What are the non-financial requirements to qualify for VA benefits?

To qualify for VA benefits, there are many financial and non-financial requirements for veterans and veterans’ spouses to meet. Listed below are some of the non-financial requirements:

• Veterans or their spouses applying must be at least 65 years old or designated as disabled if younger.
• Veterans must be “wartime veterans” which means that they served in the military for at least 90 days during the dates below. Also, the service is not limited to combat service.

According to Paying for Senior Care, the dates are:

• World War II: Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946
• Korean War: Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
• Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in Vietnam)
• Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 – Undetermined

• Veterans cannot have been dishonorably discharged
• A higher benefit is granted to veterans who are disabled
• For spouses, the surviving spouse must have lived with the veteran at the time of his or her death and must be single at the time of the application.

If you need legal advice for VA benefits, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.