VA Aid and Attendance: Home Care Benefits for Veterans
Are you a senior veteran looking for options to help you to pay for your home care? Then you should strongly consider the VA Aid and Attendance program.
What is the VA Aid and Attendance Program?
The VA Aid and Attendance program was developed to provide qualified veterans and survivors with extra monthly payments besides their VA pension. It was purposefully introduced to assist eligible veterans who require another person to help them perform their daily activities to meet these extra costs.
This home care program is one of the little-known veteran benefit packages that has helped thousands of senior veterans as well as their spouses foot their home care expenses. It is offered through the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) that is responsible for the medical care benefits that veterans receive. Unfortunately, very few seniors have taken advantage of this program despite data from the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs showing that:
- Over 50% of veterans are at least 65 years or older.
- Close to three-quarters of eligible senior veterans do not apply for VA Aid and Attendance benefits.
- The VA Aid and Attendance benefits can cover thousands in caregiving costs for qualified veterans.
Who is Eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Program?
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance program, you need to first meet the following qualifications:
- Be a veteran who is eligible to receive VA pension benefits
- Be a veteran who is currently receiving senior care services at home, is a resident of a senior living community, or lives in a nursing home.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Enrolled for the VA Health Care Benefits
- Qualified for community care services
- Eligible for H/HHA services
Besides service qualifications, there are financial eligibility requirements that must also be met:
- Honorably discharged
- Have assets and income that are not worth more than $120,094. Exempted assets are your primary home and vehicle.
- Have been on active duty during the following war periods; Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam War Era, or Gulf War.
- Be at least 65 years with a permanent disability and living in a nursing home or qualified for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.
- Need caregiving services, or you are bedridden or have vision problems.
How Much Will I Receive from the VA Aid and Attendance Program?
The amount payable varies and is dependent on the conditions at hand. Generally, an applicant receives the amount calculated based on income for Veteran Affairs purposes (IAVP).
The good news is that the amounts payable are not static but change to fit the cost-of-living adjustment for social security benefits. This happens yearly. Once your application is accepted, you will automatically receive adjusted benefits as per your IAVP.
How Can I Apply for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefits?
To apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefits, you need to first see if you qualify for the program. Assured that you meet the threshold for these benefits? It is time to submit your claim.
You can take the guesswork and stress out of it by relying on an accredited veteran agent to help with these claims. The good news is that Senior Helpers of Milwaukee is here to ensure you receive the care and attention you deserve as a veteran. All you need to do is contact us today at (414) 404-9933 to see how we can help