There are nearly 20 million veterans living in the United States, and nearly half are 65 or older. Veterans are such a significant part of our country, and have devoted so much of their lives to keeping us safe—so, why do so many go without receiving the help that they need? Why do veterans check in with the VA, only to be greeted by mountains of paperwork and a confusing roadmap for how to get the help that they need? When veterans don’t even recognize an Aid and Attendance form, much less understand how it can help them, that’s what then you know there’s a serious problem that needs addressing. At AVCC, we take the time to help veterans understand the nuances of the benefits available to them. We know how difficult it can be to get a grasp on what services are right for you, and how they can actually make your daily life more comfortable. So what are Aid and Attendance benefits? We’ve outlined a helpful guide below so that you can make an informed decision for you and your family.
What is Aid and Attendance?
According the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, “Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment.” Qualifications for eligibility are contingent on whether or not you:
- Require the aid of someone to help you perform activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, dressing, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself
- Are bedridden, and you have a disability that necessitates you staying in bed for treatment
- Remain in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Suffer from eyesight that’s measured as a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes
What do veterans needs to know about Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance pension benefits might seem like a tricky subject to navigate—that’s why AVCC is here to help you understand exactly what you need to understand so that you receive the benefits that you’re entitled to as a veteran. So, how do you know if you’re eligible?
- Veterans needs to have served a minimum of 90 days active duty in one of the major branches of the U.S. military. If they served during the Gulf War, they need to have served a minimum of two years active duty.
- At least one day served has to have been during a time of conflict, as defined by Congress.
- Veterans needs to have been honorably discharged.
- Veterans must prove they have a disability that requires assistance with activities of daily living.
- Veterans must prove they have limited income and assets that meet the VA requirements.
Fill out an Aid and Attendance form today, and get on the right track for receiving the benefits that you’re entitled to as an esteemed veteran of the United States military. If you have any further questions, reach out to our team today and find out how we can put you in the best position going forward.