When veterans need help with daily functioning, they become eligible for increases to their VA pension known as the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowances. Aid and Attendance is sometimes called the Assisted Living benefit because it is often used in assisted living facilities.
In addition to helping with the costs of assisted living, money from Aid and Attendance and Housebound pension enhancements can be applied to services in the veteran’s own home.
Widows of veterans may also be eligible for the funds.
What Makes a Veteran Eligible for Aid and Attendance-Housebound?
Specific criteria must be met in order to qualify for either of these pension enhancements. You cannot qualify for both types of benefits.
A veterans disability attorney at Marc Whitehead & Associates can:
- Advise which type of enhancement is right for you
- Explain particular factors you must prove in your case
- Present the strongest possible case to the VA’s satisfaction
The amounts you may receive will differ depending on whether you have dependents and other factors. Advice from experienced legal counsel is important to be sure you choose the most advantageous application for your future security.
Generally, a veteran is eligible for an Aid and Attendance pension enhancement if the veteran is:
- Disabled
- Receiving SSDI or SSI
- 65 years of age or older
- Has limited or no income
Even if you meet the general requirements of age, service record and disability, you must demonstrate that you require the kind of help that the additional pension money would pay for.
It’s important to convince the VA that you need another person to help you with daily self-care tasks such bathing, dressing, eating, or helping with medication or prosthetics.
Poor vision and living in a nursing home also is qualifying.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
What Will Aid and Attendance Cover for Assisted Living?
Aid and Attendance will cover part of the cost of Assisted Living, where veterans can rent a room or apartment and receive services.
Assisted living facilities provide a trained caregiver to assist with daily tasks. Veterans can arrange for a nurse to visit if they have health concerns they cannot handle independently. However, the veteran has to pay for those services.
The VA Aid & Attendance will pay for special services a veteran receives at assisted living, including:
- Personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Medical care
- Physical therapy
The VA funds cannot be applied to the rental costs of the assisted living facility.
How Marc Whitehead & Associates Can Help
To qualify for the Aid and Attendance and Housebound pension enhancements, you must submit the evidence required by the VA. Marc Whitehead & Associates will marshal the strongest proof for your case and will make sure all required elements are met in presenting your claim to the VA. Our firm helps veterans nationwide. We will work with you online—no need to travel.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
