In the United States, veterans and their dependents are entitled to a number of benefits for the veteran’s service to the country. Most of these benefits are well known; however, a surprising number of potentially eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses are unaware of the benefits available through the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Special Pension. If you are a veteran, or the spouse of one, you may be entitled to monthly financial benefits through the Veterans Aid & Attendance Program.
At Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. we have a deep respect for those who have served our country and are committed to ensuring that you and your family receive all the benefits to which you are entitled for your service. Contact us today by calling (314) 966-8077 or by filling out our online contact form if you need assistance securing your Veteran’s Aid & Attendance benefits.
What Benefits Are Available?
The Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Special Pension program, commonly referred to as the Aid & Attendance, program provides a monthly benefit to eligible recipients that is intended to help recipients receive personal assistance with the tasks of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, driving, mobility, or other assistance. The assistance can be provided by friends, family members, of healthcare professionals.
For 2015, the Aid & Attendance pension can provide up to $1,789 per month to an unmarried veteran, $1,149 per month to a surviving spouse, or $2,120 per month for a veteran who is married. These benefits are paid to eligible recipients in addition to Social Security and regular pension benefits. Moreover, even if your income is above the congressionally-mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for monthly Aid & Attendance benefits if you have unreimbursed expenses for care, including nursing home expenses.
Who Qualifies for Benefits?
As is often the case, the application process for Aid & Attendance benefits can be lengthy and complex. Though additional eligibility criteria apply, an applicant (of the applicant’s deceased spouse) must first meet the following criteria to potentially be eligible for benefits:
- Served at least 90 days of active military service
- Served at least one day during a period of war (which includes Iraq and Afghanistan)
- Been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Getting Legal Help with St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits
The St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Aid and Attendance attorneys at Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. understand how frustrating it can be trying to qualify for government benefits of any kind. We can help you gather the required documentation and complete the required paperwork. We can help coordinate the Aid & Assistance application, guide you through potential Medicaid issues, and create or modify your existing estate plan to ensure a veteran receives all the benefits he or she has earned by service to our country. Contact the team today by calling (314) 966-8077 or by filling out our online contact form.
