Military personnel and federal employees are essential to the function and success of our federal government. As our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is home to a large number of federal employees, military personnel, and their families. From retirement communities for military officers and their spouses to associations that represent the needs of federal employees, there are resources available in this area to help those who have served our country.
According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), there are 25 million veterans currently alive, and three of every four of those veterans completed their service during a period of war or hostility. Their website notes that “approximately 70 million people are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members, or survivors of veterans.” Countless organizations, associations, and communities serve the large concentration of these veterans and their family members who live in the D.C. metro area.
From independent living to nursing care, there are communities in the D.C. area available to serve the needs of military retirees. Many of these communities cater specifically to retired officers and their spouses. Communities are often located near military hospitals or medical centers, and transportation is often provided. These communities provide a vital service to retired military personnel, and combine lifestyle amenities with readily available services.
In addition to turning to the resources listed below for assistance, veterans should be aware of the benefits available through the VA. Disability Pension benefits include a special benefit for Aid and Attendance. The Aid and Attendance benefit is for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular assistance of another person with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. Nursing home patients, assisted living residents, and individuals who are blind are also covered under this benefit.
War veterans with 90 days of active duty and/or their surviving spouses are eligible for this benefit. Beneficiaries must also meet certain medical and financial requirements. In order to qualify, applicants must file appropriate paperwork, receive a medical examination by a physician, meet net worth and net income limitations, and submit information detailing out-of-pocket medical expense costs.
Those deemed eligible for benefits can use the Aid and Attendance benefit to pay for care in their homes, in a nursing home, or in an assisted living community. Veterans and their spouses will receive set monthly payments. ?To apply for any of the VA’s wide range of benefits, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website at www.va.gov. Other benefits for veterans and their family members include: Education, Home Loan Guaranty, Disability Compensation, Disability Pension, Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), Medical Care, Burial, and Life Insurance.
Both military and government retirees should investigate all of the benefits, services, and options that are available to them. The adjacent list includes contact information for many of these resources.
This article was reprinted with permission from Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook, to access the original article and additional senior living resources in VA, MD, DC, DE, PA, NJ click here.