Veterans: Take Note!

Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, 65 years and older, may be entitled to a tax-free benefit called Aid and Attendance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to your monthly pension (you must be eligible for a pension).

Since Aid and Attendance and Housebound allowances increase your pension amount, people who are not eligible for a basic pension due to excessive income may be eligible for pension at these increased rates.

The benefit is designed to provide financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term care for those who need skilled services, case management, and help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, taking medicines, toileting, and transferring. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated or whose caregiver is experiencing burden, and will also provide for long-term in-home care for a non-service connected disability such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other physical disabilities.

 

Who Is Eligible?

Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents are eligible if the Veteran served a minimum of 90 days of active duty, including one day of active duty during a period of war. Other qualifications include specific financial criteria, and documented physical need for in-home care.  Disability does not have to be related to the service.

The Aid & Attendance (A&A) increased monthly pension amount may be added to your monthly pension amount if you meet one of the following conditions:

  • You require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment.
  • You are bedridden, in that your disability or disabilities requires that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment.
  • You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

 

Angel Companions is reaching out to inform you of this potential source of funds. Ron Miller is the owner of Angel Companions of Wilmington, Delaware (www.angelcompanions.net). The Angel Companions team pays attention to the details, can offer a fresh perspective on your situation, and provides true heart service to their clients. For more information on the Aid & Attendance benefit, call Ron at 302-343-7003, email him at rmiller@angelcompanions.net, or visit www.benefits.va.gov/pension

 

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