What to Know About Aid and Attendance Benefits

The Veterans Administration offers Aid and Attendance benefits that are often highly misunderstood by those who have served and by their families. However, it’s important that seniors understand the details of what these benefits entail, as they can often make a major difference in that person’s life. These benefits help to cover the cost of caretaking for those who need help dressing, taking medication, eating, bathing, and attending to other necessary daily tasks. They are also useful for those who are in a nursing home, and assisted living care applies too. For this reason, all adult children should look into the kinds of benefits that their elderly parents might be able to enjoy. 

When it comes to care for seniors, it’s necessary to get a full grasp on the benefits for which they are eligible. One such benefit is the ability to receive money to help care for ailing seniors and their spouses. This is known as a “pension benefit,” and it isn’t just dependent upon service-related injuries, as many people falsely believe. A person who enjoys Aid and Attendance can use this money to help pay for a stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility, thus helping to relieve the financial burden on their family.

For those who care for elderly parents, it’s important to investigate these veterans’ benefits to see if they qualify for this useful assistance. Keep in mind that this help isn’t just for the person who has actually served. If their spouse is sick, your loved one can file as a veteran with a sick spouse in order to help offset the cost of their medical care. For many people, this can make a significant difference in their financial situation.

A veteran is eligible for up to $1,758 per month, while a surviving spouse can enjoy up to $1,130 a month. A veteran with a spouse can receive up to $2,085 per month, and a veteran with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,380.1 This financial compensation can play a major role in your senior’s ability to afford care and medical treatment. Family members of elderly parents should do some research in order to understand exactly the kinds of benefits that their senior or their spouse can enjoy. Don’t simply assume that they don’t qualify and miss out on the chance to receive highly useful financial assistance. 

1http://www.veteranaid.org/