Understanding the Aid and Attendance Benefit for Veterans

Posted by Sarah Jones on March 16th, 2021

Aid and attendance benefit is a benefit that affects the quality of life for the better, for the seniors. Bluegrass Senior Living works to serve those who have served us. So if you are a Senior Veteran or related to a Senior Veteran, consult Bluegrass Senior Living to apply for those benefits you are entitled to.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs states that the Assistance and Attendance Pension is an additional monthly payment paid over and above the existing benefits.

This special benefit provides financial assistance to the veteran and surviving spouses who require additional support for daily living activities. It may include mobility, bathing, dressing, grooming, etc. you can use this assistance for meeting every aspect of health care. 

Understanding the A & A Requirement 

Assistance and attendance, or A&A, is a special monthly compensation that a veteran may qualify for beyond a hundred percent rating. It means that you can be compensated at a rating greater than a hundred percent. This is important for veterans who need additional assistance but are already receiving benefits at a hundred percent rate. 

Several factors are considered in aid and attendance benefit eligibility. Experienced people need to prove active duty, clinical and financial eligibility, in particular. Your pension management center can be a helpful resource when filing your application, as this process can involve complications. 

Some categories that determine experienced qualifications are 

According to the VA, experienced veterans who remain on active duty for a full 90 days, including one day in a war zone, may be eligible. Wartime presence in the warzones, for veterans to be eligible participation in the following on the dates mentioned 

1. World War 2 – December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946 
2. Conflict in Korea – June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955 
3. Vietnam conflict – February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for veterans in Vietnam 
4. Vietnam conflict- August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for veterans outside Vietnam 
5. Gulf War – August 2, 1990, to a date set by law or presidential declaration 

It is essential to note that veterans are not required to serve in the combat zone to be eligible. If they do not remarry and meet the clinical and income requirements outlined by the VA, eligible elderly spouses may also be eligible.

What Are The Clinical Eligibility Criteria? 

According to the VA, being eligible requires at least one of the following requirements:

1. The person needs the help of another person to perform daily life activities, such as food, bathing, or dressing. 
2. A person stays in bed all day or for a large part of the day due to illness.
3. The person is a patient in a nursing home due to some mental or physical disability.
4. The person's eyesight is limited; even with glasses or contact lenses, both eyes have only 5/200 or less, or the visual field's concentric narrowing is 5 degrees or less.

What Are The Financial Eligibility Criteria? 

As Veterans, you must note that there are calculable income limits for aid and attendance benefits. Currently, the limit is $ 1,644 per month or $ 19,736 per year. These limits determine whether an individual or family is financially in need of support and attendance benefits.

There is also a net price limit of $ 129,094 as of December 1, 2020. One has to bear in mind that the net price range increases with inflation every year. The VA defines net income as assets and income for pension and aid and eligibility for attendance. 

How to Apply For Aid and Attendance Benefits? 

All the Veterans who are sure they meet the criteria for assistance and attendance benefits may apply by filling out VA Form 21-2680. The name of this form is Examination for Housebound Status of Permanent Need for Regular Attendance. 

The veterans can send the form to their nearest Pension Management Center (PMC) once completed. You also have the option to apply by bringing your information to your VA regional office.

In the case of disabled elderly living in a nursing home, they must fill VA Form 21-0779. This form requests a Nursing Home Information Connection with a claim for an Aid and Attendance form.

How to Seek Assistance 

There are many times that veterans may need help in processing their applications. There are professional firms that help them in this process. When you have someone by your side who cares, all your forms and applications go in the right way. 

For The Final Word 

Connect with Bluegrass Senior Living and enjoy all the benefits you are entitled to receive and enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life to ensure future happiness.