VA Aid & Attendance: What Is This “Pension” Benefit?
VA Aid & Attendance: What Is This “Pension” Benefit?
Normally we heard the word “Pension” and we think of benefits that are paid based upon the amount of time we have spent with a company or government but “Veteran Pension” or “Aid & Attendance” is not this at all.
Instead it is based upon financial need and it is for war time veterans over the age of 65 or who are completely and totally disabled.
We will go into more detail about the actual level of benefits (up to $2127 a month!) and each requirement, but here is a quick summary of what is required to potentially qualify:
1. Veteran (we’ll talk about spouses in a different post);
2. Served 90 consecutive days of active duty;
3. At least one day of active duty during a war time period;
4. Acceptable discharge — normally better than a dishonorable discharge;
5. Limited assets — and you can transfer assets to qualify;
6. Income requirements that take into account your unreimbursed medical expenses; and
7. You are over the age of 65 or permanently and totally disabled.
If you qualify, then there are three levels of benefits. A “base” level, a higher amount if you are “homebound” and then the highest amount is called “Aid & Attendance.” The whole program is normally referred to as “Aid and Attendance” as almost everyone we have ever helped has qualified to receive this highest level of benefit.
If you don’t qualify now because of assets, there are often options we can explore that will allow you to legally transfer assets so you qualify for these benefits — this is similar to taking tax deductions. As long as what you are doing is legal, then you should consider doing it to maximize your benefits.
Contact Us.
If you live in Alabama or your loved one lives here and you have questions about either qualifying or how to increase the benefits to get the proper amount of monthly payments, feel free to contact us through the website.
Or, if you like, give us a call at 205-879-2447 and ask to speak with Carolyn.
She will be glad to get started with you on seeing if you qualify now, or in the future, for this remarkable benefit.
We look forward to chatting with you!