The Top 5 Questions About VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

Veterans have risked their lives to defend our nation, and as a result, they are entitled to numerous benefits. One of these benefits is the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension. This benefit proves crucial for many Veterans, especially those who are housebound or need assistance with daily tasks.

While benefits like Aid and Attendance are essential, sifting through the information and qualification requirements can become overwhelming. Thankfully, AVCC is here to answer some of your most pressing questions.

1. What Are VA Aid and Attendance Benefits?

Aid and Attendance benefits refer to the Aid and Attendance pension, which provides qualifying wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses with a monthly payment. Issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Aid and Attendance is an enhanced benefit to help Veterans and their surviving spouses who are housebound or require assistance with activities of daily living. These Veterans’ benefits help many seniors offset the costs of long-term care, assisted living facilities, nursing home accommodations, and other financial support.

2. How Do I Know If I Qualify for Aid and Attendance Benefits?

To qualify for VA Aid and Attendance benefits, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria for their military service record, medical condition, and financial status.

According to the VA, eligible Veterans or spouses must meet the following requirements:

“Both of these must be true:

You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse.

And at least one of these must be true about your service:

You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or
You started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or
You were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months

And at least one of these must be true:

You’re at least 65 years old, or
You have a permanent and total disability, or
You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

Defining Activities of Daily Living

As part of finding eligibility for Aid and Attendance, applicants must confirm whether they need help with activities of daily living. Those who are unable to complete at least two of the following tasks on their own would be considered in need of long-term care:

Eating
Bathing and Personal Hygiene
Dressing
Grooming
Toileting
Mobility

Are you ready to take advantage of your VA pension benefits? AVCC looks forward to assisting you.

Start The Process

3. How Can I Apply for Aid and Attendance?

When applying for VA Aid and Attendance, you must submit certain documentation to establish eligibility. Key items may include:

Medical evidence like a doctor’s evaluation of your condition
A completed VA Aid and Attendance application form (VA Form 21-2680)
Income and asset statements
Proof of any medical expenses and care costs
Marital status details

Take time to get all required paperwork in order.

Submitting Your Application

Once you’ve gathered everything, you can submit your application. This can be done online using the VA’s website, by mail to a pension management center, or at a VA regional office.

Here are some tips for submitting a strong application:

Use VA Form 21-2680 and follow all instructions carefully.
Include medical evidence that clearly shows your need for assistance.
Double-check that all income sources are reported accurately.
Provide thorough details and descriptions on the application.
Make photocopies of all documents for your records.

After submitting the Aid and Attendance application, the VA will review your eligibility and request any additional information needed. The claims process can take several months before a final decision is made.

4. What Expenses Are Covered By Aid and Attendance?

A&A benefits can be used to pay for a wide range of long-term care services and associated costs, including:

Assisted Living Facility Fees – This includes room and board, 24-hour supervision, activities, meals, etc.
Nursing Home Fees – A&A covers all levels of care, from intermediate to skilled nursing.
In-Home Care – As a popular Veterans home care benefit, A&A covers costs for an in-home aide, companion, or housekeeper.
Medical Expenses – This includes prescriptions, therapy, and medical equipment not covered by insurance.
Transportation – Transport-related benefits often come as mileage reimbursements for trips to doctor appointments.

5. Can I Receive A&A Even If I Have Other VA Benefits?

Yes, it is possible to receive the A&A pension, even if you already receive other VA benefits for home care. The VA recognizes that Veterans and surviving spouses may have multiple needs. Therefore, they allow certain benefits to be combined. For example:

You can receive both disability compensation and Aid and Attendance benefits.
Aid and Attendance can be added to your VA pension.
Surviving spouses can get Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), along with Aid and Attendance.

AVCC Helps You Access The Veterans Home Care Benefits You Need

Every year, many U.S. Veterans go without the benefits they deserve for various reasons. Many face application issues and throw in the towel when they don’t receive the attention and guidance they need. Others miss out on benefits by skipping required exams. However, most Veterans are simply unaware of their benefits, and as a result, they don’t inquire about them or file any claims to begin with.

AVCC is dedicated to Veterans and their surviving dependents. Our specialists work on your behalf to make sure you claim all your benefits and receive them in a timely manner.
We take pride in guiding you through the claims process with kindness and professionalism.

Get started on your journey to unlocking hidden Aid and Attendance Benefits and contact us today.

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