I just learned about Aid and Assistance for Veterans. Program from VA to help veterans (and maybe spouse). Check with VA coordinator for your county. There are eligibility guidelines that have to be met.
SCAdvive, such great information! I filled out all of the forms for AIDE & ATTENDANCE for my FIL last year, and provided all of the documents you described, and turned them in on what was called a (FDC) FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIM, which when done properly and Completely, was able to fast track his claim through the VA in only 3 weeks time, I had also sent in an INTENT TO FILE letter, so that the VA would back pay him to that date, and they did, about 2 months worth of monies. He was allowed the maximum, which was over 1700 dollars, that went a long way towards paying for his Assisted Living costs per month, which along with his usual monthly income, he didn't have to take money out of his savings, and he actually had a couple of hundred dollars left over to save monthly. Was he ever tickled to receive something from the VA, after serving twice, his original enlistment, and then being called back in during the Korean War. He was deserving indeed!
The monies continued through onto his death, even while he returned to our home on Hospice the final 9 weeks of his life. I wished we had started the process much earlier, but we were deterred, thinking he wouldn't have qualified while he lived in our home, only to find out that this was probably not true, as he could have received benefits, possibly at a lesser amount, but that he would also have been privy to many other VA benefits that we were unaware of.
A & A is a much misunderstood and under-utilized benefit available to many Veterans out there, it's a shame that they don't advertise this more, though I don't know how. Maybe through the AARP magazine that so many seniors receive, or through television commercials. Don't be discouraged, even if you are denied the first attempt, as All you can do is try!
GranJan, Not the same as assisted care. You can have some assets, but you need to understand ALL the rules. This site is helpful in that respect for the information given. However, I’m not recommending using them for any services. Just read the info.
You can contact the VA or a local Veterans Commission Office. Either will help at NO charge. There are people that will help file paperwork but they my charge. If you can not locate a Veterans Commission Office stop in at a Recruiting Center or the local VFW and see if anyone there can give you numbers to call.
I'm sorry to learn of your family's struggle right here at the holiday season. Please be aware that if you file for non-service connected pension plus Aid & Attendance that if your mom should pass prior to adjudication, the VA will pay -0- dollars to the claimant (mom). There will be no retro-pay forthcoming either. The VA will close the claim. If hospice is being covered by medicare this will not be an expense you can count for filing purposes. Aid and attendance is NOT a stand alone program. It is a special monthly benefit which can be added to service connected compensation or basic pension.
DigitalBanker, the whole family "serves" when a member is in service. The whole family learns new ways of support and coping, especially the wife and children, and especially if the serving member is injured or is KIA.
SCAdvice could elaborate on this more eloquently than I. All of my family who served came home, and for thank I'm thankful.
If she qualifies financially for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the VA will help. The process is lengthy and if she’s already in hospice, she may not live long enough to see any VA assistance. My sister started trying to get help for her husband who was placed on Home hospice in March from the VA. He died in October without any assistance from them. But it’s worth a try. My FIL and MIL received help for the last year of his life and my MIL is getting help now. With the money she gets, she able to stay in her home. We were blessed as we found a caregiver who needed a home and we pay her a flat rate plus room and board. She’s our angel!! They’re hard to find. Good luck!! VA info can be found on line. Merry Christmas 🎄
Your mother could be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendant care benefit. This benefit is only available to veterans or their widowed spouse IF THE VETERAN SERVED DURING WAR TIME. The veteran is not required to have been in combat. He could have been a file clerk in Florida, as long as it was during war time. You will be required to provide your dad’s DD214/discharge papers and the discharge can be any reason OTHER THAN DISHONORABLE . Best of luck! It can be a long process. (I worked in an elder law office educating potential clients on state benefits and the Aid and attendant care benefit)
It's a moot point now since my mother has passed on, but I do wonder if the VA gave me the wrong answer. She could have really used A & A since she barely eked out a living.
The monies continued through onto his death, even while he returned to our home on Hospice the final 9 weeks of his life. I wished we had started the process much earlier, but we were deterred, thinking he wouldn't have qualified while he lived in our home, only to find out that this was probably not true, as he could have received benefits, possibly at a lesser amount, but that he would also have been privy to many other VA benefits that we were unaware of.
A & A is a much misunderstood and under-utilized benefit available to many Veterans out there, it's a shame that they don't advertise this more, though I don't know how. Maybe through the AARP magazine that so many seniors receive, or through television commercials. Don't be discouraged, even if you are denied the first attempt, as All you can do is try!
payingforseniorcare.com/longtermcare/resources/veterans_pension
If you still need help understanding the rules that apply in your case call the veterans affairs office I referred to in my first post.
Grandma1954, My understanding is… according to federal law, you cannot be charged for help in filing for "veterans surviving spouse assistance".
Digitalbanker, As a vet I totally disagree with your comment. Have you served or put your life at risk for your country?
If you can not locate a Veterans Commission Office stop in at a Recruiting Center or the local VFW and see if anyone there can give you numbers to call.
SCAdvice could elaborate on this more eloquently than I. All of my family who served came home, and for thank I'm thankful.
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