Veterans Benefits Planning

You Deserve Your Veterans Benefits – Aid & Attendance

Aid & Attendance is a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible veterans and surviving spouses. It aims to assist individuals with unreimbursed medical expenses and disabilities requiring the "Aid & Attendance" of another person. This benefit can be utilized at various stages of care, even extending to family members serving as caregivers.

Despite the significance of Aid & Attendance benefits, a substantial number of eligible veterans fail to apply. Rough estimates suggest that only about a quarter of those who qualify actually receive these benefits. Several factors contribute to this underutilization, including lack of awareness, the complex application process, assumptions of ineligibility, and insufficient support in navigating the VA system.

It is important to recognize that seeking financial assistance through these benefits is not a sign of weakness or dependency, but rather a well-deserved recognition for the dedicated service provided by our wartime veterans.

Veterans Administration Pension Program

Many veterans and their surviving spouses don’t realize they may be eligible for financial assistance through the Veterans Administration Pension Program, including Aid and Attendance. Watch our video to learn more and find out if these benefits could support your family’s long-term care needs.

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Qualifying for Aid & Attendance

Qualifying for Aid and Attendance benefits requires meeting specific criteria set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans must have served during a recognized wartime period for at least 90 days, and they should have a medical condition that necessitates regular aid and attendance for daily activities. The VA also considers income, assets, and recurring medical expenses when determining eligibility. Demonstrating a need for care, whether through assistance at home or residing in a care facility, is crucial.

In October 2018, the VA implemented changes to Aid and Attendance rules, introducing transfer penalties and a 36-month look-back period. These changes impact eligibility and necessitate careful planning for proper timing of applications. By strategically managing the timing of applications Anderson Elder Law can optimize a Veterans chance of accessing this vital financial support to meet their long-term care needs effectively.

Helping Veterans and Their Families

If your loved one is a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be missing out on important benefits that could help cover the cost of long-term care. Navigating programs like VA Aid and Attendance can be confusing—but understanding what's available can make a big difference in your planning. Our article on Understanding Veteran’s Benefits for Senior Care breaks down the basics and helps you determine whether you or a loved one might be eligible.

In many cases, family members, especially spouses and adult children become informal caregivers, often without realizing how their role intersects with available veterans' benefits. In Honoring Military Caregivers: Bridging Elder Care and Veterans Benefits in Elder Law, we take a closer look at the unique challenges military caregivers face and how elder law planning can help bridge the gap between support and sustainability. Whether you're in the early stages of planning or already providing care, these resources can help you make more informed decisions.