Answers & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Get clarity on eligibility, services, and support. We are here to help you navigate your VA Pension with Aid and Attendance application.

About the VetAssist Program
What does Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist® Program do?

The VetAssist® Program assists Veterans and their surviving spouses who may qualify for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) “Pension with Aid and Attendance” benefit. We help them remain safely and comfortably in their own homes with personal care services. Our team will assist the client and family with the entire application process, including assembling and filing paperwork, coordinating caregivers, and overseeing home care. Qualified applicants can begin home care almost immediately with no out of pocket costs.

How much do you charge?

We do not charge a Veteran or spouse to assist in the application process (no out of pocket cost). We negotiate home care rates with our agency partners that provide the care to you or your loved ones.

Eligibility Requirements
Who is this VA benefit for?

The Aid and Attendance Pension (VA Non-Service-Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance) is available to Veterans with an honorable or general discharge who served at least 90 days of active duty, including at least one day during a wartime period, or to their surviving spouses. Disabilities must not be service-related, and applicants must meet certain income and asset limits.

What are the official wartime service dates?

World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era: Served in the Republic of Vietnam: November 1, 1955 to May 7, 1975 or Served outside the Republic of Vietnam: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – through a date yet to be determined (Gulf War Veterans must have served active duty for 2 years or the full period for which they were called to active duty.)

I served in the National Guard. Am I eligible?

Eligibility depends on whether you were called to federal active duty (Title 10) during a wartime period. National Guard or Reserve service alone, without activation to federal duty, generally does not qualify.

What if I already have a service-connected disability rating?

Veterans who are receiving VA disability compensation generally cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and disability compensation at the same time. However, in some cases, you may qualify for whichever program provides the higher payment. The VA will determine this automatically when your claim is reviewed.

Can I apply for Aid and Attendance if I am already receiving disability compensation?

Yes, but you cannot receive both payments concurrently. The VA will review your situation and award the higher of the two benefits.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you do not qualify for Aid and Attendance, we can help explore other care funding options or connect you with community resources that may meet your needs.

Financial Information
I think my income is too high to receive benefits. How can I “shelter” my assets so I can qualify?

The VetAssist Program does not assist with asset transfers or sell financial products. We work with clients who qualify under verified financial need, based on VA guidelines. For asset-related questions, consult your attorney or financial adviser.

How do I determine countable income?

“Countable income” includes most income sources, such as Social Security, pensions, and investment earnings, minus eligible medical and care expenses. The VA uses this to assess financial eligibility. Our specialists can help you understand what counts toward your income limit.

Is the Aid and Attendance Pension benefit taxable?

No. The Aid and Attendance Pension benefit is not considered taxable income by the IRS.

Application Process
What’s involved in applying for the VA pension, and how would you help me with it?

The VA requires documentation such as discharge papers, proof of assets, marriage and death certificates (for surviving spouses), and medical information from your physician. We help you assemble these materials, file your claim with the VA, and coordinate your home care services. You don’t need to wait for approval — we can help you start care as soon as your paperwork is submitted.

How long does the application process take, and when can I start receiving home care?

VA processing times vary, typically ranging from 2 to 6 months. However, VetAssist® clients can begin home care services after submitting their paperwork, thanks to our interest-free loan that’s reimbursed later through their retroactive VA payment.

Is there a waiting period to receive home care or benefit money between application and approval?

There is no waiting period for care if you use the VetAssist Program. You can begin receiving services once our program has shipped your file to the VA. VA benefit payments are retroactive once your claim is approved.

What type of supporting documents do I need for my application?

Generally, you’ll need:

  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Marriage and/or death certificates (for surviving spouses)
  • Physician’s statement verifying need for personal care services
  • Proof of recurring medical expenses

Our team will walk you through every required document to ensure accuracy and completeness.
The knowledge we have gained since 2003, has helped to accurately submit your application to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, with expertise in obtaining military records required by the VA."

Care Services & Ongoing Support
What are “activities of daily living”?

These are basic personal care tasks that individuals may need help with, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, getting to doctor appointments, going to the pharmacy and mobility assistance.

Why do I need Veterans Home Care? Can’t I file for the VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit myself?

"You can file independently, but the process can take months and may result in a smaller benefit. The VetAssist Program has assisted Veterans since 2003 and knows exactly what documentation the VA requires. We have helped over 23,000 Veterans and spouses receive this pension.

We handle everything from paperwork to VA follow-up — and allow you to start care right away with no up-front costs."

What happens if my claim is denied? (Can you promise my claim will be approved?)

While we can’t guarantee approval, if you’ve provided complete and accurate information and your claim is denied due to a medical condition, you will not be held responsible for repaying the VetAssist® loan.

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