VETERANS PENSION BENEFITS
RULES FOR AID AND ATTENDANCE QUALIFICATION

When looking for Senior Long term Care for your Veterans, it is very difficult to figure out what exactly are their benefits. Long-term care for Veterans in the Orlando area works the same as it does every where else, but there are always a good amount of Veteran retirees in Orlando so this information is always good to have on hand. Finding out what kind of care is available can be a small battle in itself so below is a very general breakdown of some of the Rules for Aid and Attendance Qualifications, documents needed to apply, and some of the benefits for 2012.
RULES FOR AID AND ATTENDANCE QUALIFICATION
The War Veteran – Must have served 90 consecutive days on active military duty with one day during a war period. Must have received a better than dishonorable discharge.
The Surviving Spouse- Must not have divorced the Veteran or remarried after the Veteran’s death.
The Claimant (Veteran or Surviving Spouse)- Must be certified by a doctor as needing assistance with daily living activities.
The Household- Must meet the VA Allowabel Countable Assets threshold. The Adjusted Household Income (gross household income lss unreimbursed recurring medical expenses) must be less than the Benefit.
With proper planning, a Veteran or Surviving Spouse can qualify for Aid and Attendance. This benefit will help pay for medical care and postpone the depletion of assets. If you know a war veteran who meets the service requirements or a surviving spouse of a war veteran, then tell them about Aid and Attendance.
Documents Need to Apply
Discharge/Separation papers (DD-214)
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate
Death Certificate
Copy of Social Security award letter
Proof of assets including bank accounts, CDs, trusts, stocks, bonds, annuities, and more
Proof of income from pensions, retirement, income from investments, annuities, and more
Proof of unreimbursed medical expenses, insurance premiums, other care
Physician statement including current diagnosis, medical status, prognosis and more
Recommended Important Documents
Life Planning
Durable Power of Attorney
Designation of Health Care Surrogate
Living Will
Gifting
Asset Protection
Last Will and Testament
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
Probate Avoidance
Estate Tax Planning
WAR PERIODS FOR NON-SERVICE CONNECTED PENSIONS
World War I-
04-06-1917 through 11-11-1918, Inclusive (If in Russia, Ending Date is 04-01-1920)
World War II
12-07-1941 through 12-31-1946, Inclusive (If in Service on 12-31-1946 with Continuous Service Before 07-26-1947 then Time is an Acceptable War Period) Merchant Marines 12-07-1941 through 08-15-1945
Korean War
06-27-1950 through 01-31-1955, Inclusive
Vietnam War (note two periods)
02-28-1961 through 05-07-1975, Inclusive for Veterans Who Served in Vietnam
08-06-1964 through 05-07-1975, Inclusive for all Others
Persian Gulf War
08-02-1990 through date to be determined
(War on Terrorism is Considered a Continuation of the Persian Gulf War)
2012 Maximum Benefit
Monthly Monthly Difference Annual Annual Difference
Veteran with One Dependent
Basic Improved Pension $1,337 $16,050
Housebound $1,564 $227 $18,772 $2,722
Aid and Attendence $2,019 $455 $24,238 $5,466
Single Veteran
Basic Improved Pension $1,1021 $12,255
Housebound $1,248 $227 $14,977 $2,722
Aid and Attendance $1,703 $455 $20,446 $5,469
Surviving Spouse of Veteran
Basic Improved Pension $684 $8,218
Housebound $837 $153 $10,045 $1,827
Aid and Attendance $1,094 $257 $13,137 $3,092