Veterans Benefits

Aid & Attendance
The Aid & Attendance Pension is considered a non-service connected pension specifically for the reimbursement of certain qualified un-reimbursed medical expenses, usually involving long-term care in assisted living communities and in some cases, home care and independent care. Paying a family member for care can be used as a qualifying expense.

VA Military Qualifications

• The veteran must have served at least (1) one day of active military service during a wartime period.
• Served a total of ninety (90) days altogether (not including basic training).
• Other than dishonorable discharge.

VA Medical Qualifications

• The veteran or spouse/widow must require an aid or attendant to assist them with at least two (2) activities of daily living.
• If over the age of 65, the cause of disability does not have to be service related.
• If under the age of 65, the reason for disability must be service-related if there is a partial disability. For those veterans under the age of 65 with a full disability, the benefit may be available even if not service-related.

Documentation needed for VA Aid & Attendance

• VA Aid & Attendance Application
• Discharge/Separation Papers (DD-214)
• Copy of Marriage Certificate and all marital information (if applicable)
• Copy of the Death Certificate (surviving spouses only)
• Copy of current Social Security Award Letter
• Net Worth information
• Proof of insurance premiums, medications, medical bills or any other medical expenses that are not reimbursed by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
• Physician statement
• A statement of residency or level of healthcare service

VA Benefit Amounts (2015)

Benefits are paid monthly for life (provided that qualifying care continues at the same or higher cost). Benefits are tax-free.

Income/Expense Qualifications

• Monthly recurring unreimbursed medical expenses must exceed income to receive full pension
• Independent**, assisted living**, skilled nursing facility** or adult day care fees
• Medical expenses (eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.)
• Medicare Part B & D and supplemental premiums
• Co-Pays & deductibles
• Prescriptions & over-the-counter medications
• Long-term care insurance premium
• Home care (non-medical), may receive care at home

** One ADL must be included

Asset Qualification for VA Aid & Attendance

• GENERAL Rule: $80,000 or less, but also based on age and expenses of individual

Excluded assets include:

• Homestead Property
• Vehicle
• Pre-paid Funeral or Burial Expenses
• Certain Annuities
• Personal Items

Qualifying Assets for VA Benefits

• No look-back period for VA Aid & Attendance, so gifting for VA benefits will not cause a penalty.

If you’re a Veteran in The Villages^® community or surrounding area, learn more about how a BCN Law Firm can help you with your Veterans benefits, including Aid & Attendance, call for your free consultation*.