The VA’s Aid and Attendance benefits and the Housebound pension benefit are unique benefits paid in addition to an existing VA pension benefit. Both can help pay for assisted living or long-term, in-home care.
What Are VA Aid and Attendance Benefits?
VA Aid and Attendance is paid as an addition to a monthly pension.
A veteran may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance if at least one of the following is true:
- You need the assistance of another person with activities of daily living; these are defined as help with bathing, dressing, walking, transferring and eating;
- You are bedridden
- You are a nursing home patient
- You are legally blind
What Are Housebound Pension Benefits?
Like VA Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits are not payable without pension eligibility. A veteran is eligible for Housebound benefits if he or she is:
- Permanently disabled and are homebound
- Permanently disabled with an additional partial disability
A veteran is not able to get both VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits simultaneously.
Applying for VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
When applying, make sure you include copies of any evidence, like a doctor’s report showing the need for VA Aid and Attendance or housebound care. This report must demonstrate whether the disease or injury produces a physical or cognitive impairment.
Whether the claim is for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound, you should indicate how your overall prognosis as evidenced by daily activities. It is crucial to establish whether you must stay permanently at home to receive it.
Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Homebound Pension Benefits help cover assisted-living care. Make sure that you are getting the most from them.
Contact Mortellaro Law for a free consultation to learn more about your options today. We are available by phone at 813-367-1500, or you can message us privately here.
