While many seniors have access to healthcare through programs like Medicare, specialized benefits are available for veterans. The Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit provides financial assistance to veterans who need help with activities of daily living, including healthcare services.

Explanation of the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit

The Aid and Attendance Benefit is a federal program that provides financial assistance to veterans who need help with activities of daily living. This benefit is specifically designed to help veterans who are housebound, disabled, or need assistance with personal care.

The Aid and Attendance Benefit provides a tax-free monthly payment that you can use to pay for healthcare services, including in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. The benefit amount varies based on your needs and financial situation but can be as much as $2,266 monthly if you’re married.

Eligibility Requirements

Veterans must meet specific criteria to qualify for the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which may include the following:

• Being a veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty where at least one day was during a period of war
  • World War II
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • Gulf War
• Having a non-service-connected disability that requires assistance with activities of daily living
• Meeting income and asset requirements

Spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for the benefit if they meet specific criteria, which may include:

• Being married to a veteran who meets the eligibility criteria
• Meeting the same disability and income requirements as the veteran

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit Application Process

To apply for the benefit, you’ll need to fill out and submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The application is a lengthy and detailed form that requires information about the veteran’s military service, disability, income, and assets.

While veterans can complete the application themselves, working with a veteran’s service organization or a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent may be helpful. These professionals can assist with the application process and ensure all necessary documentation is provided to the VA.

Keep in mind that the application process may take several months, and you may also be asked to:

• Provide additional documentation
• Attend a medical exam

However, once approved, you may receive retroactive payments back to the date of your application.

Veteran Access to Senior Healthcare Services

Once approved for the Aid and Attendance Benefit, you can use it to pay for various healthcare services, including:

• In-home care: This is an excellent choice if you prefer healthcare services in the comfort of your home. In-home care can include assistance with activities of daily living like:
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Meal preparation
• Assisted living: Facilities provide housing, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living.
  • To qualify to use the benefit, the following must be true:
    • The facility must be licensed.
    • You must need assistance with at least two activities of daily living.
• Nursing home care: If you require more intensive medical care, you may benefit from a nursing home since they can provide
  • 24-hour supervision
  • Medical treatment
  • Assistance with activities of daily living

Veterans can use their Aid and Attendance Benefit to help pay for nursing home care. Keep in mind, though, that there are some restrictions on the types of nursing homes that qualify. It’s important to note that veterans can choose any healthcare provider that meets their needs and accepts their Aid and Attendance Benefit. This includes private healthcare providers and providers in the VA healthcare system.

Whether you’re a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, or simply a family member looking for ways to support your aging loved one, it may be time to look into how the Aid and Attendance Benefit can help you or your loved one access needed healthcare services. For more information about how you or your loved one can get the care they deserve, contact Companion Healthcare online or by calling 405-293-9000.