VA Aid and Attendance Benefit for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Who is Eligible?
Any War Veteran with 90 days of active duty with at least one day during active War time. A surviving spouse of a War Veteran may be eligible if married at the time of death.
The Veteran or Surviving Spouse must have an income under a certain amount; however, there are some medical expenses that can be used to reduce the countable income to within the guidelines that the VA has established. Assets cannot exceed eighty thousand dollars; however, some things, including a home, vehicle, pre-paid funeral expenses and some other items may be exempt.
What are the Qualifications?
The Veteran or Surviving Spouse who requires the regular attendance of another person to assist in bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication monitoring or other various activities of daily living. This benefit is available to individuals who reside in assisted living communities, personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities and those receiving personal in-home care.
The individual must qualify both medically and financially.
How Can These Benefits Help Me?
Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, skilled nursing facility, personal care home or an assisted living community. A veteran may be eligible for up to $1644/month, while the surviving spouse of a veteran may be eligible for up to $1057/month. A married couple may be eligible for up to $1950/month.
What are the Eligibility Dates?
A veteran or surviving spouse is eligible if the veteran’s military service was during the following dates:
- 5/9/1916 – 11/11/1918 (WW I)
- 12/07/1941 – 12/31/1946 (WW II)
- 6/27/1950 – 1/31/1955 (Korean War)
- 8/5/1964 – 5/7/1975 (Vietnam War)
- 8/20/1990 – present (Gulf War)
How do I apply for this benefit?
Contact your Regional Veteran’s Administration Office. To locate the closest regional office to you, visit the VA website at http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash+1 Ask the community you are touring if they can refer you to someone who can assist with the application process.
How quickly would I receive the benefit?
The average process takes between 4-6 months. However, the VA does pay retroactively to the month after the application was received. The resident is paid directly from the VA.