Question about Veterans Spousal benefits through Aid and Attendance. How does it work?

Callnon-profit - "Patriot Angels".....they helped me apply for VA Aid & Attendance for my 91 yr old dad & mom in 2018.
I was "overwhelmed" caring daily for both my parents; was blessed when I was referred to "Patriot Angels" (844-757-3047 / www.patriotangels.com) - I honestly could not have done it alone. P.Angels answered ALL my questions; when other organiza-
tions could not. NOTE: I had to Re-apply for Spousal Aid & Attendance for my mom after my dad died Nov 2018 (sadly; my parents only collected for 4 mos) Mom/I are still waiting for VA approval....over 6 mos now.
Make sure VA claim is submitted with "expedited" status for any applicant over 85 yrs old.
Good Luck!

I hired a local lawyer specializing in VA benefits. Paid him $195 and had the benefit for my Mom in two months time. Fixed rate for the spouse of the Vet at $1209 a month and it certainly helped out tremendously.

I just had a Field Agent from the VA visit and go through our financials. It was actually easy and pleasant and the VA Agent was very helpful. I now am the appointed Fiduciary for my husband. Nothing else changed, I just take care of his/our bills. The paperwork specifically states that the money from the VA needs to be spend on living and expenses and not saved for an inheritance.
It took over 9 months to go through all the hoops needed to be done.

My FIL was on Aid and Attendance and after he died my MIL applied but I do not think she qualifies yet. We have found that the best way to start this process is to call the VA and use THEIR PEOPLE to go ask questions and apply for the benefits. There are people out there who want to be paid to help you through this process. Do not use them! Call the VA and talk to their representstives. Some senators and congressmen will also help you through their office so you can call them, also.

Many counties, or combined rural counties, have county VA offices that assist with benefit counseling and preparation, free.

This website appears to provide a good overview of the process and the papers/copies you should get together: https://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php

I really relate to the feeling that it's hopeless. But it isn't. I found it helpful to contact a county office for local support first. Many of them have prepared checklists and can also recommend other programs (such as VA Home and Community Based Services that can more quickly step in to provide part-time home care).

I really feel your panic and anxiety, but reaching out and taking one day, one hour, one step at a time is the ladder to cling to. Once you have made contact with a legitimate, non-profit Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-supported/certified office, you will start to feel sane and supported.

I don't want to add to being overwhelmed, but the VA also has a lot of information to digest at:
https://benefits.va.gov/PENSION/aid_attendance_housebound.asp and
https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/

I know for a fact that in the state of Pa we have a program called
“ VET ASSIST” it’s out there to help you get a caregiver set up to be brought in to your home to help you. In some cases you can be the paid caregiver if this is what you wanted. You would have contact this program if they have it find a homecare agency that would allow you to become the caregiver and go from here. The organization will walk you through everything. They are wonderful people to work with. They do ask about income and will need copies of all the military paper work. You also probably can get Medicade for your loved one. If you go through the state they will come in and talk to you and your loved one. They will access the situation and assign your family members hours then you will be able to use the hours ( for a caregiver)once you get approved for them. The state should recommend a homecare agency to you. This will help you get some respite time you need for yourself. Either way you go they are going to ask financial information. The Vet Assist program is very helpful in getting the process started. They are like a middle man per say. If you would go this route be prepared to have someone come into your home as well. Both ways they need to be able to access the situation and talk about the needs at hand.
The Vet Assist program will help you find a good homecare agency as well. Like I said they play middle man and get things moving faster. One thing though if you’re POA you will not be able to be a paid caregiver for your mom unless transfer it to someone else. I just wanted to let you know that.
Good luck to you!

I went through county VA commission. They were very helpful.

Your mother should qualify for Community Medicaid which would pay for IN HOME Aides, etc....if she is truly housebound and sick to the point of needing 24/7 care - they evaluate after she is approved (ie from a financial perspective) and then determine house...if you go to many health aide agencies for seniors, they fill out the paperwork for you...In terms of Aide and Attendance - I think its the most confusing program the VA has...ie my dad was 100% disabled and was getting a disability VA pension but was always rejected for Aide and Attendance......it wasn't clear why!

I applied for the Aid and Attendance benefit for my mother & although it's a bit complicated in that you need to have specific information regarding her husband's military service, If you don't have that information, then you must obtain it because it is required in order to complete the application. I did not go through a 3rd party to do this. I did it myself because (Thank God) all the information was in Mom's safety deposit box. You can go to www.veteranaid.org/apply.php where you can access VA Form 21-0966, which will get the claim in the system prior to completing the application form. This site has all the information you need. It tells you what documents you need to have to complete the application as well as provides you with access to the forms you need.

If you intend to mail in this information, PLEASE SENT IT CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT so you have proof you actually mailed the application & all the documentation. KEEP A COPY OF WHAT YOU MAILED IN.

This site provides the mailing address you will need to mail the completed application & supporting documents. There's more than one address; so, make sure to use the correct one - it is dependent upon which state your mother resides.

If you are having trouble understanding any portion of the application procedure, it's possible your local VA Representative can help you. However, since at least in Indiana they are political appointees, they may not be aware of the process. Sometimes your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans groups may have someone who can. If not, contact your state's main office of these organizations & they will have a list of members who can help you.

You will have to fill out a VA form & obtain the required signatures in order to be able to do this for your mother.

There also may be a fax number the paperwork can be faxed to - make certain you can get delivery confirmation; however, I strongly advise mailing hard copies as well - CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT - & be sure to following up every weeks by calling the center to which everything was sent.

When I did this for my mother, I included a cover letter in which I listed everything I sent in as well as the application & made sure everything was in the order I listed it.

Good luck.

I tried to get this for my late mother many times and got a "No." My dad was a vet, serving in war time, but did not die in the line of duty. He died at age 50 of cardiac arrest. My mother took the "death benefit payout" when he died because she had no money to pay for his funeral, etc. I was told by the VA that #1 because he did not die in the line of duty and #2 because she had already taken the death benefit payout - were the reasons why. She really could have used it as she had SS income of $1,223/month, but it's a moot point now.