Spouse of a veteran

[Sedutra]

If my veteran spouse passes do I have any benefits? Other than military health benefits? My spouse did not take the option of giving part of his retirement. Do I have any other benefits available to me?

[xmasbaby0]

Maybe----is/was your spouse a war veteran?   There is a survivor benefit for spouses of war veterans who have serious health issues.  It is called Aid and Attendance.  

https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Information about survivor benefits for  members of the military:

https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/

[Sedutra]

No he didn't have injuries. So I have no spouse benefits?

[EleanoreS]

If your veteran spouse passes,  there are a number of benefits you may be entitled to.  Some examples are disability income, education and training.

Here is a link to the VA’s website that has a lot of great information regarding VA benefits for spouses, dependents and survivors. 

Thank  you for joining us at the Ask the Expert event today!

[xmasbaby0]

@Sedutra

"No, he didn't's have injuries."

 Being injured is not a requirement for some of the veteran benefits.   Click the links that were provided to you and read about some of the benefits that could be available to your spouse who is a veteran or to you as a surviving spouse.

[Sedutra]

I am the one that has issues. PTSD, nightmares, seizures, physical issues...which is why I am going through disability claims. However I am not the veteran but the spouse.

[xmasbaby0]

We understand that you are the spouse.   Again....there are VA benefits available to certain surviving spouses of veterans.

[EleanoreS]

I am sorry you are facing these difficult issues.  The VA does appear to provide benefits for spouses even if the Veteran is still alive.  I would suggest reaching out to a Veteran's Benefits Center to make an appointment to review what options are available to you.  I wish you the best and hope that they are able to provide you with assistance.

Thank  you for joining us at the Ask the Expert event today!

[Sedutra]

Can I access this information once I close out of this forum?

[xmasbaby0]

You could click on those links even while you are still in the forum, and bookmark the links to get to them again later.    But if you ever want to return to your questions and the replies, you can click on your own username to bring up a screen that shows all of your questions and the replies you received.

[EleanoreS]

Everyone’s answers will stay in this thread along with your questions.  You can access the links at any time.  Alternatively, you can click on the links now and save them as bookmarks on your computer or mobile device.  

Thank you for joining us at the Ask the Expert event today!