General Details

 

• Established in 1952, Congress passed Title 38 of the United States Code, creating what we now call the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and authorizing benefits for Veterans. One of these benefits was (is) the ‘Aid & Attendance’ also known as the A&A, which could be used to provide ‘non-medical care’ for those in need.

• Very under-utilized, yet powerful benefit that is currently available to those who qualify.  Plus, it does not interfere with one’s social security benefits, Medicare, disability & Medicaid (to some extent), etc.

• Today, the benefit or pension funds can be used for all non-medical care expenses at home!

 

Who’s Eligible?

 

• Any Veteran or the surviving spouse (widow) of a Veteran that is 65+ years of age and older

• Any Veteran or the surviving spouse (widow) of a Veteran who served at least 90 days on active duty, at least one day during wartime

• Honorable discharged from service

• Any Veteran or the surviving spouse (widow) of a Veteran that has a medical condition causing them to need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s)

• Any Veteran or surviving spouse (widow) of a Veteran that may have limited income and assets (excluding your home and vehicle)

 

Who’s NOT Eligible?

 

• Those that do have high income/asset levels, dishonorable charge, missed war time periods, etc.

• Veterans and/or spouses that are receiving Medicaid and that live in a nursing home- WILL NOT qualify for the A&A benefit

• However, Veterans/Widows living at home that are currently on Medicaid may be entitled since the A&A is ‘not considered income’ so one could be on Medicaid AND receive the A&A in conjunction

 

What Are The Defined War Periods?

 

• World War II: Dec 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946

• Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955

• Vietnam Era: Aug. 5, 1964-May 7, 1975.  For Veterans who served Feb. 28, 1961-Aug 5, 1964. Must have served within the country- Vietnam – boots on the ground.

• Persian Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990- date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law. Must have served active duty for a minimum of two (2) years.