SWAMPSCOTT – On Wednesday, the Lynn/Swampscott Department of Veterans Services did a briefing at the Swampscott senior center on veterans benefits for seniors.
According to Mike Sweeney, director of Lynn/Swampscott Veterans’ Services, “this is part of our ongoing outreach effort in both Lynn and Swampscott to inform Veterans about the benefits they’ve earned.”
The program covered veterans’ benefits related to seniors, including VA (Veteran Affairs) disability benefits, VA healthcare and Aid and Attendance benefits. Sweeney also spent time going over expanded healthcare and disability eligibility under the new PACT Act, passed last month by Congress. The bill expanded presumptive disability claims for Vietnam veterans and veterans of the global war on terror.
Sweeney said, “Our outreach here at the Swampscott senior center and the Lynn senior center is part of our effort to connect with veterans and their families throughout the community. Far too often veterans and their families don’t know what they’re eligible to receive. It’s important to let them know. Because of Covid, we haven’t been able to hold these events until recently. They’re critically important.”
Sweeney also encouraged all veterans to attend this Saturday’s VA open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lynn VA clinic at 225 Boston St. The event sponsored by the Veterans Administration will include opportunities to sign up for VA healthcare and find out about other benefits veterans and their families should receive.
Jeffrey Blonder, who serves as commander of the E.F. Gilmore Disabled American Veteran chapter of Swampscott/Lynn, says that veterans must stand together. The best way to get benefits is to be united. Blonder encourages veterans to claim for their benefit.
Steve Bohn, the Veterans Caseworker and District Aide shares his contact information to help veterans with their claims. Once claims are submitted and if there is any concern, veterans can contact Bohn at [email protected].
Sylvia Chen can be reached at [email protected]
