One day, after Mrs. Johnson had been at a local nursing home for almost two years, the staff was surprised when her daughter reported that her mom would soon begin receiving more than $500 per month to help cover the cost of her care.  Mrs. Johnson’s daughter had asked the Veteran’s Service Agency if her mother, the widow of a veteran who had served in World War II, was eligible for any benefits.  She was pleased to learn that her mother could receive aid and attendance services—and that this program would help cover the nursing home costs.

If you are a veteran, or a person caring for a veteran, there may be benefits and services to help you.  The Broome County Veteran’s Services Agency offers a variety of services to veterans and their families. Service is provided to veterans of all wars and conflicts, as well as peacetime service. In addition, assistance and information is available to active duty servicemen and servicewomen and to their families.

The Office for Aging invites all interested veterans and their caregivers to come hear Brian Vojtisek, Director of the Broome County Veteran’s Service Agency, talk about “What Everyone Should Know about Veterans’ Benefits” on Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Eastern Broome Senior Center, 127 Golden Lane, Harpursville.  Time will be allowed for questions; handouts will be provided.

The Veteran’s Service Agency is located in the Edwin L. Crawford County Office Building on Hawley Street in Binghamton.  Appointments can be made by calling 607-778-2147.  Professional assistance and advice is given in the filing of applications for benefits under existing federal, state and local laws and regulations. The agency also helps veterans and their families learn about the benefits available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs. From educational benefits to burial benefits, from help getting a disability pension to help getting replacements of military medals, the Veteran’s Service Agency can make the process easier for you.

To register for the June 10 workshop, please call the Office for Aging at 778-2411.Those that can not attend the program are also encouraged to check out www.veteransfinancial.com.  The site includes a video clip about the aid & attendance benefit that aired on the NBC nightly news.