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Baby Boomers seek “Little Known” VA benefit to help care for aging parents |
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October 10, 2007 |
Baby Boomers seek “Little Known” VA benefit to help care for aging parents
Oct 11, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ --Midlothian, VA –- October 10, 2007 -- As “Baby Boomer” and “Sandwich Generation” children are now faced with acting as care-givers for aging parents, a little known Department of Veterans’ Affairs benefit called Aid and Attendance offers some hope for financial assistance.
VeteranAid.org is a site dedicated to educating the public and bringing national attention to this hidden benefit. A&A, as it is often referred to, is part of the VA’s Improved Pension package, which also includes HouseBound and Straight Pensions.
The Aid and Attendance benefit can represent up to $20,000 a year for a veteran and spouse, or $11,000 a year for a widow/widower to offset the costs of assisted living or nursing home care. Unlike disability compensation, this benefit is not dependent upon service-related injuries, and most veterans and their families simply have no idea that the pension exists or that they are entitled. An estimated 2 million widows/widowers alone are missing out.
Debbie Burak, Founder of VeteranAid.org, discovered the benefit at the passing of her father, a WWII veteran. Both of Burak’s parents were in assisted living for a total of 9 years. For her parents, the benefit would have represented over $160,000 had she been aware there were additional monies available to help pay for their care.
The VA repeatedly told Burak and other family members that her father did not qualify for any benefits or services. Unfortunately that information was incorrect. As families struggle to find the resources to pay for care, this benefit is one not to be overlooked.
VeteranAid.org has become the most respected and recognized on-line source for information and resources pertaining to Aid and Attendance. Ultimately, Ms. Burak’s goal is to garner national attention for this Pension Benefit, so that all those who are entitled can benefit. She is in the process of writing a book entailing her experiences.
For additional insights, read Ms. Burak’s personal story on the forum section of the site. For more information on the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, visit www.veteranaid.org.
Media contact:
Debbie Burak
(804) 908-5128
www.veteranaid.org
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About the Press Release
For children now faced with acting as care-givers for aging parents, a little known Department of Veterans’ Affairs benefit called Aid and Attendance offers hope for financial assistance.
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