Overview of the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit 

When I observe the trends of my clients as well as senior citizens who I meet with on a daily basis, I can say with certainty that: As clients age it becomes increasingly difficult for either themselves or their spouse to live without assistance at home.

When asking seniors where they would prefer to receive their medical care and attendance, most seniors will answer than they would chose to receive their care first at home, second in an assisted living facility, and third at a nursing home.

Under our present health care system seniors are either private pay or enrolled in a Medicaid program; both systems have flaws. The problem with private pay is that it is cost prohibitive and Medicaid rarely provides for in-home aid.

The solution for many veterans, spouses and widows over the age of 65 is a little known government program administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs know as the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit.

One third of all seniors could qualify for this Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit

One third of all senior citizens in this country qualify for a little known veterans disability income benefit called Pension. Pension is also called "Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit" in the media. This benefit can pay up to $1,843 per month to qualifying veteran households to cover the cost of home care, assisted living or nursing home care. Massachusetts will contribute additional benefits. The income is paid in addition to all other household income to reimburse the family for their long-term care medical costs.

According to a recent study by the National Care Planning Council there are about 7.1 million living veterans over the age of 65 who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam or the Gulf War.

Altogether there are about 11.5 million potential beneficiaries for VA pension benefits in this country. The Census Bureau estimates there are approximately 35 million seniors over the age of 65. Comparing those who could receive pension over the total number of seniors means that by the government census statistics, only about 4.7% of the 11.5 million or so seniors who could qualify are actually receiving Pension or Death Pension. This is appalling!

One reason for the lack of participation is that the public is not aware of this special income program. Another reason is a result of a complicated and little understood application process.

Special provisions in the government rules allow for an offset of medical expenses and cost against a veterans income. If this calculation is not done properly a veteran will be denied the benefits because their income exceeds the maximum allowed for qualification, resulting in denial. If an unfavorable decision is rendered the decision may be then appealed. The process of appeals is time consuming. Typical appeal periods are in excess of two years. Unfortunately as our present system exists the general public is not aware of the special provisions for income adjustment and as a result of not understanding and utilizing the income adjustment strategies, veterans who could qualify are denied the benefits.

By knowing in advance what the VA would require for a successful pension award, an applicant can cut the time for a decision to as little as two or three months. I am familiar with the claims process and can help veterans, spouses and widows understand what needs to be submitted with the initial application resulting in a timely favorable decision.

Click on the following links for further information regarding:

Eligibility

Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions