The Veteran’s Administration has a pension benefit known as Aid and Attendance, for the benefit of older, disabled war time veterans who have served at least one day in the service during an official wartime period. This benefit can help pay the costs of in home care, board and care and assisted living facilities. The benefit is also available to the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran.
These veterans are disabled due to “non-service connected reasons, which are usually age related. Their disabilities can result from diseases such Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and from other physical disabilities. Another possible criteria for eligibility is that the veteran needs the attendance of another person in order to avoid the daily hazards of his environment. It must also be shown that the veteran is in need of assistance with various activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc.
Eligibility for this benefit is also determined by income, and the amount of assets the veteran has. A large portion of the cost of care being paid for in home care or the assisted living facility, can usually be applied against the veteran’s income in the VA application, to make eligibility easier.
A single veteran can receive up to $1,749 per month, which is $20, 988 per year. A married veteran can receive up to $2,127 per month, which is $25,524 per year. In addition, the surviving spouse can receive up to $1,153 per month, which is $13,836 per year.
If you are a veteran, or if you have a family member or friend who is a veteran receiving care, you should seek the guidance of an experienced elder law attorney who is familiar with this benefit. The attorney can help you determine whether eligibility is possible, and what steps can be taken to obtain eligibility.
This information is not to be taken as legal advice, and you are encouraged to see your elder law attorney. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Young, at 1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA www.WalnutCreekElderLaw, 925-256-0298, lawyoung1@gmail.com, we practice Elder Law and we help Baby Boomers, Seniors and families through their Elder Care Journey. We help families with long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. We also help the older client and their families get their “Ducks in a Row” in order help them qualify for Medi-Cal and the VA Aid & Attendance Improved Pension benefit.