November is National Military Appreciation Month and we are joined on Jersey Magazine this morning by Dr. Paul R. Lawrence who used to oversee veterans benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
More than 6 million Americans receive earned benefits for military service – including disability compensation, education benefits, caregiver assistance, burial benefits and more. It is critical for spouses and caregivers to know how veterans benefits are accessed and what could happen when or if a veteran dies.
Consider this scenario – a veteran has not told his spouse much about his veteran’s benefits. The veteran dies suddenly. His spouse grieves and plans a funeral, which she pays for out of pocket. The $2,500 tax-free payment from the VA for her husband’s disability compensation has stopped being deposited into their bank account, which her spouse managed. Now she struggles to meet her expenses and is afraid she will have to sell their home.
Ultimately, she realizes she must connect with the VA to try to access survivor benefits. As she works her way through the bureaucracy, she struggles to understand what she may be eligible for and knows little about what her husband was receiving. This can be overwhelming during the best of times, but during this period of loss, it adds more stress.
Surviving spouses facing this situation are often approached by agents who offer to help them with VA benefits in return for payment. Faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation, some agree, even though paying for help is not necessary as many free resources are available to assist them.
Dr. Paul R. Lawrence – Veterans Benefits
Rock N Ruff
Yorkies! (Yorkshire Terriers) In A Local Rescue Group
It’s Terrie Carr, and welcome to another WDHA Rock N’ Ruff segment. Let me start this one by saying I love Yorkshire Terriers- I have been blessed to have 4 in my life since childhood. Muffy, Sabrina, Scarlet (the love of my life), and Star.
They are sweet, spunky, loyal, smart little companions each unique in every way. When I found out that a lovely family was up for adoption, I wanted them on Rock N’ Ruff. You can find every kind of dog with your local shelter groups. Large, medium, small, super small, puppy, teen, senior, energetic, , fellow, special needs, purebred, muttigree, they are all there.
Photo Credit- Joe FrazzAchilles, Apollo, Aries and Atlas
Achilles, Apollo, Aries and Atlas
And Their Beautiful Mama
Molly and the foster mom of the family Viviana brought the family by for a visit and some WDHA Rock N’ Ruff exposure. The family is just perfect. Friendly, sweet, and mama is so lovely, greeting everyone she meets, giving kisses, and affection, and showing her smarts and loyalty with the great care she takes care of her family of four. Due to their extremely small size, we are looking for just the right home for mama and the pups, tiny dog experience is a plus and of course, if you are interested keep in mind that puppies need time and care. If you are interested in mama or her babies, please reach out to Cameron Animal Hospital Rescue at – [email protected]
And For More Of My Pet Related Check Out TC’s RNR Roundtable
For interviews, adoptables and fun pet stuff!
Opt To Adopt!
