As a veteran, you know you have access to dozens of healthcare programs and benefits. But there is one little-known benefit that will often pay for 100% of your senior care expenses. After reading this article, you'll have four steps to finding and accessing this benefit - today.
1. Finding the hidden benefit
VA Aid & Attendance. This remarkable benefit pays up to $2,020 per month for the senior care of a veteran and surviving spouse, which is enough to cover the cost of most senior caregiver services. To qualify a wartime veteran must be over 65, have need for senior care and have a limited income and net worth.
2. Determine Eligibility
- Age 65 or older or disabled (not due to willful misconduct of the veteran)
- Have an honorable or general discharge.
- Have a medical diagnosis that requires daily assistance with at least one or two of the following ADL’s: bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, toileting, ambulation, medication management, feeding, meal preparation, or the need to live in a protected environment.
- Limited income and net worth that does not provide adequate maintenance. Whether a veteran or a claimant has excessive net worth is determined on case-by-case basis, contact us for more information.
Served at least 90 days active duty with at least one day during any of the following:
- WWII – December 7, 1941 - Dec 31, 1946
- Korea – June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Conflict – August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
- Persian Gulf – August 2, 1990 to a date to be determined
3. Get your documentation together.
In order to effectively complete the application, you'll need to get a series of documents in order.
- Discharge / Separation Papers (DD-214)
- Social Security Award Letter
- Net Worth Statement
- Income Statement
- Healthcare expenditure statement - including senior care expenses
- Physician's Statement
- a Voided Check
Make copies of all these documents and keep them in a special file for quick reference.
4. Complete the Application.
Veterans need to complete form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and / or Pension. This form must be filled out perfectly so as to avoid processing delay. Access the form here.
This little-known benefit is the hidden gem of the VA system. After you've followed the four steps above, you'll be on your way to accessing the Aid & Attendance benefit.