Patriot Angels is a Tennessee-based non-profit that specializes in helping veterans navigate the VA system to receive the benefits they have earned through their service.

"We help veterans, spouses and their widows supplement the cost for senior living. Our first goal is to educate families," said Patriot Angels Special Project Manager Erin Walker. "About eight of ten veterans and their spouses don't know these benefits exist." 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't advertise the benefits, and it doesn't make the process easy. 

"We just don't want someone to automatically rule themselves out," Walker said. "Do not rule someone out based on information you've heard in the past - that's why we're here - to help you answer these questions."  

Patriot Angels asks that veterans send them whatever discharge documents they have in order to help the organization identify service dates and discharge status. They're also looking for key dates to establish eligibility for benefits. 

One of the main reasons it's important that veterans, and their spouses, go to Patriot Angels early in the process is to avoid financial missteps like missing out on funds that can pay for care. Their mission to help make sure you remain financially secure. And it's important to note that there is absolutely no need to spend down all of your money before making that call to Patriot Angels. 

"Veterans usually come to us when they're getting moved in and they need extra money each month to help pay for the care they need - it expedites the process when the veteran is already living in the community," Walker said. "Our goal is to be able to assist families. We can usually do it in about thirty to forty-five days. The VA side of the process usually takes about one-hundred-and-twenty days, but the VA will reimburse veterans for expenses incurred during that wait time after the process has officially begun."

Patriot Angels has provided invaluable help to many of our residents, and they're able to help people access their benefits quickly. 

"Most of the people we work with are eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits," Ingram said. "Working with Patriot Angels makes the process so much quicker than going straight through the VA without any additional support."

For more information, call the Patriot Angels (844) 757-3047, or go to their website at patriotangels.com.