Getting the word out about the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit
April 13, 2006 by John Allen · 4 Comments
Little-known benefit makes a big difference
by Debbie Burak
There is a well-hidden benefit through the Department of Veterans Affairs called S-38, Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. It can represent up to $20,000 a year to help take care of our parents, as many of us are now faced with acting in the capacity of caregivers. If one or both of your parents were in either the Korean War or WWII, this information could prove to be a vital resource for you.
I discovered this benefit at the passing of my father, when I had to move my mother to another assisted living facility. Had I known of this benefit during the seven years both my parents were in assisted living, it could have represented well over $160,000 to help meet their needs, which exhausted family members who had to step up.
The day I learned of this benefit, I fell to my knees in gratitude, as my sister and I were at our wits end trying to cover the $1,000 a month my mother was short for all her care. And we had no place to turn…
A high percentage of the elderly in this country today served in the Korean War, or even WWII, and that means there is an extraordinary number of individuals who are eligible for this benefit, which might explain why it is kept so quiet and away from those who stand to benefit the most.
We talk about honoring our veterans, we build memorials, we have parades … but then we withhold critical information that would allow most to live above their current standard. Where is the dignity in all this?
The requirements for eligibility are:
Any war veteran with 90 days of active duty, at least one day beginning or ending during a period of war, is eligible to apply for the Aid & Attendance Special Pension. The surviving spouse (marriage must have ended only due to death of the veteran) of a war veteran may also apply. The individual applying must qualify both medically and financially.
To qualify medically, a war veteran or surviving spouse must need the assistance of another person to perform daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, undressing, taking care of the needs of nature, etc. Being blind or in a nursing home for mental or physical incapacity, or residing in an assisted living facility, also qualifies.
To qualify financially, an applicant must have less than $80,000 in assets, EXCLUDING their home and vehicles.
I personally filed for and was awarded this benefit on behalf of my mother, the widow of a WWII veteran. In memory and honor of my parents, I created a website dedicated to this benefit with the hope of being able to make a difference for someone else. I’ve walked in these shoes, and know the heartache when faced with these difficult decisions.
If you think you might be able to take advantage of this benefit, please visit www.veteranaid.org for a more detailed explanation of the benefit, and how it works.
It is my sincere hope that you, or someone you love, will find you have better choices that honor service and sacrifice.
My Mom is in an Atria assisted living community. They referred me to some very helpful people who don’t charge- Veterans Financial. It turns out this benefit is real and my Mom is entitled to $1,056. I called 800-835-1541 for the information. Good Luck, they were a great help. – Cindy – Madison WI
Unfortunately there are some facilities out there that are trying to take advantage of this benefit, by over charging, and then saying that the benefit will cover the added expense and that they will give them a 6-8 month break in the price until the benefit comes through than they increase the amount of their monthly rate accordingly, so the vet or spuse never sees the money.
Will somebody please tell me if my mother is eligible for AA. My father served in WWII but never filed a claim with the VA and had no issues even now to file for even though he is deceased. I submitted a claim for a pension based on Nicotine addiciton but they do not give awards for that any longer. In the packet I had an application for AA and all the medical documention but they sent it back stating file for AA at the VA Regional Office. Since I am 100% disabled and also receive Aid and Attendance I submitted a claim for her based on my service. I already have her as a dependent. However, when I submitted the claim in May 2009 I get a letter in June 2009 stating I have a C&P exam for a claim I recently filed. Now the VA thinks it is me that is filing for Aid and Attendance..I went to the CP last week and the doctor further scheduled an MRI and Nerve Conduction Test. It is extremely stressful and painful for me to get out so I called the VA and requested that this claim be dismissed and that it wasn’t me but my mother who is making the request. So my question is. Is my mother eligible for Aid and Attendance based on my service and not my father’s??? I have read somewhere that she is but my friend at the VA Regional Office called the Director and neither said they had heard of this but everywhere I read I see where there are those who file for their parents and receive AA but never mention whether it is by pension based on the Spouse’s service record or just how it is done..Anyone know???
Would a veteran or spouse of WWI qualify?