As of April 24, 2015, Iowa enacted a new law that prevents financial advisors, insurance companies, and others from charging veterans and their families for services many VA county offices can provide for free.
The Veterans’ Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that some may not be aware of. This Improved Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted living communities also qualify..
This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. This is a “pension benefit” and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. Aid and attendance can help pay for home or assisted living care.
To determine your pension benefits, call 1-800-827-1000.
To sign up for your benefits, call (Linn County VA): 1-319-892-5160