On this Veterans Day, we salute the many women and men who have faithfully served our country in the armed forces. The sacrifices you have made in defending our freedoms and way of life are greatly appreciated.

Many of our veterans, particularly those who served in World War II and the Korean War, are getting older and need assistance with their personal care. Some are finding that the cost of care is rapidly depleting their resources, leaving them without funds to provide for their needs, or leaving their families destitute and dependent after their deaths.

These veterans have earned for themselves special benefits through the US Department of Veterans Affairs Pension benefits program. To be eligible, a veteran must have served on active duty for at least 90 days, one of which must have been during a wartime period. (It doesn’t matter if you were actually in combat, as long as you were on active duty during a wartime period declared by Congress.) The veteran must also meet certain income and asset eligibility requirements. With proper planning, those who don’t immediately meet the financial requirements may be able to qualify without going broke first.

Some veterans are surprised to learn the VA will not pay for all of their long term care should they need it. And while that is true, the Pension benefit still provides a significant cash resource to help the veteran and his or her family live comfortably. This benefit may also be available for the spouses of deceased veterans.

While these benefits are a meager reward for the sacrifice of our servicemen and women, they are, in some small way, recognition from a grateful nation for noble service. To our veterans, we thank you and honor you on this Veterans Day and always.