Q&A about the Aid and Attendance Pension
Ask your questions about the VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension benefit here.
Ask your questions about the VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension benefit here.
Can you tell me if my mother who has Alzheimer’s is eligible for this benefit? My dad was in WWII in Europe.
Martha, thanks for asking. The VA looks at 4 issues when determining someone’s eligibility for benefits. Military Service, Income vs. Medical Expenses, Health, and Net Worth (the program is not designed for millionaires). My best advice would be to call in and review this information with someone in our office, they will be able to explain the VA’s criteria with you in great detail. We can’t tell you if you qualify, as only the VA approves people, but we have years of experience to draw from and will explain everything to you. 800-835-1541.
Is your organization accredited by the General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide advise to veterans about the pension benefits and collect a fee for such advice?
Keith, thanks for asking. The VA does not accredit private companies. We do have on our staff one of the less than 80 Claims Agents accredited by the VA.
We do not charge for our assistance, so while the VA does allow Claims Agents and attorneys to charge for assistance once an application has been denied, we do not charge for any advice or assistance at any time.
How can I check the status of a claim for my mother, who is a victim of dementia? We filed in late May for and received a letter than the claim has been received, but no word since that time. The original claim was to help offset in-home care expenses. Unfortunately as of August 1, Mom will be moved in a secured unit in a nursing home. How does this change things when the original application has not yet been processed?
Vita, you should hear from the VA approximately every 60 days. If more than 90 days goes by, please call the pension maintenance department 877-294-6380 to check on things. If they won’t speak with you, file a form 21-22a. You should change the address with the VA to your own address so correspondence does not get lost. More than likely, when benefits are awarded, they will withhold payment until they can appoint a Fiduciary, which is like a VA - Power of Attorney. They will insist on a field visit with you and your mother, which can take 2-3 months.
What are the dates of war for Aid and Attendance Eligibility?
Basic Criteria for Pension Benefit Eligibility:
The VA considers offering Pension benefits to a Veteran or their surviving spouse if:
The veteran received discharge from service under any condition other than dishonorable,
AND
The veteran served at least 90 days of active military service, one (1) day of which was during a war-time period:
World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946 inclusive. If the Veteran was in service on December 31, 1946, but had not yet served 90 days, then continued service lasting until July 26, 1947 will be considered World War II service.
Korean conflict: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955 inclusive
Vietnam era: The period beginning on February 28, 1961 and ending on May 7, 1975 inclusive, for all Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964 and ending on May 7, 1975 inclusive, in all other cases.
AND
The claimant is age 65 or older, OR, is permanently and totally-disabled,
AND
The claimant’s total countable family income is below an annual limit set by law (most medical or care expenses including Nursing Home, Assisted Living and Home Care will reduce net countable income if you qualify medically),
AND
The VA determines that the claimant’s household net worth is not excessive (there is no specific dollar amount designated as excessive, rather, excessive net worth is a determined on a case-by-case basis with a number of considerations taken into account, and it should be noted that some assets are exempt from the net worth determination).
My mom is an 86 year old WW II Navy Veteran who has just moved in to a personal care center. She is also a widow of a WW II Army Veteran. She has a monthly income around $1900, but many prescription and medical bills. Do you think she might qualify for any assistance from the VA?
Mara, your mother sounds like a very good candidate for the VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension. The VA will look at her military service, health, income and savings. From what you have said, if her expenses in the personal care home are fairly hight, which they usually are, she should be entitled to $1,644 per month. I suggest you call our office to review her situation and get all the paperwork. There is no cost 800-835-1541
My dad is 82 and served in the Korean War. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over a year ago. They live in Florida, but my mom truly wishes to move back to New England to be closer to family. They have a combined gross Social Security benefit of $24,000 a year. What would my dad be entitled to? They have no assets and need help paying their housing expenses. Thank you!
Robyn, based on the information your provided, you parents should be entitled to $1,949 from the VA, but remember, they make the final determination. We have 6 representatives in FL and 5 in New England, so we can certainly help you in either place. I suggest you call so we can get you the paperwork you will need - 800-835-1541.
You may also want to contact Holly Walters at A Place For Mom, as she can help you find an appropriate community for your parents. A Place For Mom is a free referral service for the senior living industry, they work nationwide and have done a fantastic job for many of the families we have helped. Holly’s email is hollyw@aplaceformom.com
what is the annual income level, set by law, at or under which one is eligible to receive aid and attendance pension benefits?
Liz, very good question, but not a simple answer. For someone who meets the VA’s criteria for the Aid and Attendance level of Pension (needing assistance with ADLs, legally blind, or cognative issues), the Maximum Annual Pension Rates are: Surviving Spouse - $1,056; Single Veterans - $1,644; or a Married Couple (where the Veteran needs care) $1,949 (if the Veteran is healthy, but their spouse needs care amount is $1,290, but it is not considered Aid and Attendance, just Pension). The way it is calculated, the VA will look at total income, for instance SS - $1,200, pension from work $450, interest income $200. For a total income of $1,850. If you spend $2,000 on care or other medial expenses, the Income for VA Purposes (IVAP) would be $1,850 - $2,000 = -$150 therefore qualifying the claimant for the Maximum Annual Pension Rate. I hope this clears things up, if not call, it is easier to explain live than in writing.
I get a small combat related disability pension,My estimated worth including My home, and my car and savings. I take 11 prescription medications. Is there any chance that I could be eligible for assistance from the VA?
From what you said about your health, it is hard to say if you would meet the medical criteria. Based on all other issues, you could be eligibile for total benefits of $1,644. Keep in mind, the way these benefits work, you would get the greater of the two benefits, you will not get your compensation benefits plus the Aid and Attendance benefits. Please call in to discuss the VA’s health criteria.
Does the veteran have to be already placed in an assisted living facility before applying for the A&A benefit?
As long as there is a plan to move the Veteran or spouse into a care community, go ahead and apply, If you have a signed contract with a community, ask for a letter stating that the Veteran will move in on xx/xx/2009 and the cost will be… We can provide you with a template letter if you need one. If you don’t have a place in mind, you can apply, the VA may approve you for Aid and Attendance, but not award any benefit, then when you choose a community, provide documentation to the VA and they should start paying. Even if they deny the claim, it will be easier to file a notice of disagreement when you move in because you are already in their system.
We toured an assisted living building today and they wanted me to pay someone to help with the VA Application, I believe it was over $500. Do I have to pay this fee?
NO you should not have to pay for assistance with a VA application. First off it is illegal to charge for preparation of a VA claim, even attorneys cannot charge for this work. Second, despite what others tell you, the application itself is not the difficult, it takes about 30-45 minutes and mostly asks for personal information that you would have to provide to the third party completing the application. It is gathering the supporting documents (medical documentation, discharge papers, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.) that takes time and most who charge will ask you to provide these documents, so who is doing the work? Feel free to call our office, we will provide you with all of the forms, detailed instructions and we will remain available to answer questions you have about the application process at no charge and no obligation to do business with us.
I would like to know if my husband who is at home with Alzheimer’s disease qualified for aid and attendance benefit. He retired from the air force 35 years ago.
Based on the Alzheimer’s Disease you husband meets the health criteria. The issue you may have will be unreimbursed medical expenses. If he lives at home and you provide all of the care, more than likely, your income is too high. If you bring in home care or move him to assisted living, then more than likely, you will be eligible for up to $1,949 per month depending on how much you are spending on his care.
My father and deceased mother both served in the army during WWII. MY father has been living in assisted living for 10 years. My mother lived there with him until being moved to the nursing home a total of 5 years before her death. My father receives disability for the loss of a leg during the war. He is pretty much in a wheelchair, but works with pt trying to regain his strength. He is on oxygen due to COPD, has had a double hernia, prostate cancer, a stroke, some heart issues, a broken hip that now has a pin in it. (I think that is everything.) He will be 90 in a few months. 2 questions: Does his disability prevent him from qualifying and is any of this retroactive for him or my mother?
Karen, there are two issues here, first if your father is private pay, then his medical expenses would offset his income making him eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefits. However, because he is receiving what is probably 100% Service Connected Disability Compensation, and I suspect a doctor would certify the need for Aid and Attendance is related to the lost leg, he may be entitled to A&A on top of his Compensation, which could be a tremendous amount of money. As to retroactive, we have seen the VA go back a year, but never 10. That is not to say they won’t, but I don’t want you to have unrealistic expectations. In this case, and I hate to say this, but you should contact the VA directly and not us, to discuss the situation. You might start with the main number 800-827-1000 and don’t bother going into the whole story with the person that answers, simply say “my father receives 100% Compensation, and now that condition is causing him to need Aid and Attendance, what department should I speak with?” If the first person is not helpful, thank them and call back.
My father was a WWII vet. They divorced but my mother never remarried. He did but I don’t believe his 2nd wife is using the benefit. Any possibility she could get the benefit? Also she went to nursing school under a WAC or WAVE program but the war was over when she finished so she never served. Any help?
Peggy, good questions. Based on your parents divorce, and your father’s subsequent remarriage, more than likely she is not eligible, especially since his second spouse was married to him until death and is still alive.
The nursing school program may also work, but for the most part training programs do not qualify as active duty. Check to see if your mother has any documentation from the VA documenting the WAC program.
We tell everyone to go ahead and submit an application, with the VA you never know what can happen. But, don’t make any care decisions based on her being awarded benefits.
I moved in with my father who is a WW11 veteran. He cannot stay alone and needs help on everything. He’s on oxygen 24/7 and I was wondering if he qualifies for aid and assistance benefits? Is there something that will pay for me to care for him? I’m retired and trying to maintain two homes.
If your Dad pays you for providing care, then he has medical expenses which should qualify him for $1,644 per month. Our office can provide you will all the steps in the process 800-835-1541.
My father is a WWII veteran and his wife is legally blind, has dementia and othr physical ailments. My father has investments and recieves social security and pension benefits. Does he qualify for a veteran’s pension as he will soon be placing his wife in an alzheimer’s care home or possible nursing home ?
David, based on what you wrote, your father seems to meet the criteria for Pension from the VA, he will not qualify for Aid and Attendance, because he is healthy, but because of his wife’s medical expenses, he can deduct the medical expenses and therefore should receive $1,291 per month. If your father requires care, the benefit is $1,949. Assets will be an issue, but that is something that we can advise you about.
I am preparing to file for the VA pension and Aid in Attendance for my father-in-law. I am a little confused. He served during the Korean War 1952-54 period in active duty, is in a assisted living facility for the last year, and is disabled (he gets social security disability checks). He is 79 and is running out of cash.
Is the VA pension separate from the Aid in Attendance? I understand I have to first apply with form 21-526 - Pension form.
How then do I get Aid & Attendance?
Does he have to be “permanently and totally disabled”? What is that exactly - bed ridden? He is disabled, but not bed ridden.
Lastly, if I apply and get the Pension, he will still likely have a $800 per month short fall to cover R&B, so I am wondering if I should just apply for State Medicaid and not bother with the VA Pension.
What to you think?
Aid and Attendance is part D of the 21-526 application. Fill it in and check of YES to the questions about needing regular Aid and Attendance and being in a Nursing Home, we advise you cross off Nursing Home and write in Assisted Living, but generally the VA considers Assisted Living to be a Nursing Home. You also need to submit medical evidence of the need to be in Assisted Living. If he is really broke and going to have an $800 shortfall, even after the $1,644 from the VA, then Medicaid is something to consider, but he may have to move. Speak to someone at the Assisted Living community to see what your options are.
If you need any forms, call our office, we would be happy to provide them and answer any questions you have.
I am preparing to file for the VA pension and Aid in Attendance for my father. I am a little confused. I spoke with VA and they informed me that he because he active during the Korean War he could qualify, however they told me it takes 6 to 12 months to get approved.We just moved him into a assisted living facility. If this is true and he is approved are benifits retroactive.
We typically tell people 4-8 months, but 12 months is a real possibility. But, benefits come retroactive to the first of the month following when you submit the application.
My dad is a World War II veteran, age 95. He very recently moved from his home into an assisted living facility. His monthly cost for assisted living plus other medical expenses exceeds his monthly income (Civil Service retirement annuity) by more than $1,000. His cash assets presently are a little under $80,000 and dropping. He still owns his house (but is not living there). Is the house counted in his net worth? I estimate it might sell for around $150,000. Is he likely to qualify for Aid and Assistance?
Your Dad should be eligible for $1644 per month, but based on his age, even the $80k is too high. Please call for some suggestions to make him financially eligible, there are some easy things you can do this week and apply before the end of the month to get a 9/1 retro date. Also, when the house sells, you MUST get some advice.
Actually, $80K is the asset threshold. Since all applications now go through the Philadelphia office instead of the county and regional offices, the threshold is $80K despite the age of the applicant. This is information straight from my local County Veteran Service Officer.
Unfortunately, your local VSO may have provided you misinformation. While all applications are processed at 3 regional offices around the country depending on where you live, that has not changed how the VA looks at assets. The VA regulations state that they take age, income, and expenses into consideration when making net worth determinations. The $80,000 number only has to do with the necessity for the VA to file an extra form if they deny you with less than $80,000. We have seen many people denied with far less than $80,000 in assets. So while you are welcome to apply with that much, and may even get approved, it is not wise for most people to apply with assets that high.
If a veteran has $1,400 a month in income and is now in assisted living that accepts aid and attendence, and he has been approved for the benefit, what income can he keep. The cost of the assisted living is $3,000.00 a month but if the veteran pays that from what he has coming in he will have nothing to buy incidentals with or pay his medigap insurance with?
Grant, many assisted living communities offer a reduced rent as a loan until VA benefits are awarded as a way to help those who cannot afford to move in. In those cases, you pay the full amount once benefits are awarded.
You may have found a community willing to take a reduced rent as a way to help get you in the building. Keep in mind that with $1,400 of Social Security, plus the $1,644 from the VA, your income will be $3,044, in many places you can find assisted living for $2,500 per month, especially in this economy. You will just need to be careful of rent increases and additional costs for a higher level of service.
My father passed away in January 2009. At that time he was receiving a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Pension and money for aid and attendance. When we informed the VA regarding his death some forms were completed but I cannot get a straight answer as to whether the PTSD monthly pension will pass on to my mother as surviving spouse. He always said it would, but the papers from the VA are very confusing. Also, my mother completed the information for her own aid and attendance, but did it incorrectly and will only receive $16.08 a month! Can that be revised? I was also told that you can only apply for expense reimbursements for aid and attendence once a year, is that correct? If I contacted you with all the paperwork, would you be able to review it? And is there a fee for you doing that?
You can file a Notice of Disagreement, at very least, your Mother is entitled to $1,056 if she meets the medical criteria, but she may be entitled to a little more depending on your father’s Compensation benefits. You are welcome to contact our office, we will do our best to help and there is NEVER a fee.
Question -
My father was a Korean vet who passed away. My mother has an income of 1800 including a 400 dollar pension.
She has many medical issues and needs assisted care at about 3000 a month. Medical bills run about 250 a month.
She has a home with limited equity and a car. As a surviving spouse do you think she would qualitfy?
From what you have said, your mother is a good candidate for the Aid & Attendance Pension. She should get $1,056 per month. Call for the paperwork.
15 years after death of my father, a Veteran of WWII, I found out that my mother might be eligible for Veterans A&A pension. After 11 months, my mother has finally been approved as surviving spouse, with retroactive payments. As her daughter, I have requested to be named her fiduciary as she is incompetent to manage her affairs. I am awaiting for the interview. I owe some funds to the nursing home where she resides. Can the pension funds (which were approved but are on hold pending fiduciary assignment) be used to pay the nursing home debt? What other expenses can be covered with these funds (i.e. property taxes?). Also, will she lose her Medicaid benefits?
Laura, the money is your mother’s to use as needed, so yes, pay back the nursing home. Since the VA is appointing you Fiduciary, you will need to keep an accounting of what you spend the money on. If your Mom’s care is being fully paid by Medicaid, then the VA more than likely drop her benefits to $90 per month. Feel free to email blog@veteransfinancial.com with more details or just call our office, we are always happy to help any way possible.
My father served in WWII and underwent emergency quad bypass in 3/09. My mother suffered heart attack on 7/2 and underwent single bypass on 7/6.
They have health insurance and Medicare. However, they are on a limited income of $2,400 per month (SS & Pension). They do not own their own home. They own a car and have a small savings.
The hospital, prescription and medical costs are overwhelming. Would they qualify for help?
They should submit their Pension application as soon as possible. They should also delay paying any more bills until the first of the month after the VA receives their application. So if you get the application in this month, do not pay any medical related bills in September. The VA allows a medical expense deduction for all bills paid after the date of entitlement, which would be 10/1. As to how much they could possible get, it is hard to say based on the information provided, but based on what you did say, they should receive some reimbursement. Call our office for the paperwork.
My father is 92 and has been receiving Aid and Attendance for two years to cover full time home care in his house. He is a paraphelegic and has dementia. We will need to place him in a facility next February because his caregiver of 17 years is retiring. He has no other assets except for his house, but after payment of the home equity loan and expenses, he will only have a net of a few hundred dollars per month. We don’t want to sell the home because my husband and I are both disabled and would like to move into it because it’s set up for a handicap person. Will we be able to rent the house and keep him on V/A assistance or do we need to sell it and use the majority of assets first. We’re in California.
The home is not an issue for VA purposes. If Dad goes on MediCal (Medicaid) then they could ask you to sell the home and spend the proceeds on Dad’s care. One strategy is for you and your husband to move in before to provide care for Dad for a period of time (may be 1 year) before moving him to a nursing home. There may be some protection of the home if you lived there as his care provider. You should seek out a Medicaid planning attorney to look at ways to protect the home for you and your husband.
My father has been approved for Aid and Attendance Pension. He’s been in assisted living facility since first of April. Since he can only pay $800/mo from his Social Security, family has been paying the shortfall every month. VA sent the forms indicating they are considering him incompetent to handle his financial affairs. Am I correct in preparing the Forms 21-4138 stating that we have no issue with the finding of incompetence and that I wish to proceed with being appointed fiduciary and because there is a hardship to go ahead and make payment while they are processing the fiduciary? Secondly, I have prepared the Form 21-592 request for appointment of a fiduciary and thirdly I have prepared the form 21-22a so they can talk to me during this process. Will these three documents be all that VA will require to get them to expedite the issuance of the pension benefit. The family funds are depleted. I don’t know how we’re going to come up with October’s rent.
It looks like you have covered all the bases. You should include a hardship letter in large print making it very clear that your father will become homeless in October if he does not receive the payment. We have seen the VA very quickly move through the fiduciary process if the payment was going directly to the assisted living community.
My mother is applying for Aid and Attendance with Pension for assisted living. She was married to my father for 15 years who was a veteran in wartime and he died and left her a widow. She then married another vet and he died after 16 years. Who does she file under? Also, she has dementia and does not understand the papers. I have power of attorney, do I sign her name on the papers or mine?
She should file based on her second husband. She MUST sign the application, the VA will not process the application with the POA signature. Feel free to call our office 800-835-1541 with questions like these, we are happy to help and get you the forms.
When approved for the Aid and Attendance Pension, is the VA check sent directly to the assisted living facility, or to the beneficiary?
The VA will pay the check directly to the claimant (veteran or spouse), no to the assisted living community. The only exception to that is in cases where the VA determines that the claimant is incompetent. Then paying the assisted living community is an option.
Both of my parents moved into assisted living in April and started the paperwork for the VA’s Aid and Attendance. My father passed away in August. They own a home with an equity loan payment of $300/month and IRA’s valued about $24,000. My mother’s total income now is $3800 and the cost of her assisted living is $3900.
My question is will the IRA asset be a factor in how much she could receive?
If the only liquid asset is the $24,000 IRA, then your mom should be fine, although to be very conservative, you may want to do a withdrawal of $4,000 from the IRA and prepay a month of assisted living before you apply. Since your mother’s income is so high, the VA will look a little more closely at her assets. You may want to call and do a full intake with someone from our office so they can coach you a little. Your mom will need to submit a new VA application form 21-534 since your father passed away.
My husband is a 100% unemployable disabled veteran.
He has been diagnosed with dementia and needs care. He is not ready to go into a nursing home yet. We have all ready filed for aid and attendance. I have talked to two county veterans service officers and have gotten 4 different answers to my questions. Can my husband get aid and attendance while receiving his disability from the VA? I cannot keep working the way I do and care for him. I have cut back on my hours and know that I won’t be able to work much longer. Also I was told I could and then I couldn’t get paid for providing his care. Could you straighten a few things out? Thank you
Lynn, the reason you are getting mixed answers is getting Aid & Attendance on top of being 100% service connected disabled is rare. The benefit amount is very high, but few receive it. Our understanding is that the only people who receive it are those whose service connected disability is the cause for their need for Aid & Attendance. So if his VA disability is the cause for his current problem he has a chance for getting additional Aid & Attendance. Otherwise, the limit is $1,949 for Aid & Attendance.
As to your question about you charging for your husbands care, you can not. The issue is the VA would then consider the money he is paying you to be income, which has to be reported to the VA as family income. Unfortunately, you are between a rock and a hard place. You might consider moving him to Assisted Living, there are wonderful communities out there and the entire cost of his living there is a deductible medical expense, so that should entitle him to the maximum benefit of $1,949. One other possibility is to petition to have his compensation benefits increased, again, not an easy undertaking, but it sounds like you don’t have a lot of good options. I hope this helps.
I have been filling out the paperwork for A & A and having gotten to the question about Medicaid. My Dad was in the hospital for fluids and had an outburst and they transfered him to a geriatric psych hospital. In order to get out of the psych hospital they transferred him to a nursing home and there started a Medicaid application to pay for the nursing home. I feel he would be better off in an ALF and learned about A & A hoping that would help. He has no assets. But is it true he only gets $90.00 a month because of Medicaid? I can’t get him into an ALF on Medicaid? Suggestions?
If Medicaid is willing to pay the assisted living bill, then you need to check off YES. If Medicaid was only paying the nursing home, but he will now be private pay in Assisted Living, then check off NO. If Medicaid does pay, then your dad is better off under Medicaid and he will only get $90 per month from the VA, but few assisted livings take Medicaid.
Ok, to clarify, he is currently in nursing home so yes for that then put that address in for ques 6b (part D section III). But answer answer no to the next question: Is Medicaid covering all or part of your nursing home costs? The next question asks if he applied and the social worker did, for him. He really went in for rehab. Maybe just say no to the nursing home as he’s not permanant?
I HAVE A PURPLE HEART AND A SERVICE CONNECTED BENEFIT. IS THAT EFFECTED?
If you are receiving service connected disability, you will get the greater of the two benefits. The maximum Aid & Attendance benefit it $1,644 if you are single and $1,949. So if you are currently receiving $700, this benefit would bump you up to a total of$1,644 or $1,949.
When we contacted the VA and advised of my father’s passing, they sent new forms for my mother to complete. There was mention of a ‘new’ claim. Does this mean that when the first claim was started in April, that it is now closed?
Also, among the paperwork sent to my mother were original military records that we didn’t send the VA, (we provided copies of these forms).
Can you tell me what’s going on?
My mother’s income has dropped to less than $1600/mo. She owns a home, if she were to rent it out, how would that affect her benefit?
You can file for accrued benefits to get the money mom is entitled to from April until Dad’s death. The process is long, but don’t give up.
The VA requested a certified copy of Dad’s discharge papers from the government archives, they probably provided it so you can submit it with Mom’s application.
If Mom’s income including the rental income is less than her monthly cost of care, than she should just claim the income. If her rental income causes her income to be higher than her expense, she will need to document the household expenses to the VA.
Hi! I am a double-retiree;military and federal civil service.
Our total monthly income as a couple is about $5000. My wife doesn’t want to move into an Assisted Living facility, but she needs someone to help her.
My health has begun to deteriorate. I recently had an heart valve replaced;saving my life. We will have to pay for Home Health Care for both of us when the Medicare coverage ends at about $21.00 per hour each. 6 visits per month at $21.00 times 1 equals $126 per month for each of us. This does not cover wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, diabetic supplies and/ or frequent surgeries, treatments and hospitalizations, nor outpatient care. My Mother-in-Law lives with us, she is legally blind. All three of us are diabetic and essentially “house-bound”. I need to know whether or not I can get some financial “help” from the A&A program so we can afford to rent or lease an apartment for my family.
James,
Your situation sounds very difficult. My first thought is that you need to seek out a Geriatric Care manager who will meet with you and help develop a long term plan for your family. Although medically, you should qualify for Aid & Attendance the concern is that your income is very high and if you are not spending most or all of it on care, then the VA will probably not pay out anything up front. You would be able to file for reimbursement each January with all of your prior year’s medical expense, but that doesn’t help with your monthly bills. The only way for you to get a monthly check will be to move to Assisted Living, which is really a wonderful lifestyle and your wife should give it a chace (many communities will let you move in for a few days to test it out). In that case, the entire cost of Assisted Living will be deducted against your income, in which case you can count on between $1,949 and $2,118 (the higher amount includes some additional money because your mother is a dependant). Alternatively, if you get a lot of home care, you should qualify for at least a partial benefit.
Sorry we can’t be of more help, your situation is tough.
My uncle is disabled and is in an assisted living facility. He was in the service for 3 years during WWII and has many medical problems making him eligible for Aid and Attendance. He and his wife have a pension of $ 6500/month and their assisted living expenses are $ 6,652 per month not including medications or other medical expenses (secondary health insurance and doctor’s fees). Their assets are about $20,000. Would they qualify financially for aid and attandence?
Based on what you provided, they should qualify for $1,949 per month. Their income is less than their expenses and $20,000 in assets will not be a problem.
My father is career military and was active duty in three wars. He receives $4724 monthly in retired military pension benefits. He and my mother are moving into assisted living and the monthly expenses will be $6725. If he were to qualify for aid and attendace, would that benefit be deducted from his current pension or awarded as an additional $1,949 per month?
Melissa, The VA no longer reduces the retirement pension if someone receives Aid & Attendance but the application still reflects that they do. Several years ago they changed their procedures and now they consider the retirement pension just like any other pension from a job, so it will not be a problem. Your parents should receive the full $1,949.
I had a post on 9/21 asking about medicaid, which you answered, very well I thought. But, I am still confused. If I say he is in a nursing home and we are not sure if it is permanent or not should I answer no to the nursing home question? If I say yes then it goes on to ask if we applied to medicaid. Thank you so much.
Does VA Aid and Assistance count as income on an application for Medicaid? If it makes any difference, we are in South Carolina.
We asked this question of a VA Social worker today. She said she thinks Medicaid counts the entire VA Pension as income (not just the Pension portion that is not Aid and Assistance). We have heard otherwise, and are wondering what is correct.
Typically only the base pension amount of the benefit is countable for Medicaid. The additional amount for Aid & Attendance is not counted. However, the VA will drop the benefits down to $90 if Medicaid is paying all of the care expenses.
I have just discovered this program. My mother is 91 and has dementia and will be moving into an assisted living facility. My father served in the Navy in the Pacific during WWII. Unfortunately he died in 1964. We do not have copies of his military discharge. I understand the records are stored in boxes based on the date of discharge, which we don’t know.
My mother met my father after the War was over, and she remembers that he was still in uniform. Does this help to narrow down anything? How should we proceed to find copies of his discharge papers so my mother could benefit. She qualifies in all other aspects for Aid and Assistance.
Thank You so much for this help.
So long as your mother did not remarry, than you should be OK. Use this link to get you to the government’s archives where you can request the discharge papers. Best of luck.
http://www.veteransfinancial.com/aid-attendance/application.html
What will be the rate for Aid and Attendance in 2010 for surving spouses of Vets?
Our educated guess is that benefits will not go up for 2010 since Social Security is not expected to go up. Therefore the benefit will be $1,056.
Can my mom qualify for aid and attendance if she divorced my father and neither party remarried? I can not find any rules (va website) stating divorce as a reason to deny benifits to veterans widows, but legal offices I have consulted with say it with cause rejection of a claim.
Although the VA regulations suggest that if neither remarried and your mother can document that the divorce was caused by drug abuse, alcohol abuse or folandering, and if your father is deceased, then she should be eligible. However, this is a battle we have had many times with the VA and don’t win. We still encourage her to apply, but expect a denial and don’t bother fighting. That being said, with the VA, crazier things have happened.
My father served in WW 2. He died in 1969. After 10-12 years, my mother remarried. Her income each month is only from social security of about $298 after medicare is taken out. There are 3 children and we pay all her bills so she can live at home. It has reached a point that she needs assisted living facility. She is 86 years old with cardiac medical care. I have been told that recent changes have been made that will allow her to receive the benefits from my father. She has lived alone for 2 years. Her current husband is 97 and lives elswhere in a nursing home near his children. Can you tell me if the changes I heard about are true and can she receive help?
Unfortunately, if her current husband is not a wartime Veteran your Mom can’t benefit from this Pension. If you heard about something new specific to this issue, please let us know and we’ll research it for you. More than likely, what you heard about is that the Pension is available for assisted living, but only for Veterans or their unremarried surviving spouses. Sorry we can’t provide better news. The best suggestion we would have is contact your counties Department of Social Services.
My father served in World War ll. He died in July 08 of prostrate Cancer. He had been seen by a VA doctor. I heard something about surviving spouses were eligible for benefits if the vet served in Japan because of some sort of exposure. Is that true? My mother is now sick and need care in here home would she be eligible for Aid & Attendance Pension or from sort of other pension?
Based on your father serving in WWII, you Mom could be eligible for Aid & Attendance. The VA is going to look at your father’s military service, which sounds fine. They will then want documentation from Mom’s doctor stating that she needs home care. Then they will look at her income verses what she is paying out in home care. If her care is costing all or most of her income she is entitled to benefits. Lastly, they will look at her savings, if Mom has some savings, (a rough guess is about $30,000 or more) then call us for some guidance. If Mom has minimal savings, she is a perfect candidate and she should apply ASAP. We are happy to provide all of the forms. Best of luck and sorry about the slow response.
We’ve finally given up on those organizations that ‘help’ file the forms for aid and attendance. Unfortunately, I hadn’t found this website before my parents turned to a’ professional.’ So I’m attempting to pick up the pieces. The paperwork for my father has been completed and he has a file number.
Since my father’s death two months ago, I’m trying to pull the forms and information needed for my mother’s claim to aid and attendance. A call to the VA instructed me to complete for 21-8416, Medical Expenses for my mother. I’ve downloaded the form, but where do I get the coverage dates for the report?
And do I need to complete one for my father? (I didn’t think of this question until I’d gotten off the phone.)
Also, is there a form I need to complete to get the accrued benefits due prior to my father’s passing?
We would be happy to get you the forms for accrued benefits. More than likely, you will also need to file a form 21-534, which is the application for your Mother. Please call our office and speak with Kathie 484-592-0523. She gets to work at 10:00 EST.
My 78 yr old mother-in-law is married to a Korean war veteran, but has been separated from him for many years as he was abusive due to alcoholism. She has dementia related to surgery for a brain tumor and is currently living with us with Medicaid-provided home health care. Medicaid would pay for a nursing home, but she is more suited to assisted living and we have found a good one near our home. Would she qualify for Aid and Assistance? Could it be paid directly to the assisted living facility, since her husband is unlikely to be responsible?
Unfortunately, if her husband is still alive, she is not able to file for Aid & Attendance benefits, because they base benefits on the health of the Veterans if he is living.
Would he be able to apply for benefits on her behalf, since they are still legally married?
In completing the 21-534 form, I have a couple questions–in the assets section, do I list my parents’ car? Also, I just discovered a death benefit of approximately $10,000. Where do I list that, (or do I list it since she hasn’t received it yet)? And that coupled with IRA’s in the amount of $16,000, will that cause a problem for her qualifying for the benefit? Her total monthly income is $1608 and the cost of her care is $3900.
I’m writing this question on behalf of the daughter of a resident in the assisted living facility where I work.
She applied for the aid and attendance benefit for her mother in 2006. She was granted the benefit, but was denied the funds for “excessive wealth” of $19,000. She will be 105 on Dec. 1st. Her husband was a WWI veteran.
Now that funds have run extremely low, she decided to send a new medical expense form along with the acceptance letter of 2006 to the Pension Management Center in WI. What she received back is a request for many forms to be filled out and absolutely no mention of the 2006 acceptance.
She just found out from the local Veteran Office at the court house that she could have had a VA POA located at our state capitol, but probably wouldn’t be eligible now since the didn’t start with her to begin with. They are at their wits end.
I found this blog on-line and there is such good information and you’ve been so helpful that I though maybe you could give them some advice or tell them what to do next.
Thank you so much…..
Melinda, this sounds like a sad story, she should have been awarded the benefits in 2006, $19,000 was considered excessive, only because of her age. We could have fixed the problem back then and she would have been receiving benefits for the past 3 years.
Please have the family fax over the letter they received and we will see if there is any advice we can share with this family. The fax number is 484-592-0531, make sure they know there will be no cost at all for any assistance they can provide. They should write a brief cover letter to ensure we know the back story when we receive the paperwork. The sooner we get the fax the better, as we get very busy at months end.
If any of you other residents or prospects are verterans or their spouse, have them call us, we are happy to help. We can provide you with flyers and other marketing materials. We also have local representatives who can meet with you and your residents.
Thank you. I’ve contacted the family, and with their permission I’m faxing all 34 pages for you to look at. If you have any questions for me, my number will be on the fax cover sheet.
I’ll send it in two faxes because of size.
Again, thank you for your quick response, and I’ll get in touch with Emily.
After filing for Aid and Attendance 12 months ago for our 85 year old mother, she has finally been granted the benefit as a spouse of a WWII veteran. The benefit is retroactive and she will be getting the retro payment plus $1056 monthly. She has been in an assisted living facility for three years and as of a year ago has spent down all her money waiting for a Medicaid bed to open with the possibility nowhere in sight. Her monthly income is $1728.00 which didn’t cover the $3586.00 in rent plus all the extras. Last month she fell, broke her wrist and ribs and is need of help with everything because of the fall and her dementia. Due to this happening we have had to move her to a nursing home for more around the clock care. We have recently applied for Medicaid help for which she is eligible. Our question is: Because Mom ran out of money a year ago the family has taken out loans in excess of $25,000.00 to pay for her care and this has been a great hardship. We have documentations of the transactions. Can Mom continue to receive the Aid and Attendance benefit of $1056.00 until the loans are paid off?
Bonita,
Once all of Mom’s bills are being paid by Medicaid, she is only entitled to $90 per month from the VA. Your situation poses an interesting point that Mom will have on going medical bills to pay back the debt. The problem you may have is that the debt is not Mom’s but that of the family. We will look into it and get back to you as soon as possible.
My father-in-law is a WWII veteran who is in the process of being diagnosed with dementia. My husband and I have moved him into our home and I have reduced my working hours to care for him. He has no assets at all, and receives $1208 mo. in SS and $1243 mo. in pension benefits. We are currently having a legal “family caregiver agreement” drawn up so that he can pay me to care for him (otherwise our family won’t be able to cover our expenses). I’m also getting my business license, etc. as a caregiver so we can be very legal. Can he get the A&A benefit? We understand my husband would also need to be appointed as fiduciary if he qualified.
Kristin, it sounds like you are doing everything right. As a side note, the VA does not require you to be a licensed business. They specifically say in the Code of Federal Regulations section 3.352 (c) Attendance by a relative. The performance of the necessary aid and attendance service by a relative of the beneficiary or other member of his or her household will not prevent the granting of the additional allowance. That being said, the more thorough you are the better. So long as Dad is paying you about $2,500 per month for your assistance, he will be entitled to the maximum benefit of $1,644.
My 91 year old father-in-law receives $2,900 in VA disability benefits, $1,000 from social security and $480 in a pension each month. Would he be eligible for the Aid and Attendance Benefit to be used for assisted living? Would he have to give up his other VA benefits?
More than likely, your father-in-law is not eligible for additional money from the VA. It looks like he is already 100% disabled. It never hurts to apply for more money, which you can do with a form 21-527, but don’t have any expectation of being awarded more money. If his need for Aid and Attendance is related to why he is 100% disabled, then there is a better chance of being awarded more money.
My 84 yr. old Mom is a widow of a WWII veteran. She recently moved
into “assisted living” @$3,400 per mo. as it was no longer safe for her to be living alone and she needs assistance with meds & meals.
Her monthly income is: SS $1,167 plus my Dad’s VA Disability benefit of $1,400 — total: $2,567. Obviously, she is coming up short each month & the difference is coming out of her Money Market acc’t (current balance of approx. $19,000). Along with add’l monthly expenses (medical supplemental insurance, drugs & other medical needs) Her home is for sale for approx. $85,000.
She has no other assets. Is she eligible for any additional “Aid & Attendance” benefit ? If so, should we get
started by filing Form 21-4138 first?
It sounds like your Mother is receiving DIC benefits and she may already be getting the additional allowance for Aid and Attendance. If the payment from the VA is $1,440, that is all she can get. If she is receiving any other amount, please call the VA 800-827-1000 with your mother near by for confirmation and ask if she is currently receiving the additional allowance for Aid and Attendance. If she is not, the process to get it added is simple. You submit medical evidence and a letter requesting the additional money. If you have ANY problems please call our office, we are happy to help.
My grandfather was recently accepted for the aide and attendence benefit, but passed away prior to his first check arriving. My grandmother will still qualify as her care is just as expensive and the assets have not changed. Does she have to gather all of the same paperwork and re-file or is there an easier way since he was accepted?
Scott, please except my deepest condolences for your loss. You will now be required to submit a separate claim for your grandmother using a different form (VA 21-534) specifically for surviving spouse benefits. Since you have already submitted his military discharge document with the initial claim, this will not be required. However, you will be required to include his death, and their marriage certificates as supporting documents. Then submit the paperwork referencing the previously assigned VA claim number. If you require ANY further assistance, please feel free to call us.
How can aid and attendance lump sum retro dollars and monthly payments be spent. Family member is in a nursing home being paid for by SS and Medicaid, Also there is a handicap dependant also living in nursing home. Numerous insurance and other debt need to be paid as well. Thanks
If you have not yet applied for the A&A benefit, as a Medicaid recipient, the applicant would only be entitled to a $90/mth allowance. If you have already applied, but are now receiving Medicaid assistance, and receive a lump sum payment from the VA, it should be used to cover previously incurred medical and assisted care expenses.
I have a client who is married to a Gulf War Vet. and is healthy, however she (spouse) has cancer and is paralyzed on left side/homebound and needs help with ADL’s during the day while her husband is at work. I was told that the wife would qualify for Part D Pension Only part of Veterans benefits, is that true. If this is true, what are the forms that they should fill out. Michigan is the that state they reside.
In accordance with the VA, the benefit is paid to wartime veterans with limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. If applying for a disabled spouse who is under 65 and is not determined totally disabled by the Social Security Admistration, you must submit a VA Form 21-526 along with medical evidence. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.
Hi , I´m a 100% disable veteran , and on October 23 2009 was diagnosed I should use a wheelchair, had cervical spine operation , my legs have been really weak and have been falling even though walking with a 4 point cane. My doctor(neurologist ) placed me on wheelchair due to compromised compression , weakness in both legs, cannot eat, dress , hold utensils , etc . Do you belive I qualify for A&A , people say YES , what is your experience? I also have purchased wheelchair for $2100 .
If you are receiving 100% Service Connected Disability compensation, more than likely, you would not be eligible for additional money from the VA. You cannot receive VA non-service connected Aid and Attendence (A&A) pension and service connected compensation at the same time. Given that 100% compensation is a much larger benefit amount than A&A, the VA would only award the benefit of the greater amount.
I was wondering if my mother qualifies for Aid and Attendence. My father and mother divorced after 30 yrs marriage. My dad retired from the Marine Corps and passed away 4 yrs ago. Mother is in need of Assisted living but only has $1178/month SS benefit. After reading all the online documentation…I still am not sure.
Although the VA regulations may indicate that under certain circumstances, benefits may be awarded and we do not discourage anyone from applying, it has been our VAST experience that benefits would not be awarded to the divorced spouse of a veteran. We can provided you with the necessary forms if you would still like to apply.
I filed for aid and attendance Sept 2008 for my father. My father is currently living in assisted living but qualifies for aid and attendance because he is legally blind requiring assistance in his daily life. His income is from Social Security $1079.00 and a pension of $432.23 a month. His rent for assisted living is 2137.00 a month along with other charges for his daily care which is $200.00 or more a month on top of his rent. It has been since July since we have heard from the VA, in which at that time besides the blindness the doctor indicated dementia, fidiciary needs to be assigned. We have completed the forms 21-21A, another form requesting myself, the daughter, to be the acting fidiciary. We sent a letter indicating hardship. Today I found out by calling we need another form EVR completed. I don’t mind completing the forms but why is it we always get the run around. I don’t find out any information unless I call. Is there anything else I need to do to expedite my father’s claim?
It appears from the information you provided, you have done all that can be expected. Fortunately, it seems you are able to call the VA to get information directly from their representatives regarding your case. At this point, all you can do is wait for the process to run it’s course.
Hi, I am trying to get an understanding about qualifying. My father is a Korean War veteran and thank goodness is in pretty good health as is my mother; but they only have a combined income of about $1500 through SS. Currently to make ends meet my father is working 40 hours a week at Walmart. If he could qualify for this benefit my mother and he would be able to breathe easier. Do they have to be in assisted living or can they qualify if they are in an active adult (low income) housing situation. At 80 yrs of age it would be nice if my dad didn’t have to work so hard. Appreciate any helpful advice you can give. Thanks.
To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance. The basic criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit include the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one’s own bodily needs.
My father-in-law is 90 and has been accepted at an Assisted living facility. His monthly income is about $2000. He has approximately $21000 in savings. The cost of the assisted living facility is $3300 a month. We are in the process of applying for Aid and Attendance. He has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, is on oxygen and really needs the help of an assisted living facility. He has a life insurance policy of $5700, a CD worth $3007 and about a $1000 in an IRA. Should he have any problems getting the benefit from the VA?
Based on the little bit of information you provided, It looks like he may be eligible for the monthly benefit, however the VA will make the final determination. I suggest you call our office (800-835-1541) to review his situation and get all the paperwork. There is no cost to you for our assistance.
My mother (spouse of deceased in 1987 WWII vet) went into a non-Medicaid, non-VA participating Alzheimer’s institution back in January of 2003. Their charges bloated and ate up my mother’s financial resources, but for social security and my dad’s retirement. At this point, her total monthly resources total just under $2,000. We had to move her quickly into a very fine AND VA-friendly facility in August of this year, charging just under $4000. I’ve had a nightmarish experience finding the appropriate documentation to file for A&A…especially given the shift in facilities, changing medical expenses with a new physician and new diagnoses. I will be filing the papers this week, but am worried about any shortfall between what my mother’s income is able to pay and my point of filing. I have noted all of these details in my “support of claim” statement. Is there anything else I should/can do? I am entirely panicked and confused about what my mother is entitled to and to what extent payments are retroactive. Note aside: glad and relieved to have found your site.
Based on the information you’ve provided, it seems like she would be eligible to receive $1056 per month from the VA. Benefits, when awarded, are retroactive effective the first day of the month, following the month the application was officially received by the VA pension maintenance center. The VA will disperse a lump sum check to cover the period between application receipt and award date. Then direct deposit monthly pension benefit via Electronic Funds Transfer into recipient’s bank account.
My 80 year old father who is a Korean war veteran, is rehabilitating in a skilled nursing center after a stroke and will be going to assisted living for one month prior to going home and receiving full time care from my sister. My question: does the home care have to be from a licensed company or does he still qualify for Aid and attendance if a family member
is going to be paid a salary to care for my father? His income is $2100/month and my sister will be paid $2000/month to be his full time care giver.
The VA will allow a claim to be filed based on In-Home care taker expenses paid to a family member as the full time care giver. Please call our office at 800-835-1541 to get more information about eligibility criteria.
My mother will be entering an assisted living facility in Florida. My father is deceased, and was in the Navy Reserves during WWII. I have requested military records from the national archives. My mother’s assets are under $12k, Social Security and private pension $1400/month. We also plan to apply for aid under Florida’s Medicaid Nursing Home Diversion Program once her assets are reduced, which would only pay for part of the monthly fee (less than half).
1. If she qualifies for Aid and Attendance, is that amount included as part of her income for Medicaid qualification (there is no other VA pension)? If so, she would be above the current Medicaid limit of $2,022.
2. Does it matter which benefit we apply for first (VA vs. Medicaid)?
Thanks very much.
It is our understanding, that if any applicant for VA benefits is receiving Medicaid assistance, the applicant would only receive a monthly allowance of $90.00. If you are paying out of pocket for Assisted Living, not receiving Medicaid assistance, and apply for the Aid and Attendance and Medicaid at the same time, VA benefits would awarded at the determine full rate, until such time as the Medicaid assistance is awarded. Then VA benefits would be reduced to the $90 per month allowance.
I am 26 years younger than my husband. He is a WW11 Vet and 88 years old. We have a combined SS income of $2600.00 a month. He is in need of assistance that I can provide. Is there any way I can be paid by him for service and still receive monies from the VA for Aid & Assistance.
Unfortunately, a spouse cannot be considered a compensated caregiver. However, any other family member can be consider as a compensated caregiver. For more details about this and other eligibility criteria, please feel free to contact our office at 800-835-1541.
I recently applied for benefits for my mother who is the spouse of a deceased veteran. The application was received by the office in Philadelphia on November 2, 2009. Should I receive a confirmation letter soon? I believe there is a 30 day window.
The confirmation letter can actually take anywhere between 30-45 days. Much depends on volume of paperwork submitted at any given time, as well as staffing availability at the VA pension management center.
I am still waiting for a confirmation letter concerning an application received by the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Office on November 2, 2009. It has been well over the 45 days which was noted in your previous reply. am getting concerned that so much time is passing. My understanding is that benefits are retroactive to the date of application. Is that the date application is received, or the date of the confirmation is sent? I would appreciate clarification on this.
Thank You,
Denise Myers
My 85 yr old mother suffers from dementia.
She was approved for the Aid and Attendance pension recently.
She’s been in a Skilled Nursing Facility for the past two months but isn’t thriving there for a variety of reasons.
Together, we have decided that she would be better to live in my home so that I can provide the care that she needs. Even though I work Full Time, I will be her primary care giver for all her daily living needs, dressing, bathing, cooking, transportation, medication, etc. I will have to hire someone to assist me with her care during the hours that I may not be available.
My question is that due to the change in her moving from the Skilled Nursing Facility to her daughter’s home will the Aid and Attendance pension be discontinued?
The VA will not discontinue benefits if a recipient changes the system of assisted care from Skilled Nursing to Home Care. As long as the expenses incurred by the recipient are still in excess of the originally reported monthly income, benefits will continue uninterrupted. Also, a family member can be considered a compensated Care Giver to support the claim, as long as you can provide the VA with proof of compensation from the claimant’s income paid to the family member care giver
My mother-in-law is curently receiving Aid and Attendance benefits. How can I get a copy of the “Eligibility Verification Report” which I’m told must be filed annually with the VA ?
Thank You
Walter
You can contact the VA Pension Maintenance Center at 877-294-6380. Unless you have submitted paperwork to designate you as the applicant’s legal guardian or have been appointed Fiduciary, when making this call, it would be helpful to have the applicant standing by to identify herself and authorize the VA representive to speak with you about her claim.
My mother in law is 92 and is a widow of a WWII veteran. Her monthly income is $2,100 and the assisted living monthly expense will be about $3,900. Her liquid assets are $60,000. She also owns a house worth $130,000.
1. Is her liquid assets too high? Based on her age, what would you recommend as a liquid asset maximum.
2. I assume if we sell the house, she would no longer qualify. Would that happen immediately after selling the house or at the end of the year when we have to re-qualify?
Based on the information you provided, your mother appears to meet some of the criteria for eligibility. As there is an asset test to qualify for Pension, the claimant may implement a financial and/or estate plan before applying in order to effectively reduce net worth. We would be better able to assist you to determine eligibility by calling our office at 800-835-1541, to speak to one of our intake representatives to discuss the details of your particular case.
My wife’s parents are BOTH WWII Veterans. They are in need of home care (will start this month) and we are looking into assisted living facilities. Assuming they meet the financial eligabilty requirements, given they are each veterans, would they each be eligable for $1644/month? Also, if their combined total assets are worth $200k, can they gift some assets to their children to reduce their total assets?
Based on the information you provided, the claimants, both being veterans, may each be entitled to $1291/month to help offset the cost of assisted living. As there is an asset test to qualify for Pension, they may implement a financial and/or estate plan before applying in order to effectively reduce net worth. We would be better able to assist you to determine eligibility by calling our office at 800-835-1541 and speak with one of our intake representatives to discuss the details of your particular case.
My wife is on her mother’s bank accounts as a joint owner. Would only 50% of the money in the bank accounts be attributable to my mother in law in the calculation of the liquid assets by the VA?
You are correct. Any asset accounts in joint owner configuation can reduce countable assets. However, if the reduced amount still does not comply with the VA asset test to qualify for Pension, the applicant would need to implement a financial and/or estate plan before applying to effectively reduce net worth. If you would like learn what steps you need to take to get these benefits from the VA please call us at 800-835-1541.
My 90 year old mother is a widow of a WWII vet. She had to give up her home to live in an assisted living community, then her dementia made it impossible to stay there any longer. She now lives in an adult foster care home with 5 other dementia patients. My mother was too disabled for assisted living but not bad enough for a nursing home. I have only been reading about help with assisted living and skilled care facilities and home care. Is foster care home not covered ?
As part of the criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the claimant must be determined incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance with basic activities of daily living. Identifying the surviving spouse as having Dementia and being too disabled for assisted living, she appears to meed this criteria. Also, the benefit is awarded to help offset the out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the the need for assistance. If the foster care home provides her with assistance and she is a private pay resident, then it would be allowed as part of the criteria for elibility. As there other criteria that must be met to qualify, we would be better able to assist you to determine eligibility by calling our office at 800-835-1541 to speak with one of our intake representatives to discuss the details of your particular case.
How long do you have to be married to be qualified as a spouse of a veteran (who is qualified for aid and attendance) for you to be eligble for aid and attendance? thank you
To qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, there are no restrictions regarding lenght of marriage to a veteran. However, proof/documentation of the marriage to the veteran IS required to support the claim when applying.
My father currently receives benefits. If he inherits money from his mother passing, will he lose his benefits?
As there is an asset test to initially qualify for the pension, as well as continuing receiving benefits uninterrupted, if assets are now, or become excessive of the original qualifying threshold, claimants may implement a financial and/or estate plan , in order to effectively reduce net worth. We would be better able to assist you to determine continuing eligibility by calling our office at 800-835-1541 and speak with one of our intake representatives to discuss the details of your particular case.
Can the doctor charge for completing his/her portion of the application?
Of the thousands of applicants we have assisted, none have been billed a fee for completion of the one page Medical Statement. The form DOES request the physician attach copies of recent medical records and some physician’s office’s CAN bill you for copies of medical records. However, when applying for Aid & Attendance, you will be required to submit a VA form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Informaton to the VA. Which gives the VA the claimant’s permission to contact the physician for additional information. Under these circumstances, most physicians would not bill for medical records.
My parents are looking into an Assisted Living facility. My father is a WWII Vet that does receive a pension and SS. My mother is completely disabled (in a wheelchair and needs day to day care). With the care that my mother needs the monthly expense of the Assisted Living facility will use mostly all of their monthly income. They do have savings - would they possibly qualify for the Veterans Aid and Attendance?
My Mom is receiving Aid and Attendance benefits. When we applied for it she was in an assisted living home a thousand miles away from me (her only child). Recently, my husband and I added on to our house and moved Mom in. We sold her home and now she has over the allowed 80K in assets. I just received an Eligibility Verification Report which requires that I list her assets. Will she lose the Aid and Attendance benefits?
Mom has dementia and I was hoping to hold on the 150K in case we need it for a nursing home environment.
Once benefits are awarded, there will be an annual asset test to determine if a recipient continues to qualify for pension benefits. To avoid possible suspension of benefits, recipients would be required to implement a financial and/or estate plan in order to effectively reduce net worth; while at the same time still having access to the funds. We would be better able to advise you how to continue eligibility by calling our office at 800-835-1541 and speak with one of our intake representatives to discuss the details of your particular case.
I am 64 years old and have recently been approved for aid and attendance with a 10% service connected disablity. I am considered legally blind. I received SS disablity. My wife pretty much takes care of everything. I have just sent in my financial eligilbilty form and was wondering how much would I be eligible for. This is all very new to me and don’t understand the system.
In accordance with the VA 2009 Benefit Rate table, if approved, a married veteran with a spouse would be entitled to $1949/month. However, since you are already receiving a 10% service connected disability compensation of $123/month, and only one claim per applicant is awarded, the benefit of the greater amount supersedes the lesser amount. The correspondence from the VA advising you of being approved for benefits should have disclosed benefit amount. If need more details regarding your claim, contact the VA Pension Management Center at 877-294-6380.
My spouse is receiving 100% P&T disability from the VA for a service connected brain injury. He’s able to perform activies of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.) but requires 100% supervision for his safety due to congnitive decifits associated with the brain injury…he’s also a fall risk. He lives at home where we’re currently paying out of pocket for HHAs/CNAs to care for him while I’m at work. Is he eligible to receive A&A?
If you are receiving 100% Service Connected Disability compensation, more than likely, you would not be eligible for additional money from the VA. You cannot receive VA non-service connected Aid and Attendence (A&A) pension and service connected compensation at the same time. Given that 100% service connected disability compensation is a much larger benefit amount than A&A, the VA would only award the benefit of the greater amount.
After you are approved for benefits when will you recieve the first EVR?
Is it the same for everyone or are there other factors for different people on when they will recieve the EVR.
Also I have heard some people say they recieved an EVR when they got benifets awarded and some dont???
All claimants awarded benefits should expect to receive an EVR at the end of each calendar year. If an awardee hasn’t received an EVR by February, it would only be due to an adminstrative error and should contact the VA immediately to avoid suspension of benefits.
My Mother was married to my Dad while he was in WWII. My Dad died in 1963 and then my Mother remarried in 1968. I was told my Mother can not receive any benefits because she was remarried before Nov. 1st. 1990.
My Mother’s 2nd husband has also passed away. My Mother fell and broke her hip and also has dementia and now is in a nursing home. We would like to move her to a assisted living home so that she has more freedom but she only gets $1600 a month from SS and the assisted living costs $3300 a month. Does she qualify for A&A?
Based on our knowledge and previous experience, a spouse who re-married, her second spouse was not a veteran, and he deceased after 1990, she would not be considered eligible to file a claim.
My father-in-law recently had a stroke and is currently in a “re-hab facility with next step most likely a nursing home. He is a WW11 veteran 94 years old just about blind and unable to dress, bath or other necessities himself. His income is 1690 a month from a RR pension. He owns a home and has liquid assets of about 150K. Can he qualify for A&A or will he have to “spend down” his assets? We do have a power of attorney appointed.
Based the information you provided, your father-in-law may be entitled to a monthly benefit to help pay for the cost of nursing care. To better assist you to determine eligibility, please contact our office at 800-835-1541, to speak with an intake representative about your specific case
My brother and I are trying to put financing in place so our parents can enter assisted living. Our father is a WW2 navy veteran. Our father is 96 and our mother is 88. They both have long-tern nursing care insurance, but help for A.L. is scarce to non-existant. We have researched the A.L. centers in their community, and belive they’ll need just under $5000 a month for the 2 of them to move in. They receive approximately $2400 social security monthly (together) as their only regular income. They have about $15,000 in savings. They had inherited some family property which they tried to sell for over 2 years with no luck, so they recently gifted that property so it is no longer in their names. They need to sell their home to be able to make the move, but the money from the sale will, we’re sure, put them over the income limit. One of the potential buyers is asking if they’d be willing to carry the loan. We’ve been trying to get information about how to handle the money from the sale of the house to allow them to qualify for the veterans A.L. benefit. What do you recommend?
If the property they inherited is not titled to them, it would not be a countable asset. Based on the other information you provided, they may be entitled to a monthly pension benefit to help offset the assisted living expenses depending on how much their Long Term Care Insurance covers. So that we would be better able to determine eligibility, please contact our office at 800-835-1541 to speak with an intake representative to discuss the particulars of you case.
Greetings,
My understanding is that as a disabled recipient of the Aid & Attendance pension that amounts paid by me to a person who comes into my home to assist me with ADLs (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, meals, transportation, housekeeping, etc.) should be entered as Unreimbursed Medical Expenses when filling out the #8416 Medical Expense Report. Is this correct?
My understanding is that these services can be provided either by a licensed health care worker from a commercial firm or an unlicensed worker hired directly by me. Is that correct?
Blessings,
Charles
Your understanding of this criteria is absolutely correct. Not only can in-home assistance be provided by and compensated to an agency based licensed health care provider or unlicensed independently hired care provider, but also a family member can be considered as a care provider.
My 85 yr. old mother in law is a veteran who currently collects approx. $1300 per month DIC benefit from her deceased veteran husband’s record and $1200 per month Soc. Sec. She has gone into a nursing home which costs $4500 per month. She has $40,000 in assets plus a house worth $100k.
Can she collect veterans A&A on her own record in addition to the DIC she is currently receiving on her husbands record since they were both qualifying veterans? Or is it an either OR situation? The local VA thought she MIGHT be able to collect both since they were both veterans, but I have since heard from other sources that she MIGHT only collect one. Thanks
It is our understanding that a Veteran can only be awarded a single claim benefit. If already receiving a compensation benefits i.e., Service Connected Disability or Dependency Indemnity, the veteran can file a claim if they stand be awarded an amount greater than their current benefit amount. According to the information you provided, you mother is receiving DIC benefits (Base rate = $1154/mthh…Can add for A&A = $286/mth Total = $1440) based on her deceased veteran spouse was receiving 100% Service Connected Disability Compensation. As a veteran herself, she can apply for the Non-Service Connected Disability Pension (if awarded = $1644/mth) using VA Form 21-527. We suggest you contact the VA Pension Maintenance Center at 877-294-6380 for further clarification.
My father was in the Navy, WWII era, but he seems to think he was in the Naval Reserve. My understanding of today’s Reserves is that the reservist serves a limited number of weekends plus a few weeks per year, and lives their civilian life the rest of the time. This was not the case with my father; for 2 years, the Navy “owned” him, full-time. He was never in a combat zone, but went through basic training, and was posted at various facilities around the US. Would he be eligible for A&A?
It is our understanding that all US Navy personnel that were in the Naval Reserves during WWII were immediately called to active duty after December 7, 1941. As long as his Military Discharge documents specifically indicate active duty served for at least 90 days during a wartime period, the applicant would meet this particular criteria.
How does one establish himself/herself as the authorized represenative of a blind veteran, in order to inistiate an application for the A&A Pension? VA Form 21-22 requires the signature of the claimant, to authorize a representative, but the claimant is blind and cannot sign.
You must furnish the following statement on a separate sheet which should be attached to the form: “I hereby certify the information on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief”. Have the claimant place their mark or thumbprint under this statement and have it signed by two witnesses who must also print their names and addresses. Be sure to write the veterans name and SS# on the attachment.
I am a social worker that works with the elderly in Sr. homes. Recently I helped a veteran get his aid and attendance money. After he got it the Sr. home said it counted as income and he was no longer eligible for fair housing rent. That means he is in the same boat, he can not afford to live in his apartment and pay for the care he needs. I am sure I read somewhere that aid and attendance money did not count as income. I have been unable to find this information again, can you help? I hate to help other folks with this benefit if they are going to lose their affordable housing.
Unfortunately, if awarded, the VA Pension Benefit would be counted as income when determining eligibility for subsidized housing.
Does Aid and Assistance count as taxable or non taxable income.
Thanks for a great website.
Aid and attendance is not taxable income.
my father is a Vietnam vet.. who is 63 years old.. he has Parkinson’s disease - has had this since he was 40- he also had prostate cancer- he receives benefits from VA for his prostate cancer - and now that VA as acknowledged the Parkinson’s- besides the point he has lived on his own and still does but i am really concerned for his safety- he falls allot and I’m afraid of the what else could happen with him living on his own. i would be more comfortable with him living in some sort of assisted living- he could use care in daily living activities - he does not eat properly / and really needs assistance in cleaning.. i guess my question is.. do i need to have a dr. refer him to an assisted living facility? to qualify for aid and attendance? if so just a referral from dr? just trying to start the process going.
Based on the little bit of information you provided, your father may be entitled to a monthly pension benefit from the VA, depending on what benefits he is already receiving and several other factors that determine eligibility. If you would like to learn what steps you need to take to get these benefits, please call our office at 800-835-1541, so we can better assist you to determe eligibility.
My husband had a avm rupture in the brain in dec. of 2008, which cause brain damage. He is paralyzed on the right side. I quit my job to take care of him instead of putting him in a nursing home. We applied for aid and attendance as well as non-service connected disability. He was rated as disable, not sure what percentage they rated him. He was denied aid and attendance because i could not provide information on his previous marriage. He does not remember my name and has no memory of the previous marriage. I explained this to them, they told me to write a letter of explanation and i did this twice. I do not know where else to turn. He has to be disable 2 years to get medicare. We run out of food every month, so the 290. a month that he would have received from the pension would buy food. Do you know what else we can do? We have appealed the claim in Dec. have not heard anything yet.
The only suggestion is to consult an eldercare attorney and definitely contact your local Congressman to assist with an appeal process.
My father is 66 and retired. His monthly income is about 1300$. He has about 50,000 in savings and owns a townhouse that he will probably come out of it with $70,000 or so. He was in the Navy during the Vietnam war. Will he qualify for A and A? Or would it be beneficial to apply?
He also has COPD and has been hospitalized 2 times in the last year. Just thought this info. would assist in your response:)
Based the the information you provided your father may be eligible for the monthly pension benefit. Besides the financial criteria, to qualify, claimants must be considered incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance from another person or care system. Also, that care system is an out of pocket expense the exceeds the claimants monthly fixed income. We would advise you to apply, the VA will make the final determination.
I was thinking the basic pension. As I was reading the guidelines, there are 3 criteria: 1. service during a war
2. income qualifications
3. over 65 you are automatically considered “disabled”
It did not say you had to have to considered incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance to qualify for the basic pension. Is this correct?
Thanks so much!
Over 65 does not automatically consider an individual “disabled”. Many individuals are still in the work force, live independently, drive their own vehicles, and live active lives. To be determined disabled requires a “Medical Statement in consideration for Aid and Attendance” completed by a physician. The basic pension is based on an applicant’s income that may be less than $985/month. Please feel free to contact the VA at 877-294-6380 for further clarification.
The more I review this website. I’m finding out that my grandmother will need to be considered disabled. Right? Well we know she won’t be able to live alone for very much longer. In fact we have already chosen a assisted living facility. But until she starts receiving some kind of income, we won’t be able to afford this facility. Can we apply for A & A with the intension of imediatly placing here once she has been approved?
I’ve read all of the Q & A… My grandmother as I said is 85. She is getting very weak, confused and is on oxygen…We check on her daily and her activities are slim to none. We have never tried to get a Doctor to deem her disabled but plan to move her to a assisted living facility. We had Home Care for her this year for about 2 or 3 months. Do you think declaring her disabled will be difficult? Or will that even matter? If a person is placed in an assisted living facility, are they assumed disabled?
As part of the criteria for eligibility, an applicant must be considered incapable of self-support and in need of regular assistance from a personal caregiver or care system. The physician’s statement in support of Aid and Attendance is a requirement for eligibility.
My father has been receiving Aid and Attendance for 11 months of 1,644 a month. I have received the EVR form for 2009/2010. In the unreimbursed medical expenses paragraph a pretyped amount of 49K is entered which is the amount first estimated as what was expected to be paid in 2009. The amount actually paid was 44K. His income of 34K a year and 22K of assests have not changed at all. His estimated unremibursed expenses for 2010 will be 45K. Will this 5-6K difference from what was originally expected reduce his benefit? Will he owe money back? Will this difference in amounts require me to fill out VA form 21-8416 and submit receipts? Is this amount considered “substantially different”?
The differences in projected and actual unreimbursed can be up to 5K. If more, then expenses must be itemized on the VA form 21/8416, Medical Expense Report.
Thank you for your time. One more question before we begin the application process…..If my grandmother does qualify and her only income is the $940.00 monthly social security than what is the most she would be able to get from the VA. We have picked out a facility and now know how much it will cost. I’ve seen some at $1079.00 and some people $1649.00 and some at $1900.00.
My mother is already recieving VA monthly benefits. She is in the VA system and has been for over 30 years so they have her income and asset information. We applied for A&A because she was diagnosed with COPD and has labored breathing. It is difficult for her to walk and prepare her own meals. My question is, how long will it take for A&A benefits to be paid if she is already in the VA system? They told us 6 months to a year. But we were wondering that amount of time is allotted for individuals who aren’t in the VA system? Thanks for your answer. Tandrea
If your mother is already receiving VA monthly benefits, especially if it is Dependency, Indeminity Compensation ($1154/month) due to the veteran having been rated 100% service connected disabled or killed/died while on active duty, she may be entitled to an additional $286/month. However, she would not be entitled to receive both DIC and A&A. The VA will award which ever of the benefits is the greater amount. Please contact to VA at 800-827-1000 for any further clarification on your particular case.
I am working on the EVR for 2010 for my mother, who receives benefits as a surviving spouse. Line 8a has the preprinted amount of a full years expenses (assisted living costs), but since she was only approved as of July 1, I can only report what she actually paid for July 1-Dec. 31. As this will be significantly less, will this be a problem? The difference is almost $20,000.
I have been told that I should complete the medical expense report as follows: for the guaranteed monthly amounts, such as Med. Part b, assisted living use July 1-June 30, 2010. Then for doctor co-pays, prescription, etc., use July 1-present.
When actual unreimbursed medical expenses are significantly ($4-5K) different for line items 8a, 8b, and 8c, the difference must be explained by itemizing the annual expense using VA Form 21-8416, Medical Expense Report using dates 1/2009 thru 12/2009. The VA criteria determines an applicant eligible if they must spend down their entire income on unreimbursed medical expenses. Normally, the high cost of Assisted Living is more than the income. If so, then you only need to list the annual expenses.
My Mom is 76 and is living in assisted living facility. A man from a law firm helped her to fill out her application for Aid and Attendance program. He has told her and several others that he has “helped” from this facility that the process could take 9-12 months to get approved and get the Aid. But if they paid $850.00 and signed up with the law firm that he represents, they could get their money in about 3 months.
Many of these elderly people are thankful for the help filling out the application and feel obligated to sign on with his law firm. He warns them that the process will take 9-12 months but if they get the lawyer’s help, the time would be reduced to 3 months. Many of these people pay the $850 because of this man’s promise that it will speed up the process. Do we have to pay this $850 to this lawyer and will it speed up the process to 3 months? He says that his law firm has helped many people and they know the right numbers to call and that the lawyer knows how to speed up the process. Is there any merit to this? My Mom has her own lawyer available. She is tempted to sign up with this man because he was so helpful with the application and she wants to use his resources to speed up the process. Will this $850 speed up the process? Will anything speed up the process? Do you have any suggestions?
I’m glad you are being cautious. No attorney or non-VA organization can guarantee approval of benefits nor has any power to expedite the VA application approval process. If the application is thoroughly completed and is in good order with all required supporting documents, the average turn around time is 6 months…depending mostly on the VA’s staffing availability and volume of paperwork at any given time. It our understanding that it is illegal to charge anyone a fee for assistance with a VA application. However, an attorney can bill you for their time. If the fee is based on a promise to expedite approval, we do not recommend paying this fee.
My brother just received word that our dad has qualified for A&A. Dad is in an ALF. He has no assets. My husband and I are currently paying part of his monthly costs. He has mild dementia—not too bad, but he cannot keep a checking account. I am on his account with him. His social security of $948/mo. is direct-deposited. That is his only income. A week ago, I noticed a direct-deposit from social security in the amount of $96.00. Is that possibly the A&A money? He applied for A&A four months ago. How is A&A paid out? No one has asked my brother or me for Dad’s checking account number or routing info. We are concerned they will send him a paper check for A&A and he will lose it, throw it away or be tricked out of it. Neither my brother nor I are local. Thank you very much.
If you have received correspondence from the VA advising benefits have been awarded, you should contact the VA Pension Maintenance Center directly at 877-294-6380 for further information. Unless you submitted documentation establishing you are the applicant’s legal guardian, you must make your call to VA with the applicant standing by to authorize the VA to discuss the case details. Based on the fact the you indicated the EFT was from Social Security, I’d have to assume this is not a VA benefit payment.
Thank you for the information. I have one additional question. My husband’s brother, a Vietnam vet, committed suicide in 2007 at the age of 58. He suffered from PTSD that worsened during the Iraq War. He was under a psychiatrist’s care. His widow, now 59, continues to work full-time but is struggling terribly financially. Insurance benefits were minimal and are now gone. Is it possible she might qualify for Aid and Attendance money? Unfortunately, her/their experience with the V.A. was very poor. Are you aware of any other veteran programs that might apply to her? Her health is okay. Thank you again.
Mom is widowed and 85 and currently living with my sister. I am certain my father is an eligible veteran of WWII. After he died in 1986, she later remarried , but has been divorced for past 12 years. She has always retained her married name ( my father). Will that information affect anything? In fact she is widowed spouse, and unmarried. Question 2. If we are looking at an assisted living home with $2,100 monthly cost, is this full $2,100 included in “medical expenses” for VA calculation purposes ? Thanks !
If a surviving spouse of a veteran remarries a non-vet, then divorces, she would not be eligible to file a claim for benefits from the first husband’s veteran status.
Once award letter is rec’ed, how does VA update the monthly medical expenses of the claimant. My mother’s expenses are now different than they were 11 months ago. They are approx $125 more per month. Also please clarify how VA averages monthly cost when items are not purchased every 30 days, but every 2-3 months. Examples of this: Depends every 72 days, vitamins, other supplements recommended by her doctor.
Once benefits are awarded, at the end of the calendar year, the VA will send out an Eligibility Verification Report. During the year you should be keeping a record of all changes in income and expenses. If the applicant is already receiving the maximum benefit amout based on the original out-of-pocket expense, then there would be no need to itemize additional expenses. However, if receiving a partial benefit amount, the claimant would then itemized the yearly expenses a may receive additional benefits.
I applied for aid and assistance for my parents in June 0f 2009.My father has dementia and my mother has Alzheimer’s and both are living in an assisted living housing. how can I check the status of the claim?
With the veteran standing by, contact the VA Pension Maintenance Center at 877-294-6380…have the veteran identify himself, and authorize the VA rep to speak with you.