14 Resources
Official VA portal for benefits, healthcare, and services for veterans. Worth contacting before nursing home placement — VA may cover a portion that Medicaid won't. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete claims for free — never pay an attorney upfront for VA claim assistance. VA pension and Medicaid can be coordinated — talk to an elder law attorney to maximize both without disqualifying either. Open at no cost to Illinois seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Increased monthly pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses needing help with daily living. Relevant for surviving spouses of wartime veterans who never knew they qualified for VA benefits independently. The VA Caregiver Support Line is a starting point for any family caring for a veteran of any era. Veterans buried in any VA national cemetery are entitled to a headstone, perpetual care, and burial at no cost. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free help filing VA claims, transportation to medical appointments, and benefits counseling. Useful for wartime veterans 65+ or any age with disability — the VA pension + Aid & Attendance is significant and underclaimed. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. Veterans buried in any VA national cemetery are entitled to a headstone, perpetual care, and burial at no cost. Free, confidential, and available to any...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free claims help and member services for combat veterans and their families. Relevant for surviving spouses of wartime veterans who never knew they qualified for VA benefits independently. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete claims for free — never pay an attorney upfront for VA claim assistance. VA pension and Medicaid can be coordinated — talk to an elder law attorney to maximize both without disqualifying either. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Veterans service organization with free claims assistance through accredited service officers. Useful for wartime veterans 65+ or any age with disability — the VA pension + Aid & Attendance is significant and underclaimed. Walk-in help available at every VFW, American Legion, and DAV post; appointments preferred but rarely required. Post-9/11 caregivers can qualify for the VA Comprehensive Caregiver program with stipend, training, and respite — the most generous in the federal system. Open at no cost...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Help for Vietnam-era veterans, including Agent Orange and PTSD claims. Useful for wartime veterans 65+ or any age with disability — the VA pension + Aid & Attendance is significant and underclaimed. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete claims for free — never pay an attorney upfront for VA claim assistance. Veterans buried in any VA national cemetery are entitled to a headstone, perpetual care, and burial at no cost. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Programs and services for post-9/11 wounded warriors and families. Built for senior veterans, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA pension, healthcare, and benefits. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. Veterans buried in any VA national cemetery are entitled to a headstone, perpetual care, and burial at no cost. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
IAVA — services and advocacy for post-9/11 veterans. Worth contacting before nursing home placement — VA may cover a portion that Medicaid won't. VA healthcare enrollment is a separate process from VA pension — both should be applied for if eligible. VA pension and Medicaid can be coordinated — talk to an elder law attorney to maximize both without disqualifying either. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Emergency financial assistance, housing, and family support for military and veteran families. Worth contacting before nursing home placement — VA may cover a portion that Medicaid won't. Walk-in help available at every VFW, American Legion, and DAV post; appointments preferred but rarely required. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free career coaching and employment services for veterans and military spouses. Useful for wartime veterans 65+ or any age with disability — the VA pension + Aid & Attendance is significant and underclaimed. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete claims for free — never pay an attorney upfront for VA claim assistance. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. Free service; donations support but never gate...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Support programs for veterans, their families, and surviving spouses. A starting point for families needing help completing the VA Form 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance Examination) and supporting paperwork. Walk-in help available at every VFW, American Legion, and DAV post; appointments preferred but rarely required. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free legal assistance to veterans on disability claims and benefits. Relevant for surviving spouses of wartime veterans who never knew they qualified for VA benefits independently. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. VA pension and Medicaid can be coordinated — talk to an elder law attorney to maximize both without disqualifying either. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find VA medical centers and clinics in Illinois. A starting point for families needing help completing the VA Form 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance Examination) and supporting paperwork. VA healthcare enrollment is a separate process from VA pension — both should be applied for if eligible. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
State Department of Veterans Affairs for Illinois. State-specific benefits and burial. Useful for wartime veterans 65+ or any age with disability — the VA pension + Aid & Attendance is significant and underclaimed. VA healthcare enrollment is a separate process from VA pension — both should be applied for if eligible. Veterans buried in any VA national cemetery are entitled to a headstone, perpetual care, and burial at no cost. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website