VA Aid and Attendance Program as of 9-20-11
Aid & Attendance Benefits
According to the Veterans Administration, nearly 100,000 veterans are eligible to receive this rarely used pension benefit. Benefit amounts are determined by the VA and are based on need. Qualifying wartime veterans can receive up to $1,644 per month, a surviving spouse of a wartime veteran $1,056 per month, and a married couple could receive up to $1,949 per month.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Eligibility is based on three simple criteria: veteran status, health status, and financial status. To meet the veteran status for a veteran or a surviving spouse, the veteran must have served 90 consecutive days of active duty and one day during a declared war, and received any type of discharge other than dishonorable. The health status requires a doctor to indicate the need for aid and attendance, and financial qualifications are determined by the Veterans Administration. Note that the Veterans Administration does not provide official guidelines on how to qualify medically or financially, and each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so Senior Living Options of the Desert recommends meeting with a local veterans advocate. Or you can let Senior Living Options of the Desert help – we have developed an extensive network of veteran service providers to help with the qualifications and application process for seniors moving into an Assisted Living Community.
What are the basic requirements for a Veteran?
The basic qualifications are as follows:
- Served “Active Duty”
- Served 90 consecutive days of active duty
- Served 1 of the 90 days in a “War-Time” era
- Not dishonorably discharged
- 65 or older or prove disability
- Demonstrated need
- Limited income
- Limited liquid assets, typically $80,000 or less.
What are the basic for the surviving spouse of a veteran?
The basic qualifications are as follows:
- Married to the wartime Veteran
- Married to the wartime Veteran at his/her death
- Married to the wartime Veteran for 1 year or more
- Did not remarry if veteran passed away
- Veteran served 90 consecutive days of active duty
- Veteran served 1 of the 90 days in a “War-Time” era
- Veterans was not dishonorably discharged
- Surviving spouse demonstrated need
- Limited income
- Limited liquid assets, typically $80,000 or less.
What are the recognized time periods that qualify as a “Wartime Era” by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975
(February 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before August 5, 1964)
Gulf War: August 2, 1990 through TBD
Contact Senior Living Options of the Desert at 1-888-700-4322. We have an extensive network of veteran advocates who can help you navigate the
application process at no charge to you.
How long does it take?
Cases vary, but once paperwork is submitted successfully, the process can take anywhere from four to nine months.
How much assistance can I receive?
For 2011 the maximum monthly benefit amounts are as follows:
Veteran: $1,644 per month
Veteran & Spouse: $1,949 per month
Surviving Spouse: $1,056 per month
Benefit amounts are determined by the VA and are based on need. The amounts listed above are the maximum that can be obtained, but individual awards will
vary depending on demonstrated need.
The Aid & Attendance benefits are retroactive from the date of the month paperwork is submitted and received by the VA.
“The Mission of Senior Living Options of the Desert, Inc. is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter
what the budget. It is our goal to seek out and provide resources for every senior that needs our assistance and guidance. In doing so, we will help create a safe,
dignified and healthy environment in which your family member may thrive.”
Senior Living Options of the Desert is here to help. If you have a question or concern call us at 1-888-700-4322 to speak with a Family Advisor.
