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Veteran Programs

Resources For Veterans in Southern Illinois

Lively Senior Couple apart of Egyptian Area Agency on Aging in Southern Illinois
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Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs works with over one million veterans living in the state. Many people are not aware of benefits available to those who have served in our nation’s military. Benefits include educational opportunities, employment preference, camping & admission waivers to state parks and other state sites, disabled veterans license plates, and burial benefits.

Please call the VA clinic for a referral, or call Egyptian for assistance 618-985-8311

Illinois veterans of wars are eligible for admittance into an Illinois Veterans Home located in Quincy, Manteno, LaSalle, and Anna. The cost is based on ones ability to pay but the maximum charge for residency. Coverage includes room, food (including special diets and supplements), medication, all levels of medical care, recreation and activities, and any special therapy or treatment prescribed by the attending physician. Some costs of care are not covered and must be paid directly by the resident or responsible surrogate. Currently, there are about 1,000 veteran beds in the state and a waiting list for occupancy.

Please call the VA clinic for a referral, or call Egyptian for assistance 618-985-8311

Veteran-Directed Care gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Services they need in a consumer-directed way. Veteran-Directed Care is for Veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living (such as dressing, grooming, bathing, eating, toileting, mobility and transferring, etc.…) or caregiver is experiencing burden. Veterans in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the Veteran or the family caregiver. Veteran-Directed Care can be used to help Veterans continue to live at home or in their community. 

Veteran Directed Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled Veterans are eligible If they meet the clinical need for the service and if it is available. Veteran-Directed Care services may be based on your VA service connected disability status. The VA Medical Center determines eligibility for the VDC Program. In general, you must need a level of care at home in order to avoid nursing home care. As part of this program, Veterans and their caregiver have more access, choice and control over their home care services. Veterans can decide what mix of services will best meet their needs and hire their own personal care aides (which might include their own family member, friends or neighbor). 

For general information you can contact the local Veterans Program Coordinator at Egyptian Area Agency on Aging at 618-985-8311. If Veteran-Directed Care seems right for you, talk with your VA social worker, find out if it is available in your location and request that a referral for VDC be made to your VA Medical physician.

A grant for veterans to help them pay for in-home care. The veteran must be enrolled at a VA Medical Center. Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension.

Since Aid & Attendance and Housebound allowances increase the pension amount, people who are not eligible for a basic pension due to excessive income may be eligible for pension at these increased rates. A veteran or surviving spouse may not receive Aid & Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. Use this link for more information on the VA.

The Aid & Attendance benefit is considered to be the third tier of the VA’s improved pension. The other two tiers are known as “Basic” and “Housebound.” Each tier has its own level of benefits and qualifications. While the objective of this site is to disseminate information on the Aid & Attendance level of the pension, often referred to as Aid & Attendance, we encourage you to view the other two levels in the event you or your loved one does not qualify for Aid & Attendance. Use this link for more information on the basic and housebound tiers. Apply with your social worker at the VA’s outpatient clinic or at a VA Medical Centers in Illinois.

Provides comprehensive healthcare to veterans without health insurance, are under age 65, were honorably discharged from the military, are income eligible, and are not eligible for federal healthcare through the U.S. Veterans Administration. Eligible individuals pay a monthly premium of either $40 or $70 depending on their income. Veterans may apply for Veterans Care by either downloading an application from the website, or by going to their local Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Office. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services determines eligibility, notifies the Veteran and handles the premium payments. Eligibility guidelines vary by county of residence.

Since Aid & Attendance and Housebound allowances increase the pension amount, people who are not eligible for a basic pension due to excessive income may be eligible for pension at these increased rates. A veteran or surviving spouse may not receive Aid & Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. Use this link for more information on the VA.

The Aid & Attendance benefit is considered to be the third tier of the VA’s improved pension. The other two tiers are known as “Basic” and “Housebound.” Each tier has its own level of benefits and qualifications. While the objective of this site is to disseminate information on the Aid & Attendance level of the pension, often referred to as Aid & Attendance, we encourage you to view the other two levels in the event you or your loved one does not qualify for Aid & Attendance. Use this link for more information on the basic and housebound tiers. Apply with your social worker at the VA’s outpatient clinic or at a VA Medical Centers in Illinois.

Veterans Pension may be available for wartime veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from disabilities not related with service in the military if they have limited income. Veterans Pension may be also available for the spouse of a veteran. Wartime service bonus payments and POW and survivors compensation are available for certain Illinois residents.

If a veterans death is non-service connected, and he or she served in wartime, spouses may be eligible for pension benefits if he or she has limited income. While veterans often receive benefits based upon their status, older veterans are also very much a part of the general senior community. Everyone aged 60 and older may participate in one or more of the available senior programs, such as in-home services, transportation, elderly meals program, and more.

Since Aid & Attendance and Housebound allowances increase the pension amount, people who are not eligible for a basic pension due to excessive income may be eligible for pension at these increased rates. A veteran or surviving spouse may not receive Aid & Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. Use this link for more information on the VA.

The Aid & Attendance benefit is considered to be the third tier of the VA’s improved pension. The other two tiers are known as “Basic” and “Housebound.” Each tier has its own level of benefits and qualifications. While the objective of this site is to disseminate information on the Aid & Attendance level of the pension, often referred to as Aid & Attendance, we encourage you to view the other two levels in the event you or your loved one does not qualify for Aid & Attendance. Use this link for more information on the basic and housebound tiers. Apply with your social worker at the VA’s outpatient clinic or at a VA Medical Centers in Illinois.

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We serve Illinois' 13 southern most counties. Alexander, Franklin, Hardin, Gallatin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, and Williamson County.

200 E. Plaza Dr.Carterville, IL 62918
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