...
until they all come home...
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the grant award programs for veterans. They oversee distribution of grant money to those unable to engage in gainful employment due to disability. Two programs assist veterans whose disability is not service-connected.
Although the VA administers the award programs, the department does not advertise availability. It treats the funds from the first grant as a "pension payout" and makes the award on a case-by-case basis. The second grant has two levels. Non-service connected disabilities are eligible for the smaller award.
Eligible Pension Grant Applicants
Eligible veterans have a disability resulting from an incident with no connection to their period of service. As a need-based grant program for veterans, those with substantial means cannot apply. The government contends a large estate will support the needs of that veteran.
Applicants can have a service record dating back to World War I. Veterans with 90 days or more of wartime service and a better than dishonorable discharge, are eligible applicants. Non-service connected disabilities must be total and permanent, making it impossible to engage in gainful employment.
Documents, Credentials and Award Process
Veterans apply in writing for a grant award. The application requires that a net worth statement and proof of favorable discharge from service (Form DD-214) accompany it. A favorable discharge shows proof that separation from service was not dishonorable.
Applicants obtain VA Form 21-526 at the closest local or regional VA office. When the documents are ready, they go back to the same location. Note: The option of applying online is available.
Pension program applicants do not have cut-off dates or deadlines. This continuous process begins with determination of eligibility. That determination depends on submission of necessary documents, including evidence of income and net worth.
Regional offices distribute the grant funds, usually within 90 to 120 days. If an applicant receives a rejection, that veteran will receive details of the appeal process. Veterans with approval for this grant receive disbursement in one lump sum.
During FY2010, the total disbursement is approximately $2,899,009,000 spread over 180+ approvals of $11,830 each. Countable income reduces this amount on an average of $1,283 per level, as appropriate for the condition of the veteran.
Additionally, veterans of WWI or the Mexican Border Conflict receive $2,686 more. Use is not subject to monitoring procedures and the recipient is able to use the money for any pressing need that arises.
Home Alteration Grant
This grant is available to both service-connected disability and non-service connected disability veterans. It is specifically for widening doors, lowering counters and sinks, fitting living areas with handrails, elevators and stair lifts.
Written applications are a requirement for this grant. The award has two levels and both levels distribute a flat distribution amount. The grant amount for non-service connected disabilities is $2,000. A veteran with service-connected disability is eligible for $6,800. This is the first time since 1992 that Congress made any change in value for these grants. The grants now conform to cost of living and product inflation.
Veterans applying for this grant do so during an eligibility period. Grant awards come after a review confirming the presence of all requirements. This grant is unique in that service-connected disabled veterans can combine it with awards they may obtain from "specifically adapted housing grants." These other housing grants are not available to veterans with a non-service connected disability.
Tags: connected disabilities, grant award, non-service connected, award programs, connected disability, engage gainful, engage gainful employment
