What is Veteran’s Aid & Attendance and How Do You Apply
Veteran’s Aid & Attendance is a monetary benefit that helps eligible veterans and/or their surviving spouses offset the cost of care for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, transferring, and meal preparation. This monetary benefit, for those eligible, can help provide some relief from costs incurred for long term elder care that may take place in home, assisted living communities, or skilled nursing/rehab facilities. Additionally, there are no costs associated with applying for this benefit. Requirements to determine eligibility include:
Age - The veteran or surviving spouse must be at least 65 years or older
Must be considered wartime veteran - Meaning they have to have served at least 90 days and been in the military at least 1 day during wartime (not necessarily served in combat
Veteran cannot have been dishonorably discharged.
Veteran or surviving spouse must require assistance with at least two or more Activities of Daily Living listed on the Veteran Aid & Attendance application
If you are a surviving spouse, you must have been living with the veteran at the time of the veteran’s passing and single at the time of filing the claim
If these requirements are met, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) will then look at the net worth of the applicant—the value of money in the applicant’s bank accounts, savings accounts, pensions, IRAs, 401k’s, etc. They do not look at the value of the applicant’s home or vehicle. Keep in mind, in 2018, the VA brought into effect the “look back” of applicant’s finances for the past 3 years. The VA is looking to see that the applicant did not give away or sell any assets that were not fair market value. If this action is found, there is a period of pension ineligibility. The asset level currently is $123,800.
When the applicant is ready to apply, it is best to work with someone from the VA office. The application time can take up to 12 months. However, working with an advisor may help cut down this time and possibly help maximize the eligible benefit to the veteran. Contact your local VA office to get the most recent information and forms, and to schedule an appointment.
Thank you to all the veterans who have served and protected our country!
To learn more about our veterans program, please contact us.