Eligibility
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It has been estimated that as many as 1/3 of the people over the age of 65 in the United States are Veterans or their Spouses who, potentially, are eligible for the Aid and Attendance Pension. Of this number, only 5% are actually receiving benefits.
To be eligible for the Aid and Attendance Pension Program: WARTIME SERVICE The Veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day served during a time of war. MEDICAL NEED The Veteran or Spouse must need regular assistance and care with Activities of Daily Living (ADL). There must be a medical reason why they cannot live independently without regular assistance and care with the Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc., or mental incapacitation, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, requiring medication supervision and a protected environment. The veteran or spouse does not need to be disabled, nor is it required that they need 24-hour care. It is only necessary that the veteran or spouse needs regular aid and attendance from someone else to handle Activities of Daily Living. “Regular” means scheduled and ongoing aid and attendance care. Unlike other pensions, there is no requirement that the veteran have service-related injuries. INCOME In general, the Veteran or Surviving Spouse must have less income each year than the cost of care provided, including the monthly charges by an in-home care provider, assisted living or nursing facility. If you have retirement income, do not assume you are not eligible. ASSETS The Veteran or Surviving Spouse must satisfy an assets test. Many variables require each case to be evaluated individually regarding the level of assets an applicant may have. Do not assume you are not eligible. If your parent or a friend is a Veteran or Spouse and needs help with the activities of daily living, please call us for a free initial consultation to determine whether they may be eligible for the Aid and Attendance Pension in light of their individual circumstances. |
Military Medic, Silver Star recipient
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