Our October monthly meeting was well attended. We had several visitors.
Bobby Rand, AMVETS Life Member, and VBAATLD, was our guest speaker. Amvet Rand discussed in great detail the VA Pension Program. Here’s some highlights:
The Pension Program is different than the compensation program.
The Pension Program is designed for Veterans who served during a war time period, but you can
get benefits prior to age 65.
Service Requirements:
Discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a period of war.
Age / Disability
Age 65 or older OR
Permanently and totally disabled (not due to own personal misconduct OR
Patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care OR
Receiving Social Security disability benefits
Your pension is based on your income and net worth. There are limitations.
Your spouse and children can also qualify for pension, but there is a criteria they must meet.
For unmarried surviving spouse, spouse must meet all of the qualifications. For unmarried children, the parent must have met all of the Veteran Service qualifications, the
child must be under the age of 18 or under the age of 23 attending a VA approved school. If a
child us in college and the Veteran qualifies for the Pension Program, the child can apply for
pension benefits. It’s not a large sum of money, but it is something that they can get and can be
used to purchase books. When you receive your pension there’s a note in the letter that tells you if your income changes or your dependency you must report it. You can be penalized for not reporting.
You have basic pension, and you have pension with aid and attendance. Aid and Attendance mean
you must have the assistance of another person or so incapacitated you cannot feed, bathe, clothe,
or protect yourself from the elements. That will qualify you for a higher pension. A form must be
completed by a doctor stating you are in that condition.
AMVETS
Post 911 Standdown
We enjoyed fellowship with the AMVETS Post 911 on Saturday, October 4, as they provided local veteran & civilian resources to their local community.
