protected environment with round the clock supervision and aid with the day to day living activities. ALF residents also take part in various recreational and social programs.
World War II Veterans’ Skilled Nursing Care
World War II veterans with chronic illnesses are also entitled to get long-term medical care at the skilled nursing facility (SNF). The SNF staff includes licensed medical personnel as well as aids for medico-personal care. SNF offers personal care, 24-hour supervision as well as medical assistance including meals, recreational and social activities.
VA World War II Benefits
Eligibility for entitlement for these services is usually based on the veteran’s in-service disability status. An in-service disability is occurring from active military service. Another requirement for the entitlement of VA health care benefits includes having a genuine clinical need for the service. In addition to health and medical benefits, the VA provides pensions to low-income veterans aged 65 or older, permanently disabled, or living in a nursing homes or receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
In order to qualify for VA pension, WWII veterans must have served for a period of at least 90 days of active duty including an honorable discharge in that case or other than dishonorable discharge in such case.
Aid & Attendance Pension for WWII Veterans
WWII veterans, their spouses (including surviving spouses) who seek assistance for performing daily living activities like bathing, dressing and transferring may also qualify for an enhanced pension known as Aid & Attendance. The Aid & Attendance pension is a tax-free compensation for home care, adult day care, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities which pay around three thousand dollars a month. It is a long term benefit that helps cover lifetime care.
How To Apply
In general, Service members, Veterans, and their families may apply for VA benefits using the below-mentioned methods:
- Online application using eBenefits, or
- Go to a regional VA office and get a VA employee’s assistance in this process.
