What will she get from his SS and/or VA benefits, after he passes?

[Mark2365]

What is the name of your state? Arizona
Hello, people.

A lovely couple, both in their late 70s and retired, have been married and living together for 8 years.
From his time in Vietnam, he was awarded three Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars, now all lost.
The VA finally decided around June of 2012 to declare him a 100% disabled veteran, retroactive to around June of 2010.
Living in Arizona, he is housebound, moves around only by wheelchair, and she is his full-time caretaker.
His monthly income is $1000 from Social Security and $3200 from VA disability.
Her monthly income is $2000 from Social Security and $1700 from an employer's pension.
Two questions… What will she get from his SS and/or VA, after he passes away?
What other benefits might he/she/they be eligible for now, before he passes?
Please provide links where I can read more about this stuff.
Thanks, in advance.
Mark2365

 

[justalayman]

There is a bit about the social security issue on page 15 of this publication. You should read the entire publication though

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf

I know nothing about the va issue.

 

[Just Blue]

@Shadowbunny works with the VA I *think*. Perhaps she will know...

 

[Shadowbunny]

Have them contact a Veteran's Service Organization for assistance. VSOs will help figure out benefits and don't charge for services. They can find a list of VSOs in AZ here: https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROPHOENIX/veterans-services-orgs.asp

ETA: I work for the Army in Social Services, so although my main population is Active Duty, I get enough calls from Vets that I've learned a little about the VA.

 

[Just Blue]

Geesh! That was quick!!

 

[adjusterjack]

Geesh! That was quick!!

Quick as a bunny.

 

[Just Blue]

Quick as a bunny.

Cute....

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state? Arizona
Hello, people.

A lovely couple, both in their late 70s and retired, have been married and living together for 8 years.
From his time in Vietnam, he was awarded three Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars, now all lost.
The VA finally decided around June of 2012 to declare him a 100% disabled veteran, retroactive to around June of 2010.
Living in Arizona, he is housebound, moves around only by wheelchair, and she is his full-time caretaker.
His monthly income is $1000 from Social Security and $3200 from VA disability.
Her monthly income is $2000 from Social Security and $1700 from an employer's pension.
Two questions… What will she get from his SS and/or VA, after he passes away?
What other benefits might he/she/they be eligible for now, before he passes?
Please provide links where I can read more about this stuff.
Thanks, in advance.
Mark2365

I can tell you that she won't get anything from Social Security since her benefit is already higher than his. I don't know anything about the VA issue.

 

[Mark2365]

Wow. Thanks very much for your replies, people.
And thanks for that link, Ms. Bunny... VALUABLE information there.
I'm digesting it.

 

[Shadowbunny]

Thanks for the thanks, Mark2365. I hope your friends find the answers they need. They're lucky to have you helping.