The (Almost) Secret Veteran's Pension: Aid and Assistance
August 9, 2012 By Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
The Veterans Administration estimates that about 2 million eligible veterans likely qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension benefit, yet few of them take advantage of it. The VA also estimates that about $22 billion per year in AA benefits remain unspent because so few people take advantage of the program. Let's take a look at what the Aid and Attendance pension is and who qualifies.
Aid and Attendance
The Aid and Attendance pension is designed to provide monthly payments to qualifying veterans or their spouses who are disabled,or age 65 and older,who require regular attendance or assistance by a caregiver.The program is primarily designed to alleviate expenses associated with senior care costs,such as the expenses for an in-home caregiver or nursing home expenses.
Eligibility
In order for a veteran or a veteran's spouse to qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension they must meet specific pension eligibility criteria.In addition to the basic pension eligibility requirements,an applicant must meet one of several disability criteria.In order to qualify,the veteran or spouse must either require the aid of someone else to perform ordinary activities,be bed-ridden as a result of a physical or mental disability,reside in an assisted living or nursing home environment because of a mental or physical incapacity,or be blind or have specific visual impairments.
Benefit
To receive the AA benefit you must submit an application to your regional VA office or submit an online form. The application must be accompanied by evidence supporting your claims.If accepted into the program you can receive up to $2,000 per month depending on your circumstances and current income.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Sexton
Experienced estate planning attorneys Fayetteville AR of the Deborah Sexton Law Office PA offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Fayetteville AR.
Copyright Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
More information about Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The Aid and Attendance pension is designed to provide monthly payments to qualifying veterans or their spouses who are disabled,or age 65 and older,who require regular attendance or assistance by a caregiver.The program is primarily designed to alleviate expenses associated with senior care costs,such as the expenses for an in-home caregiver or nursing home expenses.
Eligibility
In order for a veteran or a veteran's spouse to qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension they must meet specific pension eligibility criteria.In addition to the basic pension eligibility requirements,an applicant must meet one of several disability criteria.In order to qualify,the veteran or spouse must either require the aid of someone else to perform ordinary activities,be bed-ridden as a result of a physical or mental disability,reside in an assisted living or nursing home environment because of a mental or physical incapacity,or be blind or have specific visual impairments.
Benefit
To receive the AA benefit you must submit an application to your regional VA office or submit an online form. The application must be accompanied by evidence supporting your claims.If accepted into the program you can receive up to $2,000 per month depending on your circumstances and current income.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Sexton
Experienced estate planning attorneys Fayetteville AR of the Deborah Sexton Law Office PA offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Fayetteville AR.
Copyright Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
More information about Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
View all articles published by Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
