The number of our nation’s veterans that are eligible for the Veterans Administration yet do not receive the benefit is staggering. The Aid & Attendance is part of an “improved pension” benefit few are aware of, let alone fully understand.
To qualify for Aid and Attendance, the veteran must rely on assistance from another for one or more daily life activities. The benefit is available to help pay for the cost of in-home care, nursing home costs and assisted living facilities. A veteran may qualify for up to $1,704 each month, while a surviving spouse of a veteran may qualify for up to $1,094 per month. A veteran with a spouse can be eligible for up to $2,020 per month, and a veteran with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,338 per month.
When a veteran is unable to care for himself, Aid and Attendance is usually sought, but most people overlook the availability of Aid and Attendance for a healthy, independent veteran who has a sick spouse. The care of the sick spouse will often drain the couple’s income and savings, and the VA Aid and Attendance pension is designed to help in exactly these situations.
If your loved one is a veteran over the age of 65, that needs extra assistance for daily activities, or has a spouse that ill and requires extra care, speak with your Cleveland elder law attorney to see if he or she qualifies for Aid and Attendance.
