Veterans' Benefits

You May Qualify for VA Benefits

Benefits are Available to Seniors who served during War time,

Their Spouses after Death, & their Adult Disabled Children

Goals of Veteran Benefits Planning

  • To support Veterans in obtaining benefits that pay for the cost of home health care, assisted living and nursing home care
  • To coordinate the Veterans' benefits so that they don’t conflict with other nursing home benefits to provide the best care for the Veteran

Most people think of Veterans Benefits' as being only for servicemen and women who were wounded or disabled while serving in the armed forces. By and large, that is true. But—we have learned that there are substantial benefits that may be available to wartime veterans who are now senior citizens and are facing the burden of long term care due to a host of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and many others. In fact, the Veterans Administration estimates that millions of wartime veterans and their spouses may be eligible for Special Monthly Pension benefits, and not even be aware of it!

5 things to know...

  1. It is not necessary to be impoverished to qualify - what you do need is enough out-of-pocked medical expenses to make you eligible.
  2. These benefits are called a “pension.” However, this term tends to be confusing because it has nothing to do with years of service as we normally think of a pension.
  3. It is available to certain wartime veterans who require the aid and attendance of another person to avoid the hazards of his or her daily environment.
  4. Your disability does not need to be service-related.
  5. Benefits can be for you, or at your passing, for your spouse.

"Getting lost in the VA system is definitely a concern"

Important: You must coordinate all of your government benefit programs - what you do to qualify for one program may keep you from qualifying for another!

Do you qualify?

For the Veteran:


Did you serve for at least 90 days, one day of which was during war time?
World War II - December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
Korean Conflict - June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975

  • Are you over 65?
  • Did you receive an honorable discharge?
  • Is your income substantially reduced by out-of-pocket expenses for medical care such as Assisted Living, Home Health Care Aides of Prescriptions?
  • Do you need assistance to remain independent?

For Spouses of a Deceased War Veteran:

  • Are you the widow of a wartime veteran?
  • Are you over 65?
  • Do you need assistance with the activities of daily living?


The Thom L. Cooper Co. office can provide guidance to you in the following areas:

  • Referral service to the appropriate legal counsel who can provide you with the basic estate plan documents such as powers of attorney, wills & possibly trusts
  • Basic analysis of any income tax, estate tax, and gift tax issues
  • Care options available in the local community for both the Veteran and spouse
  • A review of Medicare and benefits to pay for nursing home costs as it applies to your circumstances
  • A compressive understanding of availability and estate of personal and financial, as well as family resources to pay for care
  • Analysis of financial suitability of any asset protection tools
  • Analysis of both positive and negatives of all tools and planning options
  • A calculation of the actual dollar benefit and/or cost of any helpful idea that is discussed