PO Box 590
Hingham, MA 02018
Phone: 781-378-2164
Email: info@homecarepartnersma.com
Misconceptions on Veteran's Aid & Attendance Benefit Part 3
- By John D. MillerDid you know you may be entitled to receive a pension benefit which will help pay for home care services, and/or defray some of the high cost of assisted living?
The Veterans Administration offers a long established pension program for non-service related disabilities entitled Aid & Attendance. This is a tax-free, monthly pension that assists qualifying veterans/spouses with certain medical expenses - including home care services.
There is no age limit/requirement for war-time veterans, except that they have honorably served their country in a time of conflict. Pension benefits may even extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran who has a documented medical condition.
To receive the financial benefits, a veteran must have served on active duty during a period of war and received an honorable discharge. Service in combat is not required, only that the veteran was in a branch of the military service during wartime and was discharged honorably. Single surviving spouses of such veterans are also eligible. Additional eligibility requirements include a medical/health condition (or documented medical disability) that requires regular assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), and financial need.
Unfortunately, few people know where to turn for basic information about this pension - whether or not they might be eligible - and how to apply.
In Part 3 of this series, we continue to identify and dispell many of the myths and misconceptions concerning the Aid & Attendance pension benefit, the application process, and the subsequent proper use of benefit funds.
Myth # 14: I have recently sold my home, and am now living in an in-law apartment with my daughter. Am I eligible?
Answer: Your physical residence does not effect your eligibility. Living with your daughter may make perfect sense. However, other relevant factors need clarification. Are you in need of some assistance with your activities of daily living? And, have the proceeds of your home sale significantly altered your liquid assets? You may now have assets which exceed the $80,000 ceiling for this VA pension.
Myth # 15: My wife and I are living in an assisted living facility on the south shore. Can we remain here, and also receive the Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
Answer: Absolutely yes! By definition, assisted living means that you need/receive daily help on living and household functions. These expenses are privately paid. Therefore, the costs involved are considered "recurring monthly medical/health expenses" that we can use to offset your income. All residents of assisted living should investigate the details and eligibility requirements for Aid & Attendance. This may provide a huge financial benefit to help offset your monthly costs.
Myth # 16: My VA pension benefit for Aid & Attendance goes directly to my assisted living residence.
Answer: No, this is completely incorrect. The VA disburses funds to you on a monthly basis -- not to your residence facility, office manager, or accounting department. After receipt and deposit, you write the check to pay for your monthly lease expenses -- made payable to your assisted living facility.
Myth # 17: Will Aid & Attendance cover all of my expenses in an assisted living community?
Answer: No. Aid & Attendance pension benefits are specifically calculated based on claim category and net income. You may be entitled to the maximun dollar amount in your claim category, but not to exceed it. In other words, even if your living expenses create a deficit on your monthly ledger, the VA will only subsidize up to their maximum benefit levels.
Myth # 18: I am receiving the Aid & Attendance pension, which enables me to afford to pay for weekly homecare services. However, this past year I required surgery, resulting in a $2500. out of pocket expense. Can I use these funds?
Answer: Yes. Even though this may be a one-time medical need, you can certainly use your benefit pension to help pay for this expense. Similarly, we have had clients use funds for the purchase of a hospital bed (prescribed by a physician), hearing aids, walkers, and other health related products.
Myth # 19: My father already receives disability medical benefits through the VA. Therefore, I doubt he is eligible for Aid & Attendance.
Answer: No, your father may very well be eligible to receive A/A. However, there is no quick answer - this situation requires further investigation. He may be receiving a "service connected" disability pension for injuries incurred during his military enlistment. This does not, in and of itself, preclude his eligibilty for A/A. However, the VA will establish a cap on financial benefits. It may depend on the category of his service disability, and the amount of his current disability pension.
Myth # 20: I have received my renewal notice for Aid & Attendance. What is this all about? And what do I do?
Answer: Generally, the VA sends out renewals - or eligibility verification reports (EVR) - annually to recipients of the Aid & Attendance pension. Essentially, they are looking to: 1) confirm the personal data on your initial claim application. And, 2) determine whether there has been any significant change in your life which might effect income, claim category status, assets, and expenses.
For example, have you gone back to work and earned additional income? Or, sold your house? Or has your spouse died? Any of these life changes may effect your pension claim.
Further, the EVR will confirm your ongoing, paid expenses for the calendar year. Pension recipients must continue to spend money on relevant, and appropriate, medical needs and health services.
John D. Miller is the owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a local South Shore business providing in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. He can be reached at 781 378 2164; email: info@homecarepartnersma.com ; or online at: www.homecarepartnersma.com