Understanding Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Every American has a debt to veterans and their families. The government makes an effort to repay this debt, even though it can never be fully repaid. It provides veterans and their dependents a variety benefits. One of these benefits is often overlooked by veterans who may not be aware that it exists. Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits (VA&A), can help veterans or surviving spouses who are in need of care. To help ensure that you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits.

What Is the Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit?

Veterans who qualify for pension and who require assistance with activities of daily living may qualify for additional benefits through the Veterans Aid & Attendance (VA&A) program. VA&A benefits help those who require financial assistance for care in a nursing facility, assisted living facility, or at home. VA&A benefits may be used to pay for personal care services, medical costs, or even compensation to caregivers. Are I Eligible For Veterans Aid & Assistance Benefits?

To qualify for VA&A benefits, you must be eligible for pension benefits. You must also be eligible for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if you are a surviving partner. In addition, you (or your spouse) must meet the following requirements:

Service Requirements:

• As a veteran you must be at least 65 or officially disabled if younger, have been honorably discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and be considered a “wartime veteran” meaning you served at least 90 days and served at least 1 day during the wartime dates below, but not necessarily in combat:World War II: Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946
  • Korean War: Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
  • Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in Vietnam)
  • Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 – Undetermined
  • Health Requirements:
• The A&A benefit is intended for veterans or surviving spouses who need regular assistance with daily living activities. You may qualify if:You require the aid of another person to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment.
  • You are bedridden, in that your disability or disabilities requires that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment.
  • You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
  • Financial Requirements:
• Like the VA pension, VA&A benefits have income and asset limits. To qualify, the veteran or surviving spouse needs to meet these financial requirements. The VA will take into account your countable earnings, which include Social Security, retirement benefits, and other sources. However, unreimbursed health expenses can be deducted, potentially lowering a veteran’s income in order to meet the eligibility criteria. The net worth limit for Veterans Pension benefits will be $155,356 from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024. The income and asset limits for veterans and surviving partners applying for Veterans Aid and Attendance can be difficult to calculate and change annually. How do I apply for Veterans Aid & Assistance Benefits?If your spouse or veteran is a surviving spouse, you will need to complete VA Forms 21-2680, (Examination of Housebound Status, or Permanent Need for Regular Attendance), and VA Forms 21P-527EZ, (for veterans), or VA Forms 21-534EZ, (for surviving spouses). You can download these forms from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ website. For more information, join us at an upcoming FREE seminar. For more information about Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits, please contact the experienced Indianapolis estate planners at

Frank & Kraft

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(317)684-1100

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