Aid & Attendance
Sensible Veterans Solutions is dedicated to serving veterans and providing valuable information regarding the Veteran Affairs "Aid and Attendance Pension," a federal assistance program offering monthly support to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans to help cover costs associated with long term care.
A study commissioned by the Department of Veteran Affairs suggests only about one-quarter of eligible veterans nationwide, and about 17 percent of eligible widows, are actually receiving aid (1). Earlier statistics are more startling, suggesting nearly 2 million veterans and widows are missing out on $22 billion a year in pensions (2).
Through our partnership with, accredited VA attorneys, enhanced independent living communities, assisted living facilities, at home care providers and other senior advocates, we provide a holistic approach to the Aid and Attendance Pension, at no charge, to maximize the benefits provided to veterans, surviving spouses of veterans, and their families.
Qualification is based on the need for assistance and takes into account the applicant's income and assets. If you require assistance at home, have moved into a community/assisted living facility, or are requiring nursing home care, you should investigate this benefit regardless of your income and the amount of assets you own. The first step is to determine if you meet the eligibility and qualifying criteria!
1) What is the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension benefit?
Aid and Attendance is the highest level awarded to a veteran or surviving spouse who requires assistance with their daily living. The applicant must show that while they may not need assistance for everything, they cannot function completely on their own. In addition to living in a facility, this care can be provided in the home by either outside agencies or family members. The benefit is paid in an income to the applicant, not the care provider such as Medicaid. The benefit is designed to help cover costs often associated with long term care. Need for aid does not have to be service related for those over the age of 65. Assistance may be available for a totally disabled person under the age of 65.
2) What is the Benefit Amount?
3) What are the required Military Qualifications?
Military Qualifications
- For a wartime veterans or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a declared period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Wartime veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980, (October 16, 1981, for officers) must have completed at least 24 continuous months of military service or the period for which they were ordered to active duty.
- The veteran did not have to serve overseas or be in combat.
- Surviving spouses of veterans must also have been married to the veteran at the time of passing.
How to Request Military Service Records? Click Here
4) What are the required health Qualifications?
Health Qualifications:
- A physician must document that you require regular aid and assistance by others to perform at least one activity of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, eating, medication assistance, memory care or managing bowel and bladder needs.
- You do not have to require assistance with all of these activities. There simply needs to be adequate medical evidence that you cannot function completely on your own.
- Care may be provided by either a health care professional or non-professional person to include family.
- Individuals who are blind qualify.
- Being a resident in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity qualifies.
5) Are their financial Criteria to Qualify?
Financial Criteria
- Each person’s financial situation is different. The VA has rules that exempt certain assets. If you have assets in excess of the allowable limits, you may still be able to qualify with proper planning.
- After the VA certified attorney issues a legal opinion, we specialize in positioning your assets to comply with the rules under Title 38 to maximize the benefits you may receive.
- Call us today to learn how you can might benefit from this long term care pension award, 573-355-9524
6) Is Aid and Attendance only for low income veterans or their spouses?
7) I didn't know about this benefit but I would have qualified for this years ago. Can I get back payment?
8) What is the application process?
- VA law is complex. The burden of evidence is explicit. Every assertion made in the application form must be proven in a manner acceptable to the VA. Applications succeed and fail based on the quality of the evidence. Improperly filing a claim can add months to the time it takes to be adjudicated and if not done correctly, often fail.
- While you may apply for Aid and Attendance Pension benefits by writing to your VA regional office, we offer extensive knowledge of the benefit and a host of services to assist you in the application process at no charge to you!
9) I want to apply—what do I do?
- The first step is to determine if you meet the eligibility and qualifying criteria! Contact the Sensible Veterans Solutions to help you walk through the process!
- We work under the direction of an attorney accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs and an expert in Elder Law issues; your situation will be evaluated. You will be provided a written legal opinion letter explaining your potential eligibility for receiving Aid and Attendance.
- Following the evaluation, the staff at Sensible Veterans Solutions, will explain your options and applicants will be assisted throughout the entire application process.
- There is no fee charged for these services.