The VA’s Best-Kept Secret: The Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit
If you are a Veteran, chances are that you have never heard of the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. The V.A. itself estimates that at least 2 million (probably many more) Veterans could qualify for this program, yet little or nothing is done to publicize it. In fact, chances are that you could call the nearest Veterans Administration office and have a hard time even finding a V.A. employee who knows about it or could explain it to you. And, the V.A. estimates that up to $22 BILLION per year in Aid and Attendance Benefits go unspent because many Vets are completely unaware that the program exists!
Yet, this is a benefit program that can provide needy Veterans with up to $1,644 per month to help pay for care in the home, an assisted living community, or a nursing home. Surviving spouses are eligible for up to $1,056 per month, and couples $1,949 per month. As you read this, you may have a hard time believing that such a benefit program actually exists. But it does! And one can only imagine the huge impact this additional income might have on the life of an elderly, low-income Veteran.
WHAT IS THE AID AND ATTENDANCE PENSION BENEFIT?
Most simply, this is a special pension benefit program that provides monetary help to Veterans and surviving spouses who require the attendance of another person to help them with:
- Eating
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Dressing
- and Undressing
It is also designed for individuals who are blind or are a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care for a Veteran in an assisted living facility also qualifies. It is not a benefit to pay for housekeeping, respite or part-time care. The Aid and Attendance program is a “pension” program and not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. That may explain why so many families overlook it or are unaware of it. But, most Veterans who really are in need of assistance qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit
What if the spouse divorced the veteran and never remarried- is she still eligible?
No she is not- they must have been married when he passed- however if she divorced him due to circumstance like: cruelty or an event that made her have to divorce- him she can submit that documented info and there may be a possibility they may award benefits still-
What if the care is for a living veteran’s wife?
In order for a living veteran to claim a basic pension (worth about 8-900 a month) for his wife- he has to already be receiving a service connected compensation benefit to get an additional income to help his wife.
What if the client has many funds in savings- can they reduce or move funds to qualify?
We are not financial planners and we do not refer to them- however from what we understand, there is no look back with the VA and it can be done.
Do they have to start services first to apply?
By starting services, it will show two things
- They are in financial hardship and need this money because they do not have any positive cash flow left after paying a provider for their care ( along with other medical expenses-RX-DR co pays-hearing aids-diapers and so on)
- The purpose behind the benefit “Aid in Attendance” is exactly that- they need an aid in attendance, so yes they need to show proof that there is a care plan in progress using up all of their money. Can I start out with just a few hours and increase their care later due to the fact the VA takes so long to kick in?
It comes down to showing the VA there is no money left after all medical expenses are paid. Not hours of care- all medical expenses in the last year reported on the 21-8416 should show little or no money left when they are added up annually and subtracted form the income reported.
What if they stop care after an application was filed?
Well you should remind them at any time the VA can call the provider to ask this question or send an expense form to the provider to verify care is in place- they may lose their case.
Can my family hire a private person/ or live in a non-licensed retirement home- and will the VA pay for that?
No the VA will only work with a credible or licensed provider.
What type of care is considered by the VA and what if I am not a medical service?
Eligibility Requirements
Veterans or their surviving spouses requiring daily assistance may be eligible for assistance. You must have a medical condition indicating that you are in need of assistance from others in order to live a quality life, such as but not limited to the following:
| Walking Bathing Dressing Meal Preparation |
Getting out of bed Laundry/Housekeeping Shopping Transportation |
Making telephone calls Obtaining appointments Protection from the hazards of daily life Medication reminder |
