Many American Veterans still don’t know about the Aid & Attendance benefit that is part of an “Improved Pension.” It’s a special benefit for veterans who served in time of war who need regular assistance with basic tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, medication dosing or toileting
It’s also available to those vets who are blind, or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. A veteran who is in assisted care or an assisted living facility may also qualify. This Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit. It doesn’t depend on the veteran having a service-related injury.
Another aspect of the Aid and Attendance benefit that is often overlooked is the fact that it also applies to a vet with a spouse who needs care. If you served during a time of war and now your spouse’s medical expenses are a drain on your resources, this benefit could solve the problem.
The Aid & Attendance benefit has been a tremendous relief to my dad as my mom has needed more and more help as the years progressed. We have had to hire two additional caretakers to provide personal care for her. Sandy K.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a period of war.
- Must have anything other than a Dishonorable discharge.
- A surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of his passing.
- Must require the assistance of another person to perform some of the daily activities of living.
- Must meet income and countable asset criteria established by the VA.
- Must be 65 years and older or totally disabled.
Eligible Periods of War
World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946, inclusive. If the veteran was in service on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947, is considered World War II service.
Korean conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955, inclusive.
Vietnam era: The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases.
Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.
If you need any help with your application please give us a call.
