Veterans' Benefits
The Aid and Attendance Program is available to Veterans who need assistance with basic daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The benefits can be paid to someone outside the home, (which may include family members) or to the Veteran’s spouse, or most importantly, to an assisted living facility. However, if the benefits are paid to the spouse, the funds are considered income when determining eligibility for the program. Applicants must pass an asset and income test before getting Aid and Attendance benefits. As a part of a long-term care plan, most person’s estates can be positioned so they do qualify. The program also gives Veterans (but not a Veteran’s spouse) access to the VA pharmacy. The table below shows payments currently available through the program.
| Category |
Monthly Payment |
Annual Payment |
| Single |
$1519 | $18,234
|
| Married |
$1801 | $21,618 |
| Surviving spouse |
$976 | $11,712 |
Veterans may use these funds in any manner they wish, including to care for a spouse. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you are not required to use the Aid and Attendance benefit for your nursing home care.
Here is an example of how the Aid and Attendance pension can help. Mr. Smith, a Veteran, and his wife are in their 70’s. Mr. Smith develops Alzheimer’s disease and requires help with daily living in a protective environment. He and his wife do not want to use a nursing home, but are not sure they can afford an assisted living center. The costs of the assisted living centers they checked with are $1,750-$3,100 a month. Mr. Smith has $1000 a month from Social Security and a pension of $300 a month. Because he is a married veteran he is entitled to $1,801 per month. He implements a long-term-care plan whereby he qualifies for Veterans’ Benefits. The Aid and Attendance pension allows him to afford the assisted living center and stay out of the nursing home as long as possible.
You should consider consulting an elder law attorney to see whether you qualify for Aid and Attendance dollars. If you qualified for Aid and Attendance for the previous year, but your condition prevented you from applying for benefits during that period, an attorney may be able to help you receive those benefits. Finally, when qualifying for Aid and Attendance, an elder law attorney can help you qualify for Medicaid as well. This can protect your home and other assets in the event you ever require nursing home care.
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