Veteran Liaisons Help Navigate VA Benefits
Applying for veterans benefits can already be an overwhelming task for families, especially when their loved one is in hospice care. As Hospice Veteran Liaisons, Eric Jorgensen and Bob Lebron are dedicated to helping veterans and their families navigate the complexities of applying for various Veterans Affairs benefits, ensuring they receive the support they deserve at no cost.
“Nobody should be paying to file an initial claim with the VA,” says Eric. Across the country, veteran service organizations like the VFW, DAV, and American Legion are available to help submit benefit applications. For
residents in Frederick and Montgomery counties, Jorgensen and Lebron extend their support to
veterans and their families – regardless of whether they are patients at Frederick Health Hospice.
This assistance alleviates financial stress and provides vital support through programs including Survivor Pension, Veteran Pension, and Aid & Attendance. These benefits can be instrumental in covering home health care costs and other needs, with some payments being tax-free. For example, if a family needs in-home support, Jorgensen and Lebron can help veterans enroll in VA Healthcare, allowing up to 12 hours of home health aide support per week at no cost to the family.
The process begins by determining a veteran’s eligibility based on their service history. Understanding the era during which they served is crucial because it influences the type of benefits they may qualify for. “I've found that many families had no idea they were eligible for anything,” says Eric.
Once their eligibility is confirmed, Jorgensen and Lebron assist families with an "Intent to File," ensuring that benefits are awarded from the date of the intent, even if the full application is completed later. This accounts for the time families may need to gather necessary documentation. Families are guided through the application forms and, if online submission is not possible, pre-addressed envelopes are provided. This hands-on approach helps minimize barriers and further streamline the benefits application process.
