How do I find out what benefits my veteran father qualifies for?

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Even if your father has not claimed benefits for decades, he is likely eligible for a range of financial, medical, and support services that many families overlook. The primary source for this information is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides healthcare, disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits for eligible veterans. Your first step is to gather his service records and then contact the VA directly or through a accredited claims agent who specializes in veterans' affairs.

Start with His Service Records

The VA uses specific documents to verify eligibility. The most critical item is the certificate of release or discharge (DD-214), which outlines his dates of service, rank, and discharge status. If he served in the 1960s, this document may be difficult to locate. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) holds records for veterans who separated from service before 1950, but for service in the 1960s, the official records are held by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. You can request a copy of his personnel file by filling out Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and submitting it to the NPRC. While this process can take weeks or months, it is essential for proving eligibility for many benefits.

Healthcare and Pension Benefits

Healthcare is the most commonly utilized benefit, but the level of coverage depends on his discharge status and income. If he was discharged under honorable conditions, he may qualify for priority enrollment in VA healthcare. During the 1960s, the VA system was evolving, and many veterans who were not previously enrolled can still apply today. The VA healthcare system is tiered, and your father’s income and net worth may affect his cost-sharing (copays). Additionally, the VA offers a pension for low-income wartime veterans who are fully or partially disabled due to a service-connected condition or age. This is different from compensation, which is for service-connected disabilities. A wartime pension is a tax-free payment that helps cover basic living expenses when income is low.

Disability Compensation and Aid and Attendance

If your father suffers from health conditions related to his service, he may be eligible for disability compensation, which is a monthly tax-free payment that does not count toward means-tested benefits like Medicaid. Importantly, many veterans in their 70s and 80s qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A), a separate benefit that provides additional monthly payments to veterans who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or feeding themselves. This benefit can significantly help cover the cost of in-home care or assisted living. Families often miss A&A because they believe it is only for veterans in nursing homes, but it is designed to support those who need care in their own homes.

Housing and Education Benefits

Even if your father did not use his Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill benefits during his service, some older service members may have unused education benefits or housing assistance. The VA also offers a housing allowance for veterans who are in the Homeless Veterans Shelter and Services (HVRSP) program or those who are part of the Supportive Housing Program. If your father is facing housing insecurity, the VA’s homeless programs can provide vouchers or assistance to find permanent housing.

How to Proceed

• Request His DD-214: If you do not have it, submit an SF-180 request to the National Personnel Records Center.
• Apply for VA Healthcare: Use the VA’s online enrollment system or have a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) assist him. VSOs are trained to help navigate the system and are available at local VA offices or through organizations like the American Legion or VFW.
• Check for A&A: Once his service is confirmed, evaluate if he qualifies for Aid and Attendance. This requires a medical certification and proof of income.
• Consider a VSO or Accredited Attorney: For complex cases involving multiple disabilities or pension claims, hiring an accredited attorney or using a VSO can ensure that all possible benefits are claimed and that the family understands the long-term financial impact.

Take it step by step. Begin with the service records, then explore healthcare and pension eligibility. If the process feels overwhelming, local veteran service organizations often offer free consultations to help families identify the specific benefits their loved ones have earned but not yet received.

admin · 2026-10-05 18:20:19