Helping Veterans Live Independently

As a downward economy lags behind, families are finding it harder to keep their aging veterans in assisted living facilities, rather than nursing homes.

There is a well kept secret for service men and woman over the age of 65, however, and in Melville, are partnering with Long Island Cares next Tuesday to help military families discover it.

As a result of an increase in the number of veterans returning to Long Island in need of services including emergency food, dedicates every Tuesday afternoon as “Military Appreciation Tuesdays” to specifically assist veterans, military personnel and their families at the Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. The law firm will team up with the organization on July 19 from 2-4 p.m. to offer veterans and their spouses over age 65 free on site assistance to those who qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit.

The benefit helps veterans pay for assisted living facilities, as well as home health care aides. The extra compensation can pay as much as $1,842 a month to a veteran who meet the medical and financial criteria, the firm said.

“A majority of veterans, who may have only served for one day during war time, don’t realize they may be eligible for certain pension benefits from the Veterans Administration,” Jessica Roseti, who will be on hand next Tuesday, said. “Many are World War II veterans so nearly all of them were at one point in active duty."

While financial help is available, the paperwork can be an overwhelming task. That’s where Genser Dubow Genser & Cona steps in.

“The key to accessing these benefits lies in the application, which can be extremely lengthy and complex,” attorney Jennifer Cona said. “So far we’ve completed 120 applications in the past two years, and are pleased to partner with Long Island Cares so we can continue to get the word out and assist others who have served our country.”

To make an appointment, contact Jessica Rosati at jrosati@licares.org.