The VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is a tax-free pension benefit that provides financial assistance to veterans and their surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities due to a disabling medical condition. The benefit can be used to cover the cost of in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, there are specific eligibility requirements that must be met. In this answer, we will discuss the eligibility requirements in detail.
Military Service Requirements:
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, the applicant must have served at least 90 days of active military service, with at least one of those days being during a period of war. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the following wartime periods:
World War II: December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975
Gulf War: August 2, 1990, to a date to be determined by the government.
Medical Eligibility:
To qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, the applicant must have a medical condition that requires assistance with daily living activities. This can include assistance with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other essential activities. The medical condition must also require the applicant to receive regular assistance from another person or to reside in a care facility.
Financial Eligibility:
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, the applicant must meet certain financial eligibility requirements. The VA considers both the applicant’s income and assets when determining eligibility. The VA takes into account the applicant’s income from all sources, including Social Security, pension income, and investment income. The VA also considers the applicant’s assets, including bank accounts, investments, and property.
Age and Disability:
The applicant must be at least 65 years old or have a permanent and total disability to be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. The VA defines a permanent and total disability as a condition that makes it impossible for the applicant to work and earn a living.
Dependency and Need:
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, the applicant must demonstrate a certain level of dependency and need. This can include a physical or mental disability that requires regular assistance from another person or a condition that requires the applicant to reside in a care facility.
In summary, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a tax-free pension benefit that provides financial assistance to veterans and their surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities due to a disabling medical condition. To be eligible for the benefit, the applicant must have served at least 90 days of active military service, with at least one of those days being during a period of war, have a medical condition that requires assistance with daily living activities, meet certain financial eligibility requirements, be at least 65 years old or have a permanent and total disability, and demonstrate a certain level of dependency and need. If you meet these eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover the cost of in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.
