VA Aid and Attendance Benefits Explained

View PDF | Print View by: BrianJohnson Total views: 2 Word Count: 364

Aid and Attendance is a special pension program offered to war-time veterans that served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days being served during war time.

"Aid and Attendance" refers to the fact that for this particular pension benefit, the claimant must demonstrate a regular need for the aid and attendance of a caregiver or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. If the veteran does not require aid and attendance, but has a low household income, they may be eligible for a base pension of a lesser dollar amount.

The Pension benefit is a monthly income for disabled or older veterans who have a low income. Pension is for veterans who served during a period of war and who may have disabilities that are not connected to their active-duty service. Unlike Compensation, Pension is based on the veteran's financial picture including household income, as well as assets. When determining eligibility, the claimant's income can be adjusted for un-reimbursed medical expenses. If the veteran's net income after un-reimbursed medical expenses exceeds the Pension amount, then there is no award.

For 2009 the maximum annual benefit for those qualifying for the Aid & Attendance level of pension is:

Surviving Spouse of a Veteran: $12,681

Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children: $19,736

A married Veteran where the Veteran requires care: $23,396

If the Veteran is healthy, but their Spouse requires care, then the Veteran qualifies for a regular pension only: $15,493

Once a veteran applies for and qualifies for the Aid and Attendance program and starts receiving benefits, assistance that would have otherwise financially been out of reach is now paid for - things like assistance getting dressed, eating, bathing, and all other daily activities are covered.

The Aid and Attendance pension program is certainly unique in that it is specific in what it provides veterans and their spouses. That is why it is important to meet all of the specifications set forth by the VA for the Aid and Attendance program. Unfortunately, there are individuals not aware of this pension program and how it can help them take care of home health and nursing home costs.

Article Source: StepsIT

About the Author

For more details on the VA's Aid and Attendance benefit program and how you can make sure your veteran loved ones are taken care of, please visit Veteran's Financial for more details and your free, no-cost, no-obligation Aid and Attendance eligibility assessment consultation.

---

Rating: Not yet rated

--Choose-- 0 1 2 3 4 5

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Copy and Paste Article Code.

Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.

More articles in this Category

1: Make Your Life Easy With A Walk In Bathtub
2: Diapers For Adults -Making The Right Selection
3: Find Out More About Handicap Stair Lifts
4: Think Of The Benefits Of An Outdoor Stair Lift.
5: wheelchair stair lifts