Veteran’s Elderly Care
The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit is a pension program that is designed to help veterans of all ages afford proper home care when it’s needed. We’ve put together some key information about this pension program to help any veteran determine whether he or she qualifies for it and, if they do, to begin the application process as soon as possible.
The application process.
First and foremost, keep in mind that currently the application process for the Aid and Attendance Benefit could take nine months or even longer in some situations. That can complicate the situation for many aging veterans, so there’s really no time to waste. If the veteran may qualify for this pension program and requires home care, now is the time to get started on filling out and submitting the application.
Who qualifies for this pension program?
Veterans of all ages can qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension, but there are certain provisions that need to be kept in mind. Veterans with low incomes who are either permanently and totally disabled, or age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service; with at least one
day during a period of war.(Source) They need to show a specific requirement for home care, usually in the form of a doctor’s recommendation.
What other stipulations are in place for approval of this pension?
They need to have served at least one of those days of service in a time of active combat as defined by Congress. This includes World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Gulf War. The Gulf War began in 1992 and doesn’t have a closed date as of yet, as defined by Congress.
The veteran doesn’t need to have served in a direct combat situation, but as long as they served during a period of time in which one of those combat situations occurred, they may qualify for this pension program.
Widows of veterans who may have qualified for this pension may also qualify for some financial assistance to help pay for home care, though it will not be the same amount as a veteran would receive for his or her personal care at home.
Who can provide home care to these veterans?
Professional caregivers can certainly support veterans and be paid using this pension program, but so too can family members. Experience makes a world of difference for aging seniors who require assistance at home. It’s always best to rely on an experienced and professional caregiver through an agency over any other situation.
For more information and to learn about veteran’s elderly care, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
