I am going to briefly discuss some benefits that sometimes fly under the radar or just simply lesser known to those who may be eligible.
- The Automobile Allowance is a one time grant that is given to Veterans to purchase a new or used car. To be eligible for this benefit a Veteran must be service connected for the loss of a limb or the permanent loss of use for a limb. Other qualifier for this benefit would be if the Veteran has lost both feet and hands, permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree, or immobility of both knees and hips. This one time benefit ha s a maximum benefit amount of $20,114 dollars that must go towards the purchase of a vehicle. The grant is paid directly to the seller of the vehicle. In addition to the covered vehicle, the VA may also include adaptive equipment including; power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to the assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. The funds for adaptive equipment may be paid more than once unlike the funds for the vehicle.
- The Clothing Allowance benefit is a benefit that is paid annually to veterans who are rated for a service –connected disability that require s the use of a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance. Another condition that might qualify a Veteran for t his benefit would be a skin condition that requires the use of medication that permanently damages clothing. The current annual allowance for this benefit is $716.
- The Home Improvement and Structural Alterations benefit provides help for home improvements necessary for the continuation of treatment. HISA grants are available for both service connected and non service connected disabilities. The amount of the grant awarded does however vary depending on service-connected status. To receive this benefit a veteran must have a prescription stating the specific items required. The Veteran is required to complete form 10-0103 in order to apply for these benefits.
- The Aid and Attendance and Household Improved Pension benefit covers the cost s of caregivers in the home. An interesting note about this particular benefit is that it can be paid to sons and daughters that are acting as caregivers in the Veterans home. This benefit as of 2012, can be a maximum of $2019 a month and can also be used for assisted care facilities which can be very expensive. This benefit is rarely used and has been available for 61 years. In 2012 only 38,076 Veterans were granted this benefit and there are around 1 million World War 2 Veterans still alive which many would probably qualify for.
