Veterans' Aid and Attendance Special Pension

 The Veterans' Administration offers a Special Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown.  This Special Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits.  It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity.  Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones.  This is a "pension benefit" and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.  Most Veterans who are in need of assistance qualify for this pension.  Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.  A Veteran is eligible for up to $1,519 per month, while a surviving spouse is eligible for up to $976 per month.  A couple is eligible for up to $1,801 per month.

The best site I have found on the internet regarding this benefit is below.  Often it is this extra income that can make or break someones ability to live in assisted living or get the care they need.  This site is in plain english and explains the benefit and how to qualify and apply.  Also has many links to related sites.  Check it out if mom or dad is a veteran or a widow of a veteran.

www.VeteranAid.org