4 lesser-known VA benefits for senior veterans

The brave service of soldiers in the military deserves to be rewarded with more than just gratitude. To ensure this, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has come up with several benefits to simplify the lives of veterans. While some seniors may know about one or two of these, several lesser-known benefits could improve their quality of life. Read on to learn about four such benefits available to senior veterans.

Long-term/extended care benefits
Many seniors do not know they can get assistance with long-term care with the VA. These privileges are extended to eligible veterans, giving them access to home health care, adult day health care (such as nursing care and physical therapy), respite care, hospice care (for those with a terminal illness), and nursing home care in federal and state nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Some of these benefits may also extend to their family members.

Eligibility for these benefits is based on one’s military service history, disability status, income level, and available resources.

Caregiver support
Many veterans sustain injuries and illnesses during their service period. As a result, they need special support from caregivers. VA recognizes the crucial role caregivers play in supporting veterans and offers training programs for them. One of these is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), under which they are offered benefits such as monthly stipends, access to healthcare benefits, caregiver training, mental health resources, and respite care.

Free tax preparation
Managing taxes isn’t always easy, and seniors may sometimes need more help. Thankfully, several resources are available under the VA to help veterans through this process. These include:

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): This is an IRS program that offers free tax help to those making less than $75,000, people with disabilities, and seniors. These sites also extend their services to veterans, regardless of their income.
• Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC): This unit is responsible for the operation of military tax programs. They offer free tax advice, tax preparation, and assistance to members of the military and their families.
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC): Senior veterans running small businesses may also receive tax help from VBOCs. These centers offer free workshops, online training, and more to help develop a better understanding of the tax process.

Life insurance
As one ages, financial stability can become a concern. VA offers several life insurance programs that senior veterans can avail themselves of to ensure their peace of mind. Some of these include:

1. Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which can be converted into a Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
2. Family Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
3. Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
4. Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Apart from these listed resources, senior veterans may also receive home refinancing, service dog veterinary benefits, and employment resources under VA programs.