Let’s talk about the VA Aid and Attendance Program. Veterans and their families aren’t always aware of what benefits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers them. It’s worth researching to know what benefits your family has earned by serving our country. Even better—let us do the research, explain it, and help you apply for these benefits.
What is the VA Aid and Attendance Program?
In 1952 Congress created the Aid and Attendance program to help veterans and their families pay for in-home healthcare and nursing facility care. This additional VA pension is available for veterans who need the “aid and attendance” of another person daily to help the veteran with activities of daily living.
The VA Aid and Attendance program provides tax-free monthly payments in addition to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The pension from the Aid and Attendance program is for veterans who do not have a service-connected disability resulting from their military service.
Who Qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance?
The VA extends its Aid and Attendance benefit to veterans already receiving a VA pension.
Additionally, the veteran must meet at least one (not all) of these requirements:
- The veteran relies on another person to help them perform daily activities. These can include bathing, feeding, transferring, dressing, toileting, adjusting prosthetic devices, preparing meals, managing medication, or protecting the veteran from environmental hazards due to mental or physical incapacity.
- The veteran must remain in bed several hours a day due to illness.
- The veteran’s eyesight is extremely limited: 5/200 or less in both eyes, even with corrective glasses.
More Info to Know
In addition to meeting at least one of the above requirements, veterans must have served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days, including at least one full day during a time of war. This does not mean the veteran had to serve in active combat to qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance program.
Surviving spouses of eligible deceased veterans may also qualify if they meet the clinical and income requirements and have not remarried. A spouse can receive this benefit and use it in the same way as it would be extended to a veteran. The VA reviews and considers each individual case, so providing as much specific documentation as possible is helpful.
What to Expect When You Apply
Understandably, a caregiver must complete substantial paperwork to receive this benefit. We assure you it is something we can accomplish together. We’ve been doing it since the 1990s with our clients and can help you every step of the way.
Along with completing the VA’s paperwork specific to the program, you’ll need to supply as much physician documentation as possible regarding your veteran’s condition. You are showing the VA your veteran needs assistance every day. Be prepared to share your finances from the previous 36 months so that the VA can determine the rate of your financial aid.
We advise families giving a veteran daily in-home care to look into the VA Aid and Attendance pension. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience to help you apply for this valuable benefit that can assist with the cost of in-home healthcare.
Contact us with your questions; we’d be honored to answer them.
