Veterans Service & Support > Veterans Health & Care

Aid & Attendance Update = Non-Service Connected ―Improved Pension benefit

(1/1)

DoggyDaddy:
   The veterans of our country are entitled to health benefit programs from our federal government; however few take advantage of the Non-Service Connected ―Improved Pension‖
benefit, commonly referred to as the Aid and Attendance benefit. The program‘s purpose is to assist veterans, as well as spouses, widows or widowers of veterans, with paying up to $1,949 per month in assistance for their out-of- pocket medical costs. Benefits continue for as long as the Veteran or their spouse is living. This program offers veterans "This little known veterans‘ benefit could potentially become a significant source of financial aid for long- term care services provided either at home or in a facility. Unfortunately, most veterans do not know about it, or how to apply. Though nearly 1/3 of veteran seniors qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, government statistics show that only 5% are actually receiving it. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years of age or have a medical qualification of disability, meaning he or she requires the regular assistance of another person to perform daily tasks. The veteran must have served 90 days or more of active duty for any branch of the armed services with just one day served during an official war time period, as designated by Congress. Veterans who were dishonorably discharged do not qualify. Widows or widowers of veterans are eligible to participate in these benefits, if they qualify medically and/or financially. Applicants may only receive the Aid and Attendance benefit if they are no longer actively serving.
The Aid and Attendance benefit can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple, in addition to monthly pension rates. It takes 4 to 6 months on average (depending on volume) to process an application. Applicants who are 70 years of age or older may request that their application process be expedited. Applicants must complete the VA Form 21-526 (veterans) or VA Form 21-534 (spouses). This form is available at www4.va.gov/vaforms/. The applicant must also include a letter, all required documentation and evidence of their age or disability. For additional information visit www.vba.va.gov/VBA/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you require assistance with the application process, a qualified veterans‘ benefits consultant can help you apply for benefits. Start by contacting your regional VA office. This is the office that has jurisdiction over the claim.

[Source: Veterans Today Michael Leon article 10 Dec 2010 ++]jQuery(document).ready(function($){jQuery(function(){jQuery("#msg_22487").css("min-height", "50px");jQuery("#msg_22487").hoverIntent(function(){jQuery("#msg_22487").css("overflow-y", "hidden");jQuery(".sharethis_22487").delay(100).fadeIn();},function(){jQuery(".sharethis_22487").delay(300).fadeOut();});});});Tweet

Navigation

[0] Message Index