Regarding Aid and Attendance Money for veterans and their surviving spouses. I recently went through the process and successfully obtained the money for Mom who now lives in Assisted Living. I started the paperwork the day after she entered assisted living which was July 15. Her first check was deposited Oct 1. Each county should have a VA advocate who at not cost to you will walk you through the process and have the correct paperwork for you. Dad's discharge papers had to be recorded. That meant that I took his discharge papers to our Recorder in our county and after 45 minutes, I left with the recorded document. Working alongside a VA Advocate is the only way to go. They want you to have the money due you. Do not attempt to get paperwork off the website and think you will be successful. They know the ins and outs with Veteran Affairs and one shot will get it for you. I had heard about all the "horror stories" about trying to get the money and the months of waiting. That only happens when you try to do this on your own. These advocates are there to help you and get it right the first time. They will check your paperwork before you submit it so there are no holdups. The holdups with the VA come when you have not properly filled out the forms.
In most cases yes.. Someone needs to gather the DD214 (discharge papers) ,marriage cert, and any other relevant paperwork. And go to a Veteran Service Officer.. they can found thru the DAV,VFW,American Legion etc.. Depending on the city/town you reside there may be a veteran's office in town or contact your local VA clinic... The above can help fill out and submit the correct forms.. Please don't expect to hear from them quickly, it can take many months depending on what part of the country you are in. I would send it return receipt so you know when it was rec'd. You should get some acknowledgement from the VA and they may ask for additional paperwork. IF they do, go back the person that helped to make sure all is correct. Good Luck.
Yes, if the husband was a wartime veteran. It can be harder for someone at home. There must be Unrembursed Medical Expenses that offset most or all of the household income. To speed up the process, you want to send in everything at one time. It may take 30-90 days for a response if they need anything. We recommend the American Legion Regional Office(in S/W PA)....google that for your local office. Widows are taking 8-12 months....or longer. After 4-6 months, contact your US Congressman or US Senator to follow up and push it through.
Yes. Just have your doctor fill out the forms from the VA necessary to prove you are housebound. Submit all documents with your husband's DD214 to your local VA center, and then wait. It may take many months. You also have to fall into a certain income category you can find on www.va.gov. I'm still waiting for a final decision filed May 30, 2013.
Just an FYI - We file all as Aid and Attendance. (100's) Never had one awarded as housebound. A&A has a higher amount for the veteran, dependent, or widow(er). We let the VA determine if they want to award housebound. You MUST offset income with Unreimbursed Medical Expenses...this can produce a denial or reduce your award....you just can't file without guidance. Government workers aren't allowed to offer advice...only help in the application process. Hopefully you can find a competent advocate.
Yes you do get it on housebound, my Mom gets it and lives with me. I am her fulltime caregiver and have a caregiver contract which made my costs outweigh her income. Its now only used soley for her many many supplies and caregivers to give me a break.
Hope this is as easy for you as it was for me!