How can the VA help me?
The Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension Program) is a benefit available to eligible Veterans (and their surviving spouse) who served active duty during a period of wartime. This Pension is for non-service related disability and can help Veterans or their surviving spouse remain independent.
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This benefit will extend their resources because it helps to pay for options such as:
- In-Home Care (sitters);
- Independent Living Communities;
- Assisted Living Communities;
- Nursing Homes
There are specific requirements that will help identify eligibility for this pension. The Veterans Administration measures medical needs, income, expenses, and assets. To qualify, you must be a veteran and/or spouse who:
- Served 90 days of active duty (1 day during a “wartime period”)
- Received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Over age 65
Aid & Attendance Pension can provide up to:
- $2,265 for a Veteran with a spouse
- $1,911 to a Veteran (single)
- $1,230 to a surviving spouse of a Veteran
- $1,500 for a Veteran filing with a sick spouse
- $3,031 for two Veterans married together
A wartime period is defined as:
- WWII: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Era: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
- Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.
As of October 18, 2018 the VA change the asset limitations. Included in the changes are residential lot size limits a three-year look back on assets and how trusting annuities can be used. We highly suggest you contact an accredited claims agent to discuss eligibility. Contact us to connect you with someone.
If you have been told in the past that you do not qualify, perhaps it is time for a review under current circumstances.