As a Veteran of our uniformed services, you deserve our thanks and respect for your service to our country. The Federal government has established a number of benefit programs for veterans, their spouses and their widows. But are you aware of all the benefits to which you are entitled?
- Aid and Attendance Program – The Aid and Attendance program provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who meet certain criteria in regards to their status as veterans and their income and assets. Aid and Attendance is a federal program and is available in all states.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) – DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of a U.S. military service member. There are certain qualifications that must be met to qualify as a survivor.
- Other Related Veterans’ Benefits – There are other benefits that a veteran, a surviving spouse or a dependent may be eligible to receive. These include health care coverage, special home loans, educational assistance, and federal employment preference.
- State & Federal Veterans’ Cemeteries – Massachusetts has two state Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries and one federal Cemetery. There is no fee for a veteran’s burial in a state or federal Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. (A nominal fee will be charged for the burial of spouses, widows/widowers, and qualified dependents.)
A qualified elder law attorney can advise you and your family in regards to the various benefits available and how each may specifically apply to your situation. In some cases such benefits may affect other public benefits so it is important to consult with an attorney before pursuing benefits you may not fully understand. However, in many cases these benefits can provide additional, much needed, support for aging Veterans and their families.
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Moschella & Winston has specialized in legal planning and protection for individuals and families for over 30 years, and our attorneys are experts in elder, disability and special needs law. Please contact us at info@moschellawinston.com or (617) 776-3300.
