Yes, I just finished the paperwork. It is time intensive, but well worth it.
I would highly recommend having a organization or company who can help you. The paperwork itself is not difficult (just lots of gathering of info.), but companies who deal with this on a regular basis just know how the system works.
Like anything else, you have to choose a company carefully. If your Mom is considering an ALF, they may have a company that they use and will do it for you at no charge (because it is in their best interests to do so.) If you are doing home care, I would still call reputable ALFs in your area and ask who they use.
The director at my Mom's ALF said that she thought she could do the paperwork on her own. It took her twice as long and she was turned down initially. I, too, tried calling the VA when my Mom first moved here and got absolutely nowhere.
In the meantime, gather all your records: the veteran's discharge papers, birth cert., death cert., marriage license, your Mom's birth cert., etc. They will ask for a recent bank statement that shows her monthly income. You will need all her medical records for the last 12 months. Each doc, rehab, and hospital has their own policy, so start right away - then follow up with phone calls if you do not receive the records in a week or so. Some charge - but will waive the fee if you have them sent to her current primary care doctor. You will also need an evaluation by her current physician...but this all has to be done in order and on certain forms. That is why it is nice having someone to help guide you.
The best advice I was given, was to document all the things your Mother needs on a daily basis. List all the care items she uses: oxygen, braces, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, lift chairs, bathroom modifications, or even if she takes your arm to get around. Include all care you provide as well as that of any paid caregivers. Add anything that effects ADLs. The VA seems to focus more on mobility.
Take a look at the VA form that the doctor needs to fill out and give the doctor as much information as you can because they do not see your Mom on a regular basis. List all her physical conditions, such as: PD, arthritis, heart issues, etc.
That's all I can think of for now...please ask if I left anything out.
hi i did all my mother's paperwork myself...and to my surprise she was approved in 35 days. you must ask for expedition in processing application due to veteran's age. this may help.
I learned the hard way. I had help from Moms daycare and from a VA person who gave me wrong info, and I trusted him. It was over a year and a half before she got into the program.The normal return time at the daycare for several of the friends I met there was a year. But, I then was told about a company that does it for you and the turn around time is only 3 months because they do it right. They also give you a cash flow analysis on IF you should even try. They know how to do it, how to word things, and if you will qualify. I dont recommend doing it yourself, its a ton of headaches and paperwork. You can get service discharge numbers online, etc, it was a ton of work. Your Dr fills out a form and says if the patient has at least 3 things needing help, etc... These professional companies have a straight fax line right into the VA and its gets done fast and free. If you have major issues, they charge $500 to do it for you forever, as it needs to be updated yearly. That might seem like a lot but if you are going to receive double that monthly, its well worth it! Its worth a call to them to even see if its worth all the effort. They can have assetts/money, it all depends on the care needed , daycare, a CNA to help you out. etc. The rule of thumb I seems to feel was is there more money monthly needed for care verses the monthly money coming into the house. Good luck, hop this helped.
I spoke to those people at aidandattedance, and my amazement, and to have noticed the price tag above that you mentioned. really does amaze me. my question is. I have been my husband's caregiver for going on 3 years. he also had a stroke and in addition to that, he has seizures, and ptsd. will they compensate a spouse of a veteran? I also know that a field officer of any va located in your area is suppose to also help, and also any vet's primary care doctor's. caseworker. this information is within the veterans administration web site. I did not realize that outsiders are not suppose to charge for to be compensated tohave some one quailified for aid and attendance...
luvmom has a really good point: the VA does not go by income alone in order for you to qualify. It is the income vs. what care your parent will need that qualifies them. When I initially called the VA they told me Mom's income was slightly too high so she did not qualify. I took their word for it and missed out on several years that she could have received the benefit. The staff at the company who helped us were very efficient and kept me on track for all the paperwork they needed. You will receive retro active payments starting from the date you officially filed. Again, get references for companies who do this from reputable sources. There are a lot of businessses out there who overcharge, just do this as a side line, and are not dedicated to VA applications solely. Good luck...it is definitely worth your time and effort.
The Veteran's Administration FORBIDS anyone to charge for this service. The businesses that do are charging illegally and need to be reported to the VA so that they don't fleece others. Some people don't charge for the service, but instead move your loved one's money around so that they make a big commission on annuities that will make your loved one financially eligible for V.A. aid and Attendance, but then when their money runs out and they need to get on Medicaid, they are ruled ineligible. Whomever you go to, make sure that they do things that will leave your loved one eligible for both programs. You never know, your loved one may outlive their money!
Anon13319 - thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience. We are just beginning to gather the info required to see if my MIL would qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. It looks like I have my work cut out for me - but your list of what is needed will help. I just sent for my MIL's marriage certificate. Didn't realize they would need copies of birth certs. too. I just hope we haven't waited too long - my MIL just suffered a slight stroke and it would be good to deal with this as soon as possible. Thankfully, she didn't suffer serious or lasting damage. Thanks to everyone who commented.
You should be charging, therefore she WILL get the A&A funds~! Make out a contract and start charging her and she will get funding. IF she cannot stay alone, she is considered needing fulltime care. IN fact the A&A can pay you for your services to her.IF you have any questions write me again, Hang in there!
I would highly recommend having a organization or company who can help you. The paperwork itself is not difficult (just lots of gathering of info.), but companies who deal with this on a regular basis just know how the system works.
Like anything else, you have to choose a company carefully. If your Mom is considering an ALF, they may have a company that they use and will do it for you at no charge (because it is in their best interests to do so.) If you are doing home care, I would still call reputable ALFs in your area and ask who they use.
The director at my Mom's ALF said that she thought she could do the paperwork on her own. It took her twice as long and she was turned down initially. I, too, tried calling the VA when my Mom first moved here and got absolutely nowhere.
In the meantime, gather all your records: the veteran's discharge papers, birth cert., death cert., marriage license, your Mom's birth cert., etc. They will ask for a recent bank statement that shows her monthly income. You will need all her medical records for the last 12 months. Each doc, rehab, and hospital has their own policy, so start right away - then follow up with phone calls if you do not receive the records in a week or so. Some charge - but will waive the fee if you have them sent to her current primary care doctor. You will also need an evaluation by her current physician...but this all has to be done in order and on certain forms. That is why it is nice having someone to help guide you.
The best advice I was given, was to document all the things your Mother needs on a daily basis. List all the care items she uses: oxygen, braces, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, lift chairs, bathroom modifications, or even if she takes your arm to get around. Include all care you provide as well as that of any paid caregivers. Add anything that effects ADLs. The VA seems to focus more on mobility.
Take a look at the VA form that the doctor needs to fill out and give the doctor as much information as you can because they do not see your Mom on a regular basis. List all her physical conditions, such as: PD, arthritis, heart issues, etc.
That's all I can think of for now...please ask if I left anything out.
i did all my mother's paperwork myself...and to my surprise she was approved in 35 days. you must ask for expedition in processing application due to veteran's age. this may help.
Again, get references for companies who do this from reputable sources. There are a lot of businessses out there who overcharge, just do this as a side line, and are not dedicated to VA applications solely.
Good luck...it is definitely worth your time and effort.
Thanks to everyone who commented.
See All Answers