How long will it take to receive VA benefits after the forms are sent in?

It may be because if was both my mother and my deceased father had benefits available, so they do them faster? Not sure, but the person I worked for said 45 days, and it was. Just had to wait till the first of dec to get the deposit of $1700. Not a disability case.

Thanks, Daisy. I looked up the law firm you used and it says they only do VA disability cases - was your aid and attendance filing part of a disability case? I've never heard of it being approved in such a short time. I also used a specialized law firm and they're normal time frame is 6 months. I just wonder if there's another facet that makes your filing more urgent and thus responded to more quickly? Thanks.

the center for elder veterans rights in nashville.

Can you tell us what company you hired?

So glad that you were able to obtain the benefits. I am going to hang in there a little while. If it is rejected then I guess I will have to hire the experts.

Her VA benefits were deposited dec 1st! Very quick and I think the $700 I paid to have the papers done by experts really worked. Hope you are as lucky. I was really nervous after I saw the length of time vets were waiting, as hired a company that specializes.

I filed for VA benefits for my Mother in May 2012. I did all the paperwork myself with help from the website for VA benefits. I also sent them a letter asking to expedite the form because my Mother will be 90 in May. So far I have received 3 letters from them stating it is being processed. Good luck - from my research it takes about 12 -18 months.

Daisy - What kind of agency did you use to file? I used a lawyer and we filed in June. Nothing yet but 2 confirmations that they're processing the claim.Thanks for the information!

filed on 9/25/12. They had told me 45 days, I think it was less than that! . They will interview both of us in a year to confirm I am not trying to rip off my own mother, basically. If she is not doing her own bills [ a question on the va forms] someone must be signed up as a fiduciary.

Hi Daisy - Congratulations! How long did it take for you to get it? And what does a fiduciary mean?

Just an update-the agency I used to do my mom's va aid and attendance just sent me an email with an award letter to start in dec. Also a fiduciary form [they do not accept a POA ] I am very relieved after reading that it took some 12 months! The retroactive for the last 90 days will be paid after about a year, or after they interview for the fiduciary as ok'd by them.

Mamoogins - I think what we're all talking about is something entirely different. Veterans Aid and Attendance is specifically for care and is asset-based. It's not the same as retirement or disability. The link posted by kjhinshaw explains it.

Daisy, what type of forms did you send in? Perhaps if we had more information, we could better answer your question.
Suzanne

This is the honestly the first time that I've heard of a VA representative asking about your assets. As a matter of a fact, I find it rather odd all together!
My husband and I are retired military and he receives his retirement as well as disability. We are both receiving military retiree medical benefits, commissary benefits, etc. We started saving seperatly with our IRA's, mutual funds, life insurance, etc., etc. and this has absolutely nothing to do with how much receive from the VA. Our home has nothing to with anything either.
The only thing that I can think of is, if you are trying to qualify your mother for a VA retirement home or village, then assets can come into play.

abby33,
Check out the website link posted by kjhinshaw in this thread. It contains a lot of information about the Aid & Attendance Benefit and also answers your question.

I've been told by my local VA representative to begin the paperwork process when my mom's assets get $82,000. It is my understanding that I don't need to include her home in that amount. Is that correct? Also, if she only has her lifetime right on property via my father's estate, does the value of that land have to included in her assets?

The best thing that we managed was to contact our local VA office and have someone personally work with us, keeping an eye on everything. They are very knowledgeable and the best part, it's free!
If you have a computer, you can easily find your nearest VA office.
Best of Luck!
Suzanne

I've been trying for almost 18 months to get the benefits for my mom. It was denied several months ago because they say she has too much money. But, since the initial application, her funds have depleted alot since her rent at the assisted living is around $4100 a month, plus any other expenses. Her monthly income is around $1700. The case now has a "reopened" status, and they say at least 6 months for that. It's a long process, and they don't do much to help. It seems like every time you supply the forms and info they want, they come back and want someting else. I hope and pray for something soon because she'll be broke before long and I don't know what we'll do then. Also, once she passes we'll have another huge expense because we'll have to ship her body from Texas to California for burial. Good luck to any of you who are applying for this aid.

I filed for my MIL back in May of this year.....I spoke with the VA by phone today and was told it is taking between 15 and 18 months. They said there was a possibility that it could be less..however, not to expect it. They said they are over whelmed with applications and therefore it is taking longer. This time frame is if you filed with all the necessary documents and paperwork. Good luck!! Patience is all I can say at this point.......K

For my mom, it took almost 1 year to get the monthly benefits and then almost another year for the retro. Remember the benefits are retro from the day you applied. Good luck.

I sent in the application for my 92 year old MIL last January, and it was received by the VA with a January 9 date. There were a couple of things that they still needed, so over the next few months, we exchanged a few letters, and her benefits began September 1, so almost 8 months after sumitting application. She still has back pay, from January through July, due her, and I have no idea when to expect that. We tried to call the VA a couple of weeks ago but couldn't get through to someone, so decided to just wait for another few weeks and if we still have not heard anything about the back pay, we'll pursue it again.

Veterans always receive the benefits the quickest. Spouses who are widowed and apply usually take longer. My Aunt's took over 12 months to get a denial. My other Aunt who is 92 applied in April of 2012 and we just keep getting the letter that it is being processed. I was told the average for spouses was about 12 months, and that the Veteran themselves were usually about 4 to 8 months. The attorney that we hired was certified in Veteran's Aid. He offers a refund if it does not go through so I would think he would be right about the general time it takes.

My Father was a WWII vet and two years ago when we applied it took 8 months and they mailed all that he was due in one check....the seven months in arrears plus the first monthly check. I recently spoke with a friend who had filed in Feb.2011 for her StepDad with a similar service record and in sept.2012 he received his first check of 1700.00 plus but there was no mention of the money due in arrears. I suggested she contact her Congressman and they have sent a Congressional Letter of Inquiry to the VA. I wish you success in obtaining his Aid & Attendant care money in a reasonable period of time. I would probably have your Congressman do an inquiry if it has been longer than 9 months.

I am trying to apply for VA Disability for my disabled Vietnam Veteran husband and I received a denial letter within 6 mos. The initial application can take up to one year before you hear from the VA office. There is a huge backlog of files and applications. I have appealed the case and have filed once again. Be patient and wait. Remember, you are dealing with the government. If you call them and they pull the file to review things with you, the file goes to the bottom of the pile and you start the wait all over again.

What all do I need to apply for my mom?

I assume you are asking about the Aid & Attendance Benefit for survivors of veterans who served during war time. The elder care attorney that I used to prepare & submit the various documents told me that it would take at least 8 months. I also have received 2 letters from the VA indicating that the application is being processed. The last letter was dated May 31, 2012.

Several weeks ago I talked to a staff member of my congressman. She told me that the VA has been over whelmed with applications and a more realistic approval time is around 18 months if all of the submitted documents are complete & the VA does not have any questions.

I was told it would take 6 months or so. We filed in June and have received 2 letters saying the application is still be processed. Nothing beyond that yet.