While this may not apply to everyone here on USA Carry, we have many vets on the site so I thought this would be a good article to put out there.
Should You be Receiving Aid and Attendance Benefits?
The Aid and Attendance is an improved pension that helps cover the costs associated with assistance in bathing, eating, dressing, taking medication or helping with other needs for veterans and their surviving spouses. This also includes those who are blind or living in long-term care facilities due to physical or mental incapacity. It is important to also be aware that Aid and Attendance benefits may cover assisted living facility care.
For whatever reason, individuals wondering, “Do I qualify for veteran benefits?”, often overlook this important pension but it can be extremely helpful for those who are in need of additional money to assist with the costs associated with caring for loved ones. Aid and Attendance can help pay for nursing homes, assisted living or in-home care. In fact, an eligible veteran could receive up to an additional $1,632 per month and a spouse could receive as much as $1,055 per month.
Important Facts
- Aid and Attendance is paid in addition to any monthly VA benefits you may already be receiving.
- In a recent study, it was found that only 17 percent of widows who were eligible were receiving these benefits because they can by typically confusing to apply for.
- Qualified veterans also receive full VA healthcare as well as prescription benefits.
Are You Eligible?
- Do you require the help from another person to perform everyday functions such as eating, bathing, dressing, adjusting prosthetic devices or managing prescription medications?
- Are you bedridden or disabled?
- Do you live in a nursing home because of your mental or physical health?
- Are you nearly or completely blind?
Applying for Aid and Assistance Benefits
While you are permitted to apply for these benefits on your own, it is never recommended. Not only can the process take an exhausting amount of time this way, you will not be qualified to properly handle any disputes that may arise.
Since VA benefits depend a lot on your current assets, you are advised to work with an Elderlaw attorney who specializes in VA benefit applications. You are typically not charged a fee to process your application however; you may be responsible for fees pertaining to estate planning and power of attorney.
It is never too early or late to start planning for your future because you can’t predict what the future may bring. A little time now can go a long way in making your future lessstressful and more enjoyable.
About the Author
Marty Fogarty is an expert to go to if you are wondering how to apply for VA benefits. He specializes in Elderlaw planning and VA benefits at The Heartland Law Firm. Marty loves that the Internet can be used to connect people with solutions to their problems and now he can a larger quantity of eligible individuals to receive the VA benefits they deserve in less time.
