LibraryDischarge Papers When applying for VA Aid and Attendance pension, the VA requires either original or certified discharge papers (photocopies are typically not accepted) also known as DD-214 and Report of Separation papers. The VA WILL NOT return papers submitted, so we do not recommend sending the original. What if I do not have a certified copy of the discharge paperwork to submit with the VA application? 1) Order a free certified copy from the…
read moreSummary Aid and attendance is a Department of Veterans Affairs pension benefit for wartime veterans and surviving spouses of wartime veterans. Aid and Attendance is a tax-free benefit that is used to help pay for the cost of assisted living, home care, nursing care, adult day care, and some independent living facilities. If you are eligible, the VA will deposit money into your bank account that you then use to pay the cost of unreimbursed…
read moreThe Department of Veterans Affairs reviews four criteria to determine if a veteran or their spouse is eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits. The VA’s eligibility requirements are complex, which is why we recommend you take our short 5-minute survey to determine eligibility.
Wartime service – the veteran must have served at least 90 days active duty service and at least one day of active duty wartime service. The veteran must have received an honorable, general, or medical, discharge. Qualifying wartime periods:
Health – the veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse must require assistance with multiple activities of daily living OR require a protected environment for their own safety due to physical or cognitive issues such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, COPD, diabetes, arthritis, CHF, or other health/medical issues.
Activities of Daily Living: Bathing, dressing/undressing, ambulation (walking), transferring, toileting, personal hygiene, eating/drinking (not meal prep)
Income – if the applicant’s unreimbursed medical expenses are MORE than their income, the veteran or surviving spouse will qualify for the maximum Aid and Attendance benefit if otherwise eligible. If medical expenses are LESS than income, the applicant may still be eligible for a partial benefit. We recommend you take our 5-minute questionnaire to see if you are a good candidate for Aid and Attendance benefits.
Net Worth – the VA permits applicants for Aid and Attendance benefits to have net worth of $129,094 and still qualify for benefits. Most families have qualifying net worth or can become eligible with planning. The primary residence is an exempt asset until it is sold. Contact us today to review planning strategies if net worth exceeds $129,094.
Marriage – this criterion only applies to surviving spouses applying for benefits. The marriage to the veteran must have ended in death and the surviving spouse cannot have remarried OR the marriage must have ended in death and subsequent marriages by the surviving spouse must have started and ended between: 01/01/1971 and 11/01/1990.