Sam and his family were proud of his U. S. military service record. He had served faithfully up until his honorable discharge. As he grew older, he became frail. Sam seemed to need more assistance every year, until he finally became housebound. His veteran’s benefits supported him somewhat, but he and his loved ones learned of another benefit he could get: Aid & Attendance. The money Sam received each month went a long way toward helping him get the assistance he needed.
An Additional Benefit for Veterans with Special Needs
Veterans who meet the following requirements may be eligible for Aid & Attendance:
- Require the assistance of another person to handle daily activities like bathing, feeding, dressing, and so on.
- May be bedridden due to a disability or disabilities.
- May be a patient in a nursing home because of a mental or physical incapacity.
- Has very limited eyesight that meets certain requirements.
Aid & Attendance benefits are paid in addition to the eligible veteran’s pension benefits.
Changes in 2018
Beginning on December 1, 2017, veterans received a cost of living increase. In fact, it was the highest increase since 2012.
Aid & Attendance monthly benefit amounts increased to:
$2,903 for two married veterans
$2,169 for a veteran with a spouse
$1,830 for a single veteran
$1,176 for the surviving spouse of a veteran
The increase is only about 2%. However, any increase is important for people struggling to make ends meet.
The Veterans Care Financial Protection Act is another change that’s important for veterans who receive Aid & Attendance benefits. This law is designed to stop scam artists from targeting veterans’ benefits through the Aid & Attendance program. For example, unscrupulous individuals would charge veterans for helping them apply for benefits, despite the fact there’s no fee for applying. Others would fraudulently take control over a veteran’s assets, rendering them unable to use the assets. Sometimes their eligibility for programs like Medicaid would be destroyed by the scam artists’ actions.
The Veteran’s Administration is required to post warnings about ongoing scams on their website. In addition, the VA was directed to research other ways to protect vulnerable veterans.
Are You or a Loved One Eligible for Aid & Attendance?
The attorneys at Miller Estate and Elder Law assist clients with applying for benefits like Aid & Attendance at no cost to you.
For a free consultation with an experienced Alabama attorney, contact us at 256-251-2137 or use our convenient Contact Form. We have offices in Anniston and Birmingham and serve clients in Gadsden, Hoover, Talladega, Vestavia Hills, and surrounding areas.
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