Resources for Senior Veterans in Delaware
February 9, 2025
Senior veterans in Delaware have access to an extensive range of resources and services tailored to their specific needs. Health and wellness programs include geriatric care, home-based primary care, and palliative care through the VA. Housing assistance programs such as HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families provide stable housing options. Financial support is available through the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund and Aid and Attendance Pension. Employment opportunities and training programs are also offered to enhance employability. To explore the full scope of resources and services available, further information on state and local initiatives, as well as additional veteran resources, is available.
Key Takeaways
- Health Services: The VA offers geriatrics, home-based primary care, community nursing homes, and palliative care for enrolled senior veterans.
- Housing Assistance: Programs like HUD-VASH and SSVF provide housing vouchers and supportive services to prevent homelessness among veterans.
- Financial Support: The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund and Aid and Attendance Pension offer emergency financial assistance for healthcare, housing, and daily living needs.
- Employment and Education: Delaware provides employment examination points, training programs, and career counseling services tailored to veterans' skills and experiences.
- Support and Resources: The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Officers assist with VA claims, legal aid, and navigating veterans' benefits applications.
Veteran Health Services
Veteran health services in Delaware encompass a range of programs designed to support the medical needs of senior veterans. Eligibility for these services is primarily determined by enrollment in the VA health care program, which is available to veterans who have served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
The VA health care program offers extensive health services, including geriatrics and extended care services such as functional status assessment and medicine, home-based primary care, community nursing home programs providing 24/7 care and rehabilitation services, and palliative care for serious or life-threatening illnesses.
Additionally, veterans can access non-VA community providers, with 70% of veterans utilizing these services. For those not enrolled in VA benefits, the Health Insurance Marketplace provides an alternative for obtaining health coverage. Dependents of veterans can also secure coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Understanding these resources is essential for senior veterans in Delaware to navigate and access the health services they need.
The National Care Planning Council provides support for those who help veterans by offering resources and training for professionals assisting veterans with VA benefits applications.
Housing and Living Assistance
In Delaware, a thorough array of housing assistance programs is available to support senior veterans in need of stable and affordable living arrangements. Two key programs are HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).
HUD-VASH combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans and their families. It provides rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing and connects veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. This program helps veterans find and sustain permanent housing, with nearly 112,000 vouchers allocated as of December 20, 2023.
SSVF provides case management and supportive services to prevent the imminent loss of a veteran's home or to rapidly re-house veterans and their families who are homeless. It includes help securing VA and other benefits such as educational aid and financial planning. Veterans can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to apply for these programs. Local public housing agencies and SSVF providers can also assist with the application process. Additionally, the Delaware State Housing Authority offers the Housing Stability Program (HSP), which provides emergency rental assistance to households facing eviction and helps secure new housing opportunities by covering security deposits and initial rent payments.
Financial Assistance Programs
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund and Aid and Attendance Pension are critical financial assistance programs available to senior veterans in Delaware. The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance to veterans in need, while the Aid and Attendance Pension offers additional monetary benefits to eligible veterans requiring assistance with daily living activities. These programs aim to support the financial well-being and independence of senior veterans in the state. Delaware veterans aged 60 and older are also entitled to a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 on their military retirement pay. Additionally, permanently disabled veterans may be eligible for a school tax exemption after residing in Delaware for at least three years.
Delaware Veterans Trust Fund
For those facing financial hardship, a critical resource is available to provide essential support. The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund was established in 2013 to assist Delaware veterans with financial emergencies. This fund provides assistance for reintegration, housing, utilities, and incidental expenses for health and welfare.
In addition to local resources, veterans can also explore national programs such as emergency financial assistance programs that offer grants for basic needs like housing and utilities.
Key Information and Contact Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 2013 |
| Eligibility | Veterans residing in Delaware in need of financial assistance |
| Donation Information | Donations are tax deductible; 100% of donations go towards assisting Delaware veterans |
| Contact Information | 800-344-9900 or 302-739-2792; 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904 |
| Donation Methods | Online at https://egov.delaware.gov/donations/vets/DCVA, mail, or through state personal tax form |
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund offers direct financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families, covering housing and utility expenses, health and welfare needs, and reintegration support for veterans adapting back to civilian life. Contributions can be made by individuals and organizations, ensuring that veterans receive the support they need during financial emergencies.
Aid and Attendance Pension**
Maneuvering the complexities of financial assistance for senior veterans in Delaware requires an extensive understanding of available resources. The Aid and Attendance Pension is a critical benefit for eligible veterans and their spouses who require assistance with daily living activities. To qualify, veterans must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period, and an honorable or general discharge. The benefit does not require service-connected disabilities or combat experience.
Eligible veterans must also meet specific medical and disability requirements, including needing assistance with activities of daily living, being bedridden or housebound, or residing in a nursing home due to a disability. Additionally, they must meet income and net worth limitations, with annual income below the Maximum Annual Pension Rate and net worth within the VA's specified limits. The application process involves submitting a claim with financial and medical documentation. Monthly benefit rates vary by marital status and dependency, with 2025 rates ranging from $1,515 for a surviving spouse to $2,795 for a married veteran. This benefit is paid in addition to monthly pension and Social Security benefits.
The VA assesses monthly income and total assets to determine eligibility, and unreimbursed monthly medical expenses can be deducted from total income/assets, including at least 75% of Assisted Living costs. The program has successfully assisted over 22,000 veterans and their spouses since 2003, emphasizing the importance of VA compliance to maintain the Aid and Attendance benefit.
Veteran Benefits and Services
Senior veterans in Delaware have access to an extensive range of benefits and services designed to support their healthcare, housing, and financial needs. The state offers high-quality healthcare services, including skilled nursing care at the Delaware Veterans Home, which is open to veterans requiring a nursing home level of care who meet specific eligibility criteria. Additionally, various financial support services, such as tax exemptions on military retirement and survivor benefits, are available to help alleviate financial burdens. Veterans also receive employment examination points on state employment exams, with 5 points for honorably discharged veterans and 10 points for those with service-connected disabilities. Delaware further supports veterans through the Purple Star School Program, which recognizes schools committed to supporting military-connected students and families.
Healthcare and Wellness
Delaware offers a thorough range of healthcare and wellness services tailored to meet the unique needs of senior veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides extensive geriatric and long-term care programs that can be accessed at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
Key healthcare and wellness services for senior veterans in Delaware include:
- Home-Based Primary Care: The Wilmington VA offers home evaluation, lab work, vaccinations, and medication management.
- Extended Care Options: Services include skilled care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), rehabilitation, and alternatives to nursing homes such as Medical Foster Homes.
- Wellness Programs: The VA provides smoking cessation, caregiver education, and support for managing daily routines, as well as virtual exercise groups led by VA Occupational Therapists.
- Age-Friendly Healthcare: The VA promotes age-friendly healthcare through the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, ensuring safe, reliable, high-quality care based on what matters most to veterans. The DCHV program also offers outreach and case management services to assist veterans in achieving stability and independence.
These services are designed to support the health and well-being of senior veterans, providing them with the necessary care and support to live independently and maintain their quality of life. Eligibility for these services may depend on service-connected status and need for skilled care or dependency on others for ADLs.
Housing Assistance Programs
Beyond healthcare and wellness services, addressing the housing needs of veterans is a critical aspect of ensuring their overall well-being. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is a collaborative initiative that combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help veterans find and sustain permanent housing. This program includes health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling, and operates through public housing authorities providing rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing. As of December 20, 2023, nearly 112,000 vouchers have been allocated to help house veterans across the country.
Additionally, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides case management and supportive services to prevent the loss of home or to rapidly re-house veterans and their families. This program offers financial assistance and support services to promote housing stability, including help with back rent, mortgage, utility payments, and initial rental payments. Eligibility includes being a U.S. Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, income below 50% area median, and being homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Organizations like Volunteers of America Delaware Valley also offer specialized housing programs, including communities like Hartford Village and Centerton Village, which provide affordable housing options specifically designed for income-qualified seniors and veterans.
Financial Support Services**
Frequently, veterans face significant financial challenges as they shift back to civilian life, making access to thorough financial support services vital for their well-being. Delaware offers various financial assistance programs tailored to meet the needs of senior veterans.
Key financial support services include:
- Delaware Veterans Trust Fund: Provides financial assistance or grants for health care, housing utilities, and educational or training programs.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Offers financial assistance for security deposits, first month's rent, utility deposits, and car repairs.
- Delaware Joining Forces (DJF): A network providing solutions for military members, veterans, and families, including financial assistance.
- Aid and Attendance pension benefit: Helps senior veterans and spouses pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care.
These programs are designed to alleviate financial burdens and guarantee veterans have access to necessary resources. The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and Office of Veterans Services also play significant roles in connecting veterans with these financial support services, guaranteeing they receive the benefits they have earned. Delaware has a significant veteran population, with nearly half of its 77,000 veterans aged 65 or older. For additional support and resources, veterans can contact the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-800-223-9074 for comprehensive assistance.
Support and Resources
Maneuvering the intricacies of aging can be challenging for senior veterans, but accessing extensive support and resources can greatly enhance their quality of life. Delaware offers a variety of services tailored to meet the unique needs of its senior veterans.
Key Support and Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs | Provides assistance with VA claims, legal aid, and more. |
| Veterans Service Officers | Offers free assistance to find and apply for veterans' benefits. |
| Easterseals Programs | Includes medical rehabilitation, autism services, adult day programs, and respite care. |
These resources are designed to support veterans in various aspects of their lives, from traversing VA benefits to accessing healthcare and social services. The Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs and Veterans Service Officers are essential in helping veterans understand and access their entitled benefits. Meanwhile, Easterseals Programs provide a range of services that cater to the diverse needs of veterans with disabilities, ensuring they receive all-encompassing care and support.
Additionally, veterans can utilize the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit to help cover the costs of assisted living, which can provide upwards of $1,794 per month to eligible veterans.
Easterseals also offers Personal Attendant Services that enable adults with physical disabilities to maintain independence by choosing and hiring personal attendants tailored to their individual needs.
State and Local Initiatives
In Delaware, a thorough array of state and local initiatives is available to support senior veterans, addressing their unique needs in employment, housing, education, healthcare, and recreational activities.
Key initiatives include:
- Employment Preferences: Delaware offers veterans' hiring preference to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain spouses for state employment, enhancing job opportunities.
- Senior Care Facilities: The Delaware Veterans Home provides skilled nursing care with 144 beds in Milford, Delaware, ensuring extensive long-term care.
- Assisted Living Benefits: The Aid and Attendance pension benefit helps pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care, providing financial support.
- Geriatric Workforce Enhancement: A $5 million grant has been awarded to establish a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program in Delaware to improve care for senior citizens, focusing on workforce development. This program specifically targets rural areas such as Kent and Sussex counties.
These initiatives demonstrate Delaware's commitment to supporting senior veterans through various state and local programs, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and services tailored to their specific needs. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services also provides Veterans Service Officers to assist veterans with finding and applying for benefits, further enhancing their support network.
Additional Veteran Resources**
Beyond the state and local initiatives that support senior veterans in Delaware, there are numerous additional resources available to further enhance their quality of life and address specific needs.
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides financial assistance or grants for health care, housing assistance, utilities, and educational programs. Administered by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, this fund aims to assist veterans in financial emergencies through contributions from public awareness campaigns and charitable donations. Veterans can contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (800) 344-9900 or (302) 739-2792 for more information. The Trust Fund is supported by the Friends of Delaware Veterans, a 501(c)(3) organization that raises public awareness and advocacy for the fund.
Additionally, the Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans offers housing and supportive services to homeless veterans, collaborating with the local VA and non-profit organizations to reintegrate veterans into the community. The center focuses on providing safe, affordable housing coupled with supportive services for each veteran in need, emphasizing the importance of ending veteran homelessness. Other resources include financial assistance through Delaware State Taxes and Benefits, such as tax-free DIC for eligible survivors and pension exclusions for residents 60 years old or older. Moreover, Delaware Professional License Benefits provide provisional licenses and continuation of professional licenses for service members and spouses, along with employment preferences and seniority credit for time served in the armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Obtain a Replacement for My Lost Military Discharge Records?
Maneuvering through the labyrinth of lost military records, veterans can obtain replacements by submitting a signed and dated Standard Form 180 to the National Personnel Records Center at 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Transportation Services Provided by the Delaware County Veterans Service?
Eligibility criteria for Delaware County Veterans Service transportation include residency in Delaware County, veteran status, scheduled appointment at specified VA clinics, and lack of available transportation options, with a minimum three-day advance notice required.
How Can I Apply for Emergency Financial Assistance Through the Delaware County Veterans Service Commission?
To navigate unforeseen financial challenges, individuals may seek support through the Delaware County Veterans Service Commission by submitting an application in person, accompanied by requisite documents, including discharge records and proof of residency, at least one business day prior to the next scheduled meeting.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for VA Benefits in Delaware?
To apply for VA benefits in Delaware, required documents include DD214 or separation documents, VA Form 10-10EZ, insurance information, income details, deductible expenses, and for Delaware-specific benefits, proof of residency and Form NGB-22 if applicable.
How Can I Find Local VA Facilities and Contact a Homeless Coordinator?
Amidst the complexity of maneuvering veterans' services, finding local VA facilities and contacting a homeless coordinator is simplified through the VA Medical Center Locator at www.va.gov/directory and by dialing 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 support.