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?

just wanted to make sure - seems by the time that form came out, now having a hard time getting hub's aunt and uncle to sign anything - didn't really know could have just written up or signed anything before but actually really thought we'd be able to pull the fully developed claim together at the time and might have been able to if my dad hadn't passed away right then - feel so bad about that - are you waiting for all the paperwork that comes in at the end/first of the year?

Yes, she signed it.

you had your aunt sign that form, didn't you?

Thank you, Debdaughter! Good information.

sdavis, while you're waiting on the senioradvisor, let me just say the VA Service Officer for my dad said he did not know you could get the Aid & Attendance to pay a caregiver to stay in your home; he thought it was only for going into assisted living, at least that's what he said at first; however, since his office was in the local VA medical clinic, the next year when he saw his grandson bring him in and realized he needed help, think he said he'd gotten more training or found out more about it but he ended up having a caregiver affidavit form for grandson to fill out, so obviously he'd learned you could get it for that

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

so did you not even actually submit that form then?

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

did you go through the state VA?

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!😊

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

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.

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).

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?

Danabear, I will definitely go that route! 😊

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

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