Aid & Attendance Benefits for Veterans

Many families struggle to provide necessary care for aging or disabled Veterans or their surviving spouses. Unfortunately, most of these families are unaware of an important benefit available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to which their loved ones may be entitled. It is called Aid & Attendance.

For qualifying veterans, Aid and Attendance is paid in addition to the basic pension rate for seriously disabled wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled.

Some key things to know about the Aid and Attendance benefit:

• Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit and is not dependent upon service-related injuries.
• Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible.
• Certain medical and financial requirements must be met.
• Aid & Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.

The Application Process

Application for Aid and Attendance Benefits is a complex and lengthy process. The forms are available for you to do this yourself, but be advised that if you apply and your application is denied, you must wait a year before you can reapply. For these reasons, many people seek assistance in completing the application. 

The 2014 Maximum Benefits

• Maximum Monthly Benefit for Veteran: $1,759
• Maximum Monthly Benefit for Veteran and Spouse: $2,085
• Maximum Monthly Benefit for Surviving Spouse: $1,130

Note: These are maximum benefit amounts and the actual benefit that is approved may be less.  Also, VA Aid & Attendance Benefits are tax free.

How Can I Qualify for Aid & Attendance Benefits?

In order to qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit, the applicant must meet an income test and an asset test. While there is no specified income limit, the VA considers what it refers to as IVAP – Income for VA Purposes. IVAP is equal to your gross income from all sources, less a portion of un-reimbursed medical expenses. If your IVAP is not less than the annual benefit amount, you will not be eligible for benefits.

To qualify on the asset test, a thorough review of all assets must be done by a VA accredited attorney to decide whether any Estate Planning will be needed in order to qualify the applicant for the Aid & Attendance Pension.  Contact our law firm today if you have any questions about this VA Benefit.