Sponsored
VeTALKX: Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A. Ask Questions Now!
272K
119
200
*** We’ve reached capacity for questions and comments for this event ***
The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation will be here to answer questions about survivor resources, benefits, caregiver support, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief of Public Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» RDML Ann Duff - Director, Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Caregiver Support Program Team - Caregiver Support Program Office Team, VA
» Allyson Bowers - Team Lead, Code of Support
» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation will be here to answer questions about survivor resources, benefits, caregiver support, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief of Public Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» RDML Ann Duff - Director, Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Caregiver Support Program Team - Caregiver Support Program Office Team, VA
» Allyson Bowers - Team Lead, Code of Support
» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
American Red Cross
Blue Star Families
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Responses: 85
What % of disability is required fur a person to be eligible for VA medical benefits? Does VA provide medical care for all areas of need? How does one decide whether to use VA medical care instead of Medicare to which the veteran is paying premiums? Will a surviving spouse be eligible for VA medical care?
I've been waiting for months to get Survivor Benefit (SBP) . The forms including requested information has been submitted. It's verified the case is in the system. I can not get a person to answer my questions about the Status. I have been told I will have to wait for approval, again its been months.
I need an advocate . The process is failing, there is not a solution.
I need an advocate . The process is failing, there is not a solution.
I'm a service connected disabled veteran (100%). Are there any benefits or monies for my spouse if I die first?
HN (Join to see)
How many years you have been disable ? it should be 10 years before the death , otherwise it is almost not possible for wife to get anything
Deon Bell
the only way for a spouse to get benefits is if you die from a service connected disability or your 100 % is total and permanent
COL Les' Melnyk
Please start by looking at the VA Survivor Pension site: https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/
It is my understanding that in order for a spouse to receive spousal benefits, the Veteran had to be at the 100% for hypothetically 10 years. Do those years count when you are 100% Unemployability or not till you are 100% fully service connected, not just Unemployability? How many years must the veteran be at 100%, what is the survivorship amount and does the death of the Veteran have to be due to one of the Veterans service connected disabilities?
Deon Bell
your death has to be service connected and if you are 100 % unable to work file for total and permanent then she will get a percentage of your benefits once you pass
I am 100% Permanently Disabled Veteran. Vietnam. Is my wife eligible for benefits if I am deceased? If she is how does she claim these?
Thank you for hosting. Important & valuable information. Very appreciated.
Thank you for hosting. Important & valuable information. Very appreciated.
Deon Bell
you have to die from your service connected disability or be total and permanent rated then she will get a percentage not the full amount
Can my wife receive payments in place of a care giver since she has been taking care of me for the last 4 years
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for joining today. There are VA Caregiver support Programs that may be able to provide a stipend to your caregiver. You can find more information here https://www.caregiver.va.gov/. Addtionally, we would love to support you wife as she care for you. She can join the Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network. To learn more please visit http://www. redcross.org/caregivers
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service and your question. If you are enrolled in VA health care and meet certain criteria, your primary caregiver may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend in addition to a host of supports and services for caregivers available under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Please see VA's Caregiver Support Program website and fact sheets for additional information: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp ; https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#. if you have additional questions.
When will the VA hospital close so we can get the proper care we need from the private sector?
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google
1) VA Health Care Enrollment and Eligibility - Health Benefits
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/hbco/hbco_enrollment_eligibility.asp
2) VA and Other Health Insurance - Health Benefits
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/hbco/hbco_va_other_insurance.asp
VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.