Veterans: Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit, pt. 1

How to Determine Eligibility

The application process and paperwork required to submit an application for Aid & Attendance eligibility is relatively simple.  However, there is no real instruction manual.  I have helped numerous parties complete and submit documents to the VA.  We understand the specifics required, so we have never submitted an application that has not been approved.

The following criteria will determine eligibility for the Veteran Administration’s Aid & Attendance pension benefit.  

1. The veteran served at least 90 days of active military duty in one of the five armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), only one day of which must be in time of declared war.  The VA has specific calendar dates covering World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf.  Requires an honorable discharge on form DD-214.

2. Veteran or the surviving spouse has a medical diagnosis that states they have a requirement for assistance with at least two activities of daily living.  We consult the appropriate primary care physician to document medical/health conditions.

3. Liquid assets below threshold of approximately $100,000.  If the household “nest-egg” of savings is significantly greater, the VA will reject the application and advise applicants to “spend-down” their assets.  (Liquid assets include cash on hand, savings and checking accounts, stocks, mutual funds, certificate of deposits and IRAs.)  Assets such as real estate or personal property are not included. Reverse mortgages are considered loans.  In addition, there is no “look back” time period for Aid & Attendance.

4. Insufficient monthly income to purchase required care.  Each case will be determined on an individual basis and is not limited to the above stated conditions.

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