Military veterans seriously injured while serving the country can face significant costs when they return home. These costs can include home care and assisted living expenses. In such cases, these veterans can apply for benefits for themselves and their families. If eligible, Connecticut veterans can receive assistance from the federal government as well as the state of Connecticut and their local government.

However, thanks to Tropical Storm Irene last August, Connecticut's 3rd District has not had a veterans' Office of Advocacy and Assistance to support veterans and their families' efforts to secure their veterans' benefits.

Fortunately, veterans in the 3rd District will soon have a new Office of Advocacy and Assistance to help them navigate their benefits applications. The new office will be in the Parsons Government Building.

Despite the existence of such offices, however, many veterans do not know about the benefits they may be entitled to because the government has not made the information widely available.

Moreover, even if the veterans know about the benefits for which they are eligible, the application process can be daunting and ever changing.

Because of that lack of information and the complicated and constantly changing application process for those benefits, veterans who need assisted living, home care or medical care should consider talking with an experienced veterans' benefits lawyer to find out more information.

Veterans are not the only ones who should consider talking to a lawyer about receiving veterans' benefits. Many widows and widowers of veterans may also qualify for benefits through the Aid and Attendance program. Surviving non-veteran spouses may qualify for as much as $11,976 per year for medical care costs including the price of an assisted living facility or home care services.

Source: Milford-Orange Bulletin, "Agreement brings veterans' advocacy office to Milford," June 4, 2012