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. 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. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Increased monthly pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses needing help with daily living. 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. 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.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free help filing VA claims, transportation to medical appointments, and benefits counseling. 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. Survivors Pension is the VA benefit for low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans — often confused with DIC (different program). Free service; donations support but never gate access.
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. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. Free, confidential, and available to any Maine resident who needs the...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Veterans service organization with free claims assistance through accredited service officers. 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. 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...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Help for Vietnam-era veterans, including Agent Orange and PTSD claims. Built for senior veterans, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA pension, healthcare, and benefits. VA healthcare enrollment is a separate process from VA pension — both should be applied for if eligible. Post-9/11 caregivers can qualify for the VA Comprehensive Caregiver program with stipend, training, and respite — the most generous in the federal system. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Programs and services for post-9/11 wounded warriors and families. Worth contacting before nursing home placement — VA may cover a portion that Medicaid won't. 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. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
IAVA — services and advocacy for post-9/11 veterans. 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. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
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. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. 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 to Maine seniors and...
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. Most claims take 4-8 months; some are decided faster via the Fully Developed Claim path with all evidence submitted upfront. Aid & Attendance adds up to ,800/mo for married couples; most eligible wartime vets and surviving spouses never apply. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Support programs for veterans, their families, and surviving spouses. 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. Post-9/11 caregivers can qualify for the VA Comprehensive Caregiver program with stipend, training, and respite — the most generous in the federal system. Free service; donations support but never...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free legal assistance to veterans on disability claims and benefits. A starting point for families needing help completing the VA Form 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance Examination) and supporting paperwork. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete claims for free — never pay an attorney upfront for VA claim assistance. Survivors Pension is the VA benefit for low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans — often confused with DIC (different program). Free, confidential, and available to...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find VA medical centers and clinics in Maine. 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. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
State Department of Veterans Affairs for Maine. State-specific benefits and burial. Built for senior veterans, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA pension, healthcare, and benefits. Walk-in help available at every VFW, American Legion, and DAV post; appointments preferred but rarely required. 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.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website