Serving during a time in which the United States was officially engaged in combat could have some benefits. For those who might require home care, but can’t afford it on their own, there is no stipulation that they had to have fought in a forward combat situation, but only that they served at least one day during a time of official combat in order to qualify for a pension called the Aid and Attendance Benefit.

 

Aid and Attendance Benefit

Aid and Attendance Benefit

 

What is the Aid and Attendance Benefit?

This is a pension made available through the VA. It was initially started following World War I as a way to provide financial support for returning soldiers who had been injured and disabled during battle. It expanded through the years to provide support to veterans from all walks of life, whether they were injured or disabled during their active duty service or not.

 

It can even provide financial assistance to a veteran’s dependents.

A veteran’s spouse or surviving widow may benefit from this pension, too. There are certain requirements that need to be met in order for a Korean War veteran, or other qualifying veterans, to receive financial assistance through this pension.

 

Minimum time of service.

If a veteran served at least one day during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, they need to have served at least 90 days active duty in one of the major branches of the United States military. If their time of service overlapped the Gulf War at all, they need to have served at least two years.

 

A documentable need for home care.

The veteran needs to be able to prove home care is necessary at this point in his or her life. Sometimes that can be done with a letter of recommendation from their doctor, but there are other ways veterans can prove this is needed.

 

Limited income and assets.

Currently, there is a maximum threshold the VA uses to determine eligibility with regard to finances. It is set at $80,000, and that is combined income and assets. If a veteran needs home care support and can’t pay for it on his or her own and if they meet these requirements, they are encouraged to fill out and submit the Aid and Attendance application as soon as possible.

In the meantime, they should seek home care support through an agency as qualifying veterans may be reimbursed for the services they receive once the application has been approved.

 

If you or a loved one are considering assistance with Aid and Attendance, please contact the friendly staff at Veterans Care Coordination™.  Call today: 1-855-380-4400

Posted in Aid and Attendance

About Kyle Laramie, Founder & CEO

Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination in April 2011. As its founder and CEO of VCC, Kyle is driven by the memory of his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because Kyle’s family wasn’t aware of available opportunities. In recognition of his impact in leadership, Kyle was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list and St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s “100 St. Louisans to Know” in 2014. VCC was named a St. Louis Small Business Monthly “Top 20” small business and a finalist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace (2015-2022), St. Louis Business Journal Best Place to Work (2019 & 2022), and the Arcus Awards (2014). The team has served more than 14,000 Veteran clients and their families. Kyle frequently speaks on Veterans’ benefits, addressing conferences such as the Home Care Association of America and Decision Health. He is passionate about giving back and has built a charitable-minded organization that supports various philanthropic efforts.