Elder Resource Benefits Consulting

Should I file For the VA's Aid and Attendance if it looks like I don't meet the financial criteria? YES!
Why?

a) Letting the VA tell you NO, in writing after you make the filing is the only way to know if you qualify or not. And the only way you can really plan for the future.

b) If you are medically rated at the Aid and Attendance, you are placed in Priority Group 4. A Priority Group Rating of 4 can result in much easier acceptance into the VA Health Care system, priority rating in nursing home placement etc.

c) You are in the VA system you've done the heavy lifting. If you are medically rated Aid and Attendance but denied for Net Worth purposes, you need to keep an eye on your net worth.

When your net worth figure is low enough, notify the VA and those checks should not take nearly as long to arrive.

I called the VA 800 number and they said: "A&A is only for nursing home residents ... You need to be a combat veteran for A&A...your father was only stationed in Guam ... You can't get help to pay for an assisted living ..." Say thank you and hang up. This pension exists and if you meet the service requirement and physical requirements, it is not a definite NO, it is an "if and when". It's up to you to pay attention to your changing financial status and notify the VA when you meet the criteria.

What are the On-Going Requirements?
You are obligated to inform the VA of any changes to your income, assets or monthly unreimbursed medical expenses so they can determine if you are still eligible for the pension. Did you receive funds from the sale of your home or inheritance? You may now be over asset. Did you move from an assisted living in one state to a less expensive one in another state? You need to notify the VA.

Remember avoid even the appearance of impropriety. The VA will come after you for funds you received when you were not within the program guidelines.

Annual Requirement - the Eligibility Verification Report At the beginning of every year you will receive the eligibility verification report (EVR). This and any request needs to be filled out ON TIME. The EVR requires you to verify the income and qualified expenses from the previous year. It also allows you to make any adjustments for the coming year. In order for an expense to be counted, you must PAY for it. Overdue invoices from your assisted living or service provider will result in a reduction of your pension, so make sure you pay for your expenses within the year you want to claim them.

Are there other benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses? Yes there are. Follow this link to the VA's Handbook Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents .