From my notes about Veterans financial, the medical has to be more than their monthly income. You can be a surviving spouse.

We've been trying to get VA benefits since Mom was 89. We were told she has to be in assisted living for two years and be below a certain level of assets. Assisted Living costs certainly qualified her for that. We've been working with helpers all this time, trying to get this paperwork done and comply with all the rules and stipulations. Her funds have gone well below the maximum level but now they tell us she STILL has too much money for her projected lifespan averages and now she's too old!!! Mom has no fatal conditions, one sister just passed away at 101, and she still has 3 other siblings older than she is!

We were told these funds have been in a special account since it was set up in the 1950's but not many know about it so they don't apply. So why can't those who need it actually GET it? Is it like Social Security, which was stolen from and skimmed and misused by the very government these people fought and died for? With proper govt management, our aged veterans and spouses who went through so much ought to be able to live out their years comfortably, not going through the aging process now AND having to go through these hellish procedures just to get what was promised to them and what is their rightful due. Two years of wrestling with this has left me shell-shocked.

Another important thing to know about Aid and Attendance is that it's not like Social Security. Unlike social security, you have to qualify financially. When I applied for my dad three years ago he had to have less than 40,000 in cash and could keep his home. His only income was social security. All his monthly expenses had to be documented in detail and ongoing. If the VA thinks that Dad's financial situation has changed, they will stop payment and ask for their money back. This has happened to my Dad twice now.
Another thing regarding becoming a fiduciary, Dad hasn't been able to sign his own papers for 3 years now. Yet the VA keeps asking him to sign. I was finally told last week that I need a note from his doctor that he is no longer able to take care of his own affairs. There needs to be a handbook for applicants. Taking care of dad was easy compared to dealing with the VA which was and continues to be a major, major headache.

Anne-Marie, can you please attach the images you're using to your articles? I'd like to help distribute some of your work through my social media, but the only image you're attaching is the one of your face. This is good information for my audience.

suer39 Your mother is definitely entitled to benefits. She is entitled to living in a VA nursing home and to Aid and Attendance and to all other benefits they have to offer. If he served during wartime, she is entitled as his spouse. I have just gone through the prices of getting benefits and I KNOW that she is entitled!

I applied for Aid and Attendance and was told that my husband was only entitled to this if he served during "wartime." Are you telling me that if he is 65 he is entitled to it even though he has been denied. My husband is 79 and has had Alzheimer's for 10 years. He was drafted in the 50"s between wars! He is totally dependent on me for everything. He is getting VA benefits of in-home care…..10 hours per week, and some meds, depends, and anything he needs like wheelchair, walker, cane, hospital bed, etc. Can you enlighten me. Do i need to reapply for Aid and Attendance? Have the rules changed? Thank you.

The VA article provided some very important information that my husband and I were not even aware of. Good Job!!

what is the lowest level aid & attendance rate?

My dad served in WW! he has been deceased since 1993. I was wondering if my 88 year old mom is entitled to any benefits. she would like to go to assisted living but she cannot afford it. Would they assist with that or in home care?