Your Guide to Essential Veterans Benefits
Navigating the range of benefits available to veterans and their families can feel overwhelming. Veterans have access to numerous benefits designed to support them and their families, but understanding where to begin can be daunting. That’s why we created the Veterans Benefits Checklist—an easy-to-follow guide that walks you through essential benefits and key contacts. This blog highlights many resources available to senior veterans and their families. Download the flyer version of this checklist at the bottom of the post for quick reference and please share it with the veterans in your life.
Veterans Benefits Checklist:
Aid & Attendance (A&A) Benefits
For veterans who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications, the Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefit offers crucial financial support. This benefit can make a difference in ensuring veterans have the resources they need for comfortable, daily care, especially as their needs evolve. Veterans and their families can apply through the Pension Management Center or work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for guidance through the application process. Our team can also assist you with this. Click the links below to learn more and to apply directly.
Aid & Attendance (A&A) Benefits: Funds for those who need help with daily activities.
- How to Apply: Visit the Pension Management Center or work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
Burial Benefits
The VA provides a range of burial and memorial benefits to honor veterans and their eligible family members, including interment in VA national cemeteries, government-provided headstones, and memorial flags. Veterans can also apply for pre-need eligibility determinations, offering peace of mind by securing future burial arrangements. For those residing in Washington, the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake offers free and low-cost burial services. These benefits are a testament to the nation’s gratitude and respect, ensuring veterans receive dignified memorial services.
VA Burial and Memorial Benefits: Veterans and eligible family members can receive burial benefits, including interment in a VA national cemetery, a government-provided headstone or marker, and a burial flag.
- National Cemetery Eligibility: Most honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are eligible.
- Apply at National Cemetery Administration or call 800-535-1117 for assistance.
- Request a Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility to secure future interment arrangements
- Learn more about Veterans Burial & Transportation Benefits to cover costs here.
- Headstones, Markers, and Burial Flags
- Washington State Veterans Cemeteries
- Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake offers free burial services for veterans and low-cost services for spouses and dependents.
- Contact: (509) 299-6280 or WA State Veterans Cemetery.
- Eligibility for Pre-Need Burial Determination
Healthcare Benefits
The VA Health Care System provides veterans with comprehensive health care services, ranging from regular medical checkups to specialized treatments. Veterans can access care at VA facilities or, through the Veteran Community Care Program, use nearby community providers if local VA services are unavailable. Caregivers also have support options, such as training and stipends through the VA’s Caregiver Support Program, which helps families care for their veteran loved ones at home. For enrollment assistance, veterans can call or visit their local VA health facility.
VA Health Care System: Veterans can receive care at VA facilities or through the Veteran Community Care Program if local services are unavailable.
- How to Enroll: Call 877-222-8387 or apply online at VA Health Care.
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Seattle & American Lake): (800) 329-8387
Caregiver Support Program: Provides training and financial stipends to caregivers.
- Contact a Caregiver Support Coordinator at (855) 260-3274 or Caregiver.va.gov.
Key Contacts
Navigating VA benefits can sometimes require expert assistance, which is where Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and Vet Centers come in. VSOs offer free help with applications and benefits inquiries, while Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and support for veterans and their families, particularly for those readjusting after military service. Veterans can also reach out to the Veteran Crisis Hotline for immediate assistance or the National Center for PTSD for specialized support resources.
- Veteran Service Officers (VSO): Free help with applications for benefits.
- Find your local VSO at the Washington State VSO Directory.
- Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling): Confidential support for veterans and families.
- Seattle Vet Center: (206) 658-4225
- Washington State VA Regional Office: (206) 220-6175
- Veteran Crisis Hotline: Call 988 (then Press 1) or text 838255
- National Center for PTSD: www.ptsd.va.gov
VA Pension & Disability Compensation
For low-income veterans over 65 or those with disabilities unrelated to their service, the VA Pension Program offers financial relief. Additionally, veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for tax-free Disability Compensation. These benefits support veterans’ quality of life by providing a consistent income stream, helping to cover living expenses and essential needs. Applications can be submitted online or over the phone, with assistance available through the VA’s Disability Compensation office.
VA Pension Program: For low-income veterans aged 65+ or those with a disability unrelated to service.
Disability Compensation: Provides tax-free compensation to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Apply at VA Disability Compensation or call 800-827-1000 for help.
Washington State Veterans Services
In addition to federal programs, Washington State offers valuable support options tailored to its veteran residents. Services include financial aid for basic needs like food and housing through the Veterans Assistance Fund and access to high-quality nursing care at the state’s VA homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Walla Walla, and Spokane. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) also serves as a resource hub, guiding veterans and their families to the support they deserve across the state.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
- Important Washington Locations
- Contact: 1-800-562-2308
- Veterans Assistance Fund: Financial aid for food, rent, and transportation.
- VA Veterans Homes in Washington State
- Orting, Port Orchard, Walla Walla, & Spokane: Long-term care facilities offering nursing care and support.
- Contact: (877) 838-7787 for eligibility.
- Orting, Port Orchard, Walla Walla, & Spokane: Long-term care facilities offering nursing care and support.
Our blog post Navigating Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Veterans may be useful to you as you navigate this journey. In addition, feel free to reach out to our partners at the Elder Veterans Legal Aid Group, P.C. , a zero net profit law firm assisting elderly veterans and their families that helps families explore and understand sources to help absorb the cost of in-home or residential senior care. Veterans Angels Inc is another fantastic organization we recommend when it comes to information and support in applying for VA benefits to help with the cost of care.
Navigating the benefits and resources available to veterans is essential to securing a comfortable and supportive future. Concierge Care Advisors is here to simplify that journey. Whether it’s identifying VA benefits, finding appropriate care options, or connecting you with trusted professionals, we’re dedicated to helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. Download our Veterans Benefits Checklist today, and if you have questions or need further assistance, reach out to us at (855) 444-7364 or fill out this form and our team will get back to you quickly. We’re here to guide you toward the resources you deserve—every step of the way.
