Veterans of the armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was not released under a dishonorable discharge may qualify for VA benefits. Reservists and National Guard members may also be eligible if they were called to active duty.

Select a topic below to learn about VA benefits of interest to older veterans with a disability and family caregivers:

VA Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the nation’s largest health care system with hospitals, nursing homes, domiciliaries, counseling centers, and other facilities. Comprehensive information is available at www.va.gov/health.

Services available include:

• Free medical examinations
• Readjustment counseling
• Prosthetic and sensory aids
• Home improvements and structural alterations
• Mental health care treatment
• Nursing home care
• Outpatient dental care

VA Pensions
Eligible veterans with low incomes who are disabled, or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for a monthly pension payment. Those with a disability who require permanent caregiving assistance — including those who reside in an assisted living facility — may be eligible for a higher pension amount that helps cover the cost of additional long-term care.

Burial and Memorial Benefits
Honorably discharged veterans, as well as spouses and dependent children, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. These benefits can include:

• Burial in VA national cemeteries
• Headstones and markers
• Presidential memorial certificate
• Burial flags
• Reimbursement of burial expenses
• Military funeral honors

For More Information
For more information, individuals can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov.

Additionally, individual counties support local offices where you can speak with veterans benefits representatives about benefits, services, and eligibility requirements. Select a county below for contact information:

Livingston County
Phone:    517-546-6338
Address:    2300 E. Grand River Ave. - Ste. 109   Howell, MI  48843

Macomb County
Phone:    586-469-5315
Address:    21885 Dunham Rd. - Ste. 3   Clinton Twp., MI 48036

Monroe County
Phone:    734-240-7362
Address:    29 Washington St. - 3rd Floor  Monroe , MI 48161

Oakland County
Phone:    248-858-0785
Address:    1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Bldg. 26E  Pontiac, MI 48341

St. Clair County
Phone:    810-989-6945
Address:    200 Grand River Ave. - Ste. 104  Port Huron, MI 48060

Washtenaw County
Phone:    734-971-2195
Address:    2155 Hogback Rd.  PO Box 8645  Ann Arbor,  MI 48107

Wayne County
Phone:    313-224-5045
Address:    28 W. Adams - Ste. 1710  Detroit,  MI 48226