Resources for Senior Veterans in Connecticut
January 30, 2025
Senior veterans in Connecticut have access to an extensive range of resources and services tailored to meet their specific needs. Home and community-based care programs, such as Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) and Aid and Attendance benefits, provide flexible budgets and increased monthly pensions for personal care assistance. Additionally, the VA Connecticut Healthcare System offers extensive medical and mental health services. Housing support programs, including temporary and permanent housing options, and employment assistance programs like reemployment services and apprenticeships, are also available. To explore these resources further and discover more about the support available, a closer look at the options is necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program: Supports Connecticut veterans with flexible budgets to customize home care needs, available through VA enrollment.
- Aid and Attendance Benefits: Increases monthly pension for veterans needing personal care assistance, with applications submitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System: Offers comprehensive medical and mental health services, including prescription medications and health evaluations, at multiple locations.
- Housing Support Programs: Temporary and permanent housing options, such as HUD-VASH and rapid re-housing, assist veterans at risk of homelessness with case management.
- Connecticut Veterans' Home: Provides health care and residential services, with additional state benefits including income tax exemptions and property tax exemptions.
Connecticut Veterans Home Services
In Connecticut, veterans have access to extensive home and community-based services through the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VDC). This program is designed to keep veterans in their communities by providing a range of services tailored to their individual needs. Services include personal care, homemaker services, community inclusion, adult day care, and assistive technology. Additionally, veterans can receive caregiver support, respite care, environmental support, home-delivered meals, and other goods and services necessary to remain safely in the community.
To be eligible, veterans must reside in Connecticut, need home and community-based services to avoid institutionalization, and be willing and able to self-direct their care and manage personal care assistants. Preference is given to veterans with a service-connected disability. The referral process begins with a pre-screening by the Veteran's Medical Center (VAMC), which then refers the veteran to the appropriate Area Agency on Aging. The VDC program operates through a partnership between the ADS State Unit on Aging, VA CT Healthcare System, and the five CT Area Agencies on Aging.
Veterans in need of transitional housing can also benefit from programs like the Veterans Support Foundation, which offers transitional living programs with shelter, transportation, and assistance in achieving health, educational, and vocational goals. Furthermore, organizations such as the Community Renewal Team offer transitional housing specifically for homeless male veterans through programs like Veterans Crossing.
Veterans Healthcare Options
Veterans in Connecticut have access to a thorough range of healthcare options through the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Eligible veterans must fill out an application to enroll for services and present their DD214 along with a copy of their current insurance. Enrollment can be done in person at a veteran's health center or online by downloading an application form from www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. Veterans covered by other health insurance can also enroll in the VA health care system as a primary or secondary insurer.
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System provides medical and mental health services through its medical centers and clinics, including two VA medical centers in West Haven and Newington, as well as community-based outpatient clinics in various locations such as New London, Stamford, and Waterbury. Services include pathology and laboratory medicine services, dental care with special eligibility criteria, and prescription medications at a nominal cost. Veterans can also utilize the Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VDC) Program, which allows them to self-direct their home care services. For questions on eligibility, veterans can call 203-932-5711, ext. 3328. The VA's comprehensive care includes health evaluation and counseling, which encompasses disease prevention, nutrition counseling, weight control, smoking cessation, and substance abuse counseling and treatment.
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System's laboratory services are organized into Laboratory Medicine and Pathology sections, with the Laboratory Medicine section having 8 subsections including Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Mycobacteriology, Virology, and Specimen Acquisition and Processing.
Housing Support for Veterans
Numerous housing support programs are available to veterans in Connecticut, offering a range of services tailored to individual needs. For those requiring temporary housing, the Veterans Support Foundation (VSF) provides programs in West Haven and Manchester, offering shelter, transportation, and support for achieving health, educational, vocational, and independent living goals. The average length of stay in these programs was 4.3 months in 2016, with a 78% success rate among the 80 veterans served.
Permanent supportive housing options include VSF's six-bedroom residence in West Haven for veterans with disabilities and the HUD-VASH program, which combines rental assistance with case management and connection to services. Rapid re-housing programs, such as the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, provide up to 90 days of services for veterans and their families at risk of homelessness in New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties. Organizations like Columbus House and Community Renewal Team (CRT) offer SSVF services, connecting veterans with VA services and community resources to help them move to permanent housing quickly. These programs collaborate with VA services to provide extensive support. Harkness House, located in New Haven, specifically provides housing and support for 14 homeless male Veterans. The SSVF program also includes a Shallow Subsidy service that can support households for up to 24 months to ensure housing stability.
Employment Assistance Programs
Shifting back to civilian life can be an intimidating challenge for many veterans, particularly when it comes to finding employment. To address this challenge, American Job Centers (AJCs) in Connecticut offer extensive reemployment services specifically tailored for veterans. These services are available at five extensive centers and several smaller affiliate locations throughout the state. Trained staff, funded by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program, provide specialized assistance, including career counseling, skills assessment, and personal coaching to help veterans re-enter the workforce.
Veterans can also benefit from apprenticeship opportunities that combine on-the-job training with related technical instruction. These programs, which can last from two to five years, allow veterans to earn GI Bill benefits while working full-time and receiving wages. The Connecticut Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship Training supports these initiatives, providing eligibility for Apprenticeship Credit in Connecticut. Additionally, state veteran employment services offer access to job openings, unemployment benefits, and employment opportunities with the state of Connecticut, further enhancing the support available to veterans seeking employment.
The Platform to Employment (P2E) for Veterans program specifically targets veterans who have been out of work for 6 months and have exhausted their unemployment benefits, offering them skills assessment and career readiness workshops to help guide their career paths. Furthermore, veterans interested in entrepreneurship can explore the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program, which provides experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to help them launch their own businesses.
Mental Health Services
Shifting back to civilian life can be a complex and multifaceted challenge for many who have served in the military, with mental health often being a critical aspect of this journey. The VA Connecticut Health Care system provides extensive mental health services tailored to meet the unique needs of senior Veterans. These services include inpatient and outpatient care, telehealth appointments, and specialty programs such as psychiatry, psychology, and treatment for addictive disorders. Confidentiality is maintained unless written consent is given, with a few exceptions under federal law.
For senior Veterans, mental health services are integrated into various VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC) programs. These programs offer resources to help older Veterans stay healthy and active, provide training and resources for caregivers, and offer medical rehabilitation and sensory aid services for Veterans with disabilities. Additionally, specific programs like the VA Connecticut Health Care's services for treating PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health issues, including services for homeless Veterans, are available to support the mental health needs of senior Veterans.
The Starlight Program, a 28-day co-occurring residential rehabilitation program, provides specialized treatment for active duty military members and veterans struggling with substance abuse, PTSD, and mental health issues.
State Benefits Overview
Veterans in Connecticut have access to various housing programs, including the Connecticut Veterans' Home, which provides health care and residential services. The Veterans Support Foundation offers interim and permanent housing for homeless veterans, while the Community Renewal Team provides supportive services to prevent homelessness among veterans. These programs connect veterans with VA services and affordable housing options.
Financial Assistance:
Veterans are eligible for state income tax exemptions on federally taxable military retirement pay, property tax exemptions for service-connected disabled veterans, and motor vehicle property tax exemptions for active duty personnel and qualified veterans. Additionally, 50% of military pensions are exempt from state income tax, and wartime service bonuses are available for mobilized guardsmen and reservists. Recent legislation has introduced a complete property tax exemption for Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability rating.
Employment and Education:
Veterans receive state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance at state colleges and universities, tuition waivers for national guard and veterans at state schools, in-state tuition for active duty personnel and spouses, and certification of credits for military training.
Additional Benefits:
Veterans can obtain a veterans designation on driver's licenses, discounted fees and taxes, free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses, wartime service bonuses, and benefits for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Severely disabled veterans may receive up to $10,000 in benefits.
Veterans Advocacy Resources
Veterans advocacy resources are vital for senior veterans traversing the complex landscape of federal and state benefits. Organizations such as the Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs (CT DVA) and the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC) provide essential advocacy and claims assistance, helping veterans access healthcare, education, employment, and other benefits. These organizations, along with others listed in the 2-1-1 database, offer free legal services, representation, and consultation to guarantee veterans receive the support they need. Additionally, veterans may also be eligible for Property Tax Exemptions through local Tax Assessors, providing further financial relief. The CVLC specifically addresses systemic barriers affecting veterans' lives, enhancing their overall quality of life through comprehensive legal support.
Veterans Service Organizations
Maneuvering the complex landscape of veterans' benefits and services can be a challenging task, especially for senior veterans who may require additional support. To address this need, various Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in Connecticut offer critical assistance and advocacy.
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs operates district offices across the state, providing advocacy and claims assistance. These offices are located in Newington, Norwich, Milford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury, ensuring that veterans have access to support in their local communities. Additionally, organizations such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and AMVETS offer free advocacy and representation services to help veterans navigate the benefits system.
These VSOs work closely with the VA to assist veterans in obtaining benefits and services, including medical and rehabilitative care, educational and employment support, and home modifications. By leveraging these resources, senior veterans can receive the thorough support they need to thrive. Key contact information includes the CT DVA Veterans Info Line at 1-866-9CT VETS (1-866-928-8387) and the district offices listed on the CT DVA website. Notably, 65% of Veteran suicide deaths occur in individuals aged 50 or older, highlighting the importance of targeted support for older veterans. The VA's disability claim process typically takes about 11.5 months to finalize, emphasizing the need for timely and effective support from VSOs.
Claims Assistance Resources**
Maneuvering the complex system of veterans' benefits and services can be particularly intimidating for senior veterans who may require additional support. The Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs (CT DVA) Office of Advocacy and Assistance provides critical advocacy and claims assistance to help navigate these challenges. Veterans can visit any CT DVA district office or suboffice for personalized claims assistance, and the CT DVA website offers extensive information on state benefit programs for eligible veterans and their families.
Additionally, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes claims and provides detailed information on federal veterans benefit programs. Veterans can contact the VA for assistance with filing claims and appealing decisions, and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System offers mental health and substance abuse services alongside claims assistance. Local organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans and the Eastern CT Veterans Community Center, also provide free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services. The VA toll-free hotline (1-800-827-1000) and the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) offer further support.
Community-Based Care Programs**
The Veteran-Directed Care Program is a consumer-directed home and community-based services program designed to keep veterans in their communities by providing them with the opportunity to self-direct their own care and receive services in their home from the caregiver of their choice. This program is a collaborative effort between the VA, Department of Aging and Disability Services, and Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut, offering a range of services including personal care, homemaker services, adult day care, and assistive technology. Eligible veterans can hire and manage their own Personal Care Assistants, with support from fiscal intermediaries to manage individualized care plans and corresponding budgets. Veterans participating in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the veteran or the family caregiver, allowing for increased control and customization of their care needs. Veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and meet specific medical and administrative criteria, including the need for nursing home level care.
Veteran-Directed Care Program
Veterans seeking to maintain their independence and receive care in the comfort of their own homes may find the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program to be an ideal solution. The VDC program is a consumer-directed home and community-based services program designed to keep veterans in their communities. It is a partnership between the ADS State Unit on Aging, the VA CT Healthcare System, and the five CT Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
Eligibility for the VDC program includes veterans of any age residing in Connecticut who need home and community-based services to remain at home and avoid institutionalization. Veterans must meet clinical and administrative eligibility, including enrollment in VA health care and specific health needs such as three or more activities of daily living (ADL) dependencies. They must also be referred by and pre-screened by the Veteran's Medical Center (VAMC).
The VDC program allows veterans to self-direct their own care, employing personal care assistants of their choice, with fiscal management services provided to manage budgets and payroll. This flexibility enables veterans to tailor their care plans to meet their individual needs, promoting increased autonomy and the ability to remain in their homes and communities. The program is available in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering a wide range of services and goods to support veterans' care needs, including adult day care and caregiver education.
Home-Based Services
In contrast, Aid and Attendance benefits provide an increased monthly pension amount for Veterans who need assistance with personal care or are housebound. Eligibility requires receiving a VA pension benefit and meeting specific conditions, such as needing help with daily activities or living in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity. Applications for Aid and Attendance benefits are submitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center. The Veterans Directed Care Program VDC Program offers an alternative by providing self-directed homecare services that allow Veterans to choose their own caregivers and manage their care at home. Additionally, veterans may qualify for VA benefits to cover some costs of in-home care, providing further support for those needing assistance at home.
Community Support Options**
Community support options for senior veterans encompass a range of community-based care programs designed to provide significant assistance and support. These programs are tailored to address various needs, including housing, employment, and mental health.
The Eastern CT Veterans Community Center offers thorough support services by collaborating with multiple agencies to assist veterans. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is specifically designed to help veterans at risk of homelessness find and maintain housing. Additionally, the Veterans Advocacy and Assistance program at SWCAA provides training for community professionals to prevent suicide in older veterans.
Furthermore, the Aid and Attendance Pension provides benefits for veterans requiring regular assistance for daily living activities. The Veterans Caregiver Support Program offers support for caregivers of veterans, including durable medical equipment and home modifications assistance. These community-based care programs are significant in ensuring that senior veterans receive the necessary support to maintain their well-being and independence. Eligibility for these programs typically requires honorable military discharge and may involve income eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Apply for the Veterans Directed Home Community Based Services Program?
Ironically, maneuvering through the complex application process for the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program can be intimidating. To apply, register with the VA healthcare system, contact a VA case manager, and submit the application with required documentation, including the DD-214 Form.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the Connecticut Veterans Home?
To be eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Home, veterans must be honorably discharged from active service, be a current or past resident of Connecticut, and meet specific medical needs requiring skilled nursing care or 24-hour assistance.
Can I Use the Veterans Mobile App to Access Mental Health Services?
Utilizing digital platforms, veterans can leverage the Connecticut Veterans Affairs Mobile Application to access a suite of mental health services, including crisis assistance, online therapy, and specialized resources like PTSD Coach.
How Do I Find a Veterans Service Officer in My Area?
To find a Veterans Service Officer in your area, visit the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs website at portal.ct.gov/dva and locate the district office nearest you, or call 866-9CT VETS (866-928-8387) for assistance.
What Is the Process for Appealing a Denied VA Benefits Claim?
Coincidentally, many veterans face the challenge of appealing a denied VA benefits claim. The process involves three options: Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence, Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) without new evidence, and Board Appeal (VA Form 10182) with various review options.