As said make an appt with your County VA and take all your Dads paper including his discharge papers. My Dad had everything in the envelope he was given at time of discharge. The VA rep said that was the first time for him.
Ask about Aid and Attendance. It is a pension for Vets and spouses when their healthcare costs go over their monthly income. Its not automatic it has to be applied for. Spouses are not entitled to retiree's pension but your Dad could have purchased pension type insurance to cover Mom upon his death? Was this done?
Thank you for your helpful info. I did some checking. My mom may be eligible for VA Aid and Assistance since my deceased dad was a wartime Vietnam vet, plan to apply
Generally once the Veteran dies the spouse is no longer eligible for benefits. But check with the VA or better contact the local Veterans Assistance Commission. they are usually more able to help faster than the VA. Have as much information you can get hold of when you call. (DD214 in particular although they can look up information without that but you will need full name, birthdate Social Security Number at the very least)
THarrison, your profile doesn't include a geographic location, so I can't check to locate local VA facilities. This is what you should: locate and contact one, make an appointment, take your father's DD 214 with you, and explain the situation to one of the counsellors.
In our area, there are county sites with qualified and knowledgeable VA counselors, as well as at the state level and in VA facilities.
They're the best source for advising what benefits might be available to your mother. Whatever you do, don't consult one of the outfits that advertise their services and charge for them.
Ask about Aid and Attendance. It is a pension for Vets and spouses when their healthcare costs go over their monthly income. Its not automatic it has to be applied for. Spouses are not entitled to retiree's pension but your Dad could have purchased pension type insurance to cover Mom upon his death? Was this done?
But check with the VA or better contact the local Veterans Assistance Commission. they are usually more able to help faster than the VA.
Have as much information you can get hold of when you call. (DD214 in particular although they can look up information without that but you will need full name, birthdate Social Security Number at the very least)
In our area, there are county sites with qualified and knowledgeable VA counselors, as well as at the state level and in VA facilities.
They're the best source for advising what benefits might be available to your mother. Whatever you do, don't consult one of the outfits that advertise their services and charge for them.