Aging, ill veterans note the availability of VA benefit

If you are unable to perform some of the tasks required for daily living, Department of Veterans Affairs offers a generous pension program for veterans and their surviving spouse. This benefit provides significant support for those in need of ongoing care. It is called Aid and Attendance.

To qualify, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active service, one day of which was during a wartime period.

Benefits are also available to a surviving spouse who is 65 or older, or is permanently and totally disabled, and total family income is below annual limit set by law. Most medical or care expenses including nursing homes, assisted living, enhanced independent living  or home care will substantially reduce countable income if you qualify medically.

The maximum annual benefit for those who qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit is:

Surviving spouse of a veteran: $1,056 per month.

Veteran with no spouse or dependent children. $1,644 per month.

Married veteran who requires care $1,949 per month.

Healthy veteran but spouse requires care $1,291 per month.

To learn where to submit your application and the required documents needed call the VA at 1 (800) 827-1000. If you need help, the VA and many service organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide assistance and are willing to help.

A word of caution, it is illegal for anyone, including attorneys to charge for assistance with an initial claim for benefits.

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit process is extensive, but it is worth it, as $1,046 to $1,949 a month will go a long way towards providing your necessary care.