Veterans' Aid & Attendance Pension
Veterans and military members should be aware of VA Aid & Attendance benefits so they can incorporate them into their overall disability and estate planning.
July 12, 2012
One of the ways the U.S. rewards its service members for their efforts is by offering various pension benefits to veterans and providing extra help to those who are disabled. One form of veterans' pension benefits is Aid & Attendance benefits. Veterans and military members should be aware of these benefits so they can incorporate them into their overall position for disability and estate planning.Aid & Attendance Benefits
The Veterans' Administration offers Aid & Attendance benefits as part of its "Improved Pension plan." Aid & Attendance is funding available to veterans, spouses and surviving spouses in addition to a veteran's regular pension for those who need assistance with:
-Eating
-Cooking
-Bathing
-Taking medication
-Dressing and undressing
-Removing or putting on prosthetics
-Leaving home
-Other similar daily care needs
Aid & Attendance benefits can help cover the cost of in-home care or the cost of an assisted living facility. The benefits are not limited only to those who have been injured in service. Few people are aware that they also may use these benefits to assist parents who may need in-home care or who live in assisted living facilities.
Eligibility for Benefits
In order to qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits, a person must:
-Have served continuously for at least 90 days in the military during one of the listed "wartime periods"
-Meet financial requirement of having a "countable income" that is less than the pension amount
-Have the VA determine that his or her income will probably not support him or her for the rest of his or her life
-Provide documented medical evidence that he or she cannot live unassisted
Talk to a Lawyer
Veterans' benefits can be an important part of a larger estate planning strategy. If you have questions about whether Aid and Attendance benefits might apply for you, your spouse, your mom or dad or other loved one, speak with a certified VA and estate planning attorney.
Article provided by Willis Law
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