A story about what happens when you actually use the benefits you earned — and a full resource guide for veterans in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
I want to tell you about Mrs. Alston.
She’s 92 years old, an Air Force veteran, and one of my tenants here in Jacksonville. Her son — who’s in his sixties — is her full-time caregiver. When I got the house, one of the first things we both noticed was that she needed a wheelchair ramp to get outside. What was there at the time was basically a few sticks in the ground. We got some quotes. They weren’t cheap.
But here’s the thing — Mrs. Alston is still receiving her VA benefits at 92 years old.
Her son called the VA, explained the situation, and they said: we’ll build the ramp. Just like that.
No more being stuck inside. She’s going to be able to take her motorized wheelchair out, check on her garden, make it to her doctor’s appointments, go to church. Things that matter everything to her.
“You don’t graduate from God.”
She still goes to Bible study every week. When I asked her about it, that’s exactly what she told me. She’s 92, can barely walk, and hasn’t missed a single meeting — because she does it by phone. I had to sit with that one for a second.
WHY I’M SHARING THIS
I work with homeowners all over Jacksonville and Northeast Florida who are in tough spots — foreclosure, probate, properties that need work. A lot of them are veterans or family members of veterans who have no idea what they’re still entitled to.
Mrs. Alston’s story is proof that benefits you earned decades ago are still working for you today. If you haven’t applied — or you gave up because it felt too complicated — read this and try again. It might take a few months but start now, because a year from now you’ll be glad you did.
VA BENEFITS EVERY VETERAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
MONTHLY TAX-FREE PAY
Disability Compensation
If you have a service-related injury or illness you may qualify for monthly payments. Even a 0% rating makes you eligible for certain services — so file even if you think your condition isn’t severe enough.Apply at va.gov/disability
HEALTHCARE FOR LIFE
VA Health Care Enrollment
Once you’re enrolled you have access for life. VA care is often the most affordable option, and enrolled veterans consistently show better health outcomes than those not enrolled.Enroll at va.gov
UP TO $126,526
SAH Grant — Specially Adapted Housing
For veterans with serious service-connected disabilities. Covers building or fully adapting a home for independent living — including major structural changes for wheelchair access.Learn more at va.gov
UP TO $25,350
SHA Grant — Special Home Adaptation
For veterans who need specific accessibility modifications — ramps, widened doorways, grab bars. This is the type of grant that helped Mrs. Alston get her ramp covered. Apply with VA Form 26-4555.Apply at va.gov
UP TO $6,800
HISA Grant — Home Improvements & Structural Alterations
Covers medically necessary modifications for veterans with service-connected conditions. Think ramps, handrails, bathroom access, and driveway improvements. Available even if you’re renting.Apply through your VA medical center
IN-HOME CARE FUNDING
Aid & Attendance / Pension Benefits
If you’re a veteran or surviving spouse with limited income who needs help with daily living, this can help pay for in-home caregivers. Many veterans in our area qualify and don’t know it.Learn more at va.gov/pension
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD
2025 VA Federal Benefits Guide
The VA’s official annual guide covering every major benefit program with phone numbers, eligibility requirements, and websites. If you don’t know where to start, start here.Download the guide
LOCAL HELP IN JACKSONVILLE & NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Every office below is free. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
- Jacksonville Military Affairs & Veterans DepartmentFree help with VA claims, housing, employment, legal aid, and mental health services. Walk-ins Mon–Fri 7am–3pm.
📍 117 West Duval Street, Suite 175, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | 📞 (904) 255-5550
jacksonville.gov/veterans-services - Clay County Veterans Services OfficeRight in our backyard. Free claims assistance, disability compensation, housing support, and more.
claycountygov.com/veterans-services - Jacksonville Vet CenterConfidential counseling for veterans and families at no cost — PTSD, depression, military trauma. Also connects veterans with benefits throughout Northeast and Central Florida.
va.gov/jacksonville-fl-vet-center - Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA)Service officers at VA medical centers and clinics statewide. All assistance is free, covering both state and federal programs.
floridavets.org - ElderSource — Veterans Support (Northeast Florida)Helps senior veterans access VA-funded in-home care, caregiver support, and daily living assistance.
📞 1-888-242-4464 | myeldersource.org/veterans-support
ONE MORE THING
Mrs. Alston told me the best day of her life was when she got baptized 61 years ago. She studies her Bible, goes to every meeting, and is still showing up for life at 92. She’s living proof it’s never too late to claim what you’ve earned.
