If my aunt is already receiving a spousal VA death benefit, why does she have to provide all the forms to get the Aid & Attendance Benefit?

I fear you will have to go to the VA for that information.
I am sure you can google it on the computer & get all the information you need.
The VA is SLOW at almost everything.
God's SPEED.....

Not everyone qualifies for all VA programs. Check with the VA to see if you need to file for both or even if you can. I know it's a pain but it's the only way that I know of to be sure.
Take care,
Carol

If you are referring to VA Improved Pension benefits understand that there are actually three "levels" of Pension benefit. Starting with the lowest benefit they are:
1. Basic Pension
2. Housebound
3. Aid and Attendance.
An award is issued as "Improved Pension (Basic) with Housebound" or "Improved Pension (Basic) with Aid and Attendance).
It may be she is receiving one of the lower benefit levels which does not require the same evidence that the Aid and Attendance level does.

Another advantage to Aid and Attendance is that it is not calculated the same as pension for Medicaid programs. The total amount is divided into pension and the Aid part. So if a person needs Medicaid at some point the $ counted as Aid do not count as income for Medicaid. With Spousal benefits the programs pay much differently than for the Veteran. See your local VA Service Office and discuss the pros and cons.
Good Luck

Long story short- I'm a disabled vet as is my husband. I'm a full time caregiver for my vet dad. Person at the VA told us he was NOT eligible for benefits.....that person was wrong. Now trying to get them for him but found that the state (Alabama) has FREE TRAINED help for vets thru their Alabama State Dept of Veterans Affairs. What a Godsend they are. Look for one of these in your state!

Forgot to say the State reps do all th paperwotk! FREE!

Awesome answers, folks! Very helpful information!Thank you so much, everyone

Danabear, I will definitely go that route! 😊

My late husband was in the military for 20 years ,He retired from the military , When i am old and need assisted living will i be able to get some help to pay for assisted living housing and still receive DIC from the goverment?

Silverstallion....
As you may know there are two survivor cash benefit programs: Service connected DIC (aka "compensation") and non-service connected Improved Pension. Both have a basic benefit and a higher Aid and Attendance benefit. You may apply for both but you cannot receive both simultaneously. The claimant has the choice of the higher benefit.
If you qualified for both this year, you would be better off with DIC as it would provide a higher award (plus other possible benefits not available with Pension).

You have to submit a completely new claim each time you request funds from a different program. Aid & Attendance is based on income so if you are still working most people dont qualify.

the state VA in Alabama will now want you to file an Intent to File form first, which is probably not a bad idea, to establish your claim while you gather all the paperwork

Thanks debdaughter and yyevettewade! We've filed the Intent To File form. My aunt is 87 years old -so she is not working. Sounds like she will qualify. Income is only $1100 per month. Great info. Thanks for the support!😊

did you go through the state VA?

Yes. In GA. I submitted the form in person and it was officially stamped.

somehow was thinking you were over here in AL; so now what?

Now, I will get a VA Service Officer here to help with the A&A application. I understand that the process can be very daunting if you try going it alone!

yes, it can be, so that wasn't started when you submitted/filed the Intent to File form?

No. As I understood, filing the form is the first step to ensure reimbursement for months it will take to be granted the benefit.

right, but when you did, did they not then start helping you with the A&A application?

I did not make an appointment to submit the form because my only intent was to date stamp and submit the form. I did not know at that time that VA would help me with the other boat-load of forms!

so did you not even actually submit that form then?

Yes, with no problems or long wait! Thank you for the valuable info and advice!

ok, you've submitted the intent to file form but you did it yourself, not through the local VA?

Right. It's a simple one-page form: VA FORM 21-0966

yes, I knew that but so where and when are you going now?

Ok. It'll be some time between now and April 2016. Have you filed an A&A claim?

When seeking a Veterans Pension or any other benefits from the VA it is always best to read and learn as much as possible before calling the VA. I recommend a third party when trying to qualify for Aid and Attendance.
The VA offers so many benefits for everyone from newly discharged soldiers to long time veterans who have never used the VA for benefits. You will rarely get someone on the phone from the VA who knows all of the benefits available and will likely give up if they are the only person you talk to.

sdavis, what are you saying will be some time between now and April; this is only September, no way should it take till April; have you actually already filed the claim or just the intent to file?

SeniorAdvisor: Does a VA Service Officer qualify as a third party advisor?