Veterans and Spouses: Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit, part 3
Our continuing post discussing eligibility “myths” for Aid & Attendance…
Aid & Attendance is a federal pension benefit available to any eligible veteran or surviving spouse. Under the right conditions, many seniors in this country could qualify for over $2000/month in additional funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
– Myth # 4: My brother lives in North Carolina. Is he eligible?
Answer: Yes, he may be eligible for Aid & Attendance should he meet all the necessary requirements. This is a federal pension benefit, available to veterans/spouses across the country. Additionally, each state may offer different and unique benefits to veterans. For example, state benefits in Massachusetts may be quite different from those offered to veterans in the state of North Carolina. A call to your local veteran service officer, generally with offices located in town hall, is the first place to call regarding Massachusetts veterans benefits.
– Myth # 5: My father already receives medical benefits through the VA. He is not eligible for Aid & Attendance.
Answer: No, this is false. A veteran may be wise to have medical coverage through the substantial resources offered within the VA medical system. But this in no way precludes eligibility for Aid & Attendance. The former offers hospitalization, medical care and attention. The latter provides financial assistance to help defray costs related to homecare.
– Myth # 6: I’m healthy, but my wife requires significant care.
Answer: Aid & Attendance may provide some financial assistance. There are generally three categories for claim applicants: 1) Veteran and Spouse; 2) Veteran with no dependents; and 3) Surviving Spouse of eligible wartime veteran. Each of these claim categories provides a different dollar amount as a maximum benefit. One criteria to determine eligibility is having a medical/health related need, effecting two or more of your “activities of daily living”, or ADL’s. Should the spouse require care, she and her husband should think about submitting an application for benefits.
Call Home Care Partners at (781) 378-2164 to discuss in greater detail.
John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions.
Phone: (781) 378-2164
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
