I haven't been on this site in quite some time, but I wanted to let to let you know that after 5 months of pursing this, and a few letters in between stating that the claim is being still in process, I received the confirmation letter that my Mother has been approved to receive the benefits. My deceased father was WW2 vetern.

The package was sent out Aug. 7th and as of Sept. 1 she qualifies and they increased the amount of the benefit in December to $998/month. We will get this retroactive in 15 days from the date of the letter and will start receiving payments Feb. 1 for Jan. They are 1 month behind.

I just want to let everyone that this benefit IS available, but there's a lot of work to be done in order to get it. I did a lot of phone calling and found an agency that helps you with the process....FREE OF CHARGE. They are not the VA, but affliated. They want every I dotted and T crossed. Some of the papers needed:
Discharge Papers
Social Security# for both
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate
Death Certificate
Medicare payment
All medical expenses-precriptions, co-pays, caregivers etc.
Any income which includes interest in savings-even if it's only $20/year...they want to see this! Don't hide ANYTHING...you are entitled to this benefit and if there's even a peep wrong with something, you'll have to start from square 1..so my suggestion is to be honest.
I beleive with the application comes a document for a doctor's statement. My Mother has Alzheimers, so I used the nuerologist that has treated her.

We do pay $1200/week for a live in, so this really helps the situation. With this and the reverse mortgage, we have a little breathing room...a little less stress.

I really believe help of an expert is needed when applying for these benefits. It was kinda hush hush when the gentleman I spoke with from VA gave me the number for this agency, but it certainly did make the process easier. I would suggest to call your county VA office and they might put you in the right direction.

Good Luck to everyone pursing this...it's really worth the effort.

Jennifer NJ

Jen Im so happy it finally went thru funny thing is I had a woman at a Non Profit agency tell me the same thing just like you its amazing how they try and steer us all in the wrong direction so we dont get these compensations that our LO's are entitled to, she even told me the pay is retroactive also.
Eh this is our fine government at work they wanted our LO's fighting their wars and promised all kinds of things, when it comes time to collect on those promises no one wants to help
Thank heavens for these wonderful people who guided us is all I can say