How a Surviving Spouse Can Get Veteran Aid and Attendance Benefits

Losing a loved one who served in the military can be a difficult experience. For surviving spouses of veterans, there are various benefits designed to provide financial assistance and support during this challenging time. One of the most beneficial programs available is the Aid and Attendance Benefit (A&A), which is part of the VA Pension program.

Aid and Attendance is a special monthly pension that can help surviving spouses with the cost of long-term care if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Here’s a guide on how surviving spouses can access this benefit:

What is Aid and Attendance?

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is designed to assist veterans and their surviving spouses who require help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. It’s intended to help pay for care services such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

This benefit can be added to the basic VA pension, which is a need-based financial aid program for low-income veterans and their families. The amount of the benefit varies depending on the applicant’s financial situation, care needs, and other factors, but it can significantly help with the cost of long-term care.

Eligibility Requirements for Surviving Spouses

To qualify for Aid and Attendance as a surviving spouse, the applicant must meet the following general requirements:

1. Veteran’s Service: The deceased spouse must have been a veteran who served on active duty for at least one day during a period of war. The specific periods of war recognized by the VA include:

   • World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946

   • Korean War: June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955

   • Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975

   • Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, to present

     
     

   The veteran must also have been honorably discharged.

   
   

2. Marital Status: The applicant must be the surviving spouse of a qualified veteran. This includes those who were married to the veteran at the time of their death or, in some cases, were married for at least one year prior to the veteran’s passing.

   
   

3. Care Needs: The surviving spouse must require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes help with bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, or managing medications. Alternatively, a surviving spouse may also qualify if they are bedridden or if they live in a nursing home due to a disability.

   
   

4. Income and Net Worth: Like most VA benefits, there are financial eligibility criteria. The surviving spouse must have limited income and net worth. While the VA does not set a specific income limit, it does evaluate the applicant’s financial situation, including their household income, assets, and medical expenses. The surviving spouse must have income below a certain threshold, and their net worth (including savings, real estate, etc.) should be under a set limit. These limits may change annually, so it’s important to check current guidelines on the VA website or with a VA representative.

   
   

How to Apply for Aid and Attendance Benefits

The process to apply for Aid and Attendance benefits as a surviving spouse can seem daunting, but it is a step-by-step process that ensures veterans and their families get the support they deserve.

Veteran Care Companions can check to confirm your eligibility and help you apply for for the Veteran Aid & Attendance pension. Also, in most cases, we can begin providing care services immediately, even before your application is approved. For more information, contact our agency at (317) 296-3854.

Here are the key steps:

1. Gather Required Documentation

Before applying, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents, including:

• Veteran’s service records (DD214 or other document proving the veteran’s service).

• Marriage certificate (to prove your relationship to the veteran).

• Veteran’s death certificate (to verify that the veteran is deceased).

• Proof of income and net worth (such as tax returns, bank statements, & asset info)

• Medical records (showing the need for assistance with daily living activities).

• Proof of care expenses (if you are receiving in-home care or residing in an assisted living facility or nursing home).

  
  

2. Fill Out VA Form 21P-534EZ

The application for Surviving Spouse Pension with Aid and Attendance is typically submitted using VA Form 21P-534EZ. This form is for survivors of veterans applying for VA pension benefits, including the Aid and Attendance benefit.

The form asks for personal information, income details, and medical expenses. You will also need to provide information about the deceased veteran’s service and military history.

3. Submit the Application

The completed form can be submitted to the VA in a few ways:

• Online: Through the VA’s e-Benefits website.

• Mail: Send your completed application to the appropriate VA Pension Management Center (PMC). Addresses can be found on the VA website.

• In Person: You can also submit the application at a local VA regional office.

It’s also helpful to request assistance from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), who can guide you through the process, help with paperwork, and answer any questions you might have.

4. Wait for VA Decision

After you submit the application, the VA will review your application, the supporting documents, and your eligibility. The review process can take several months, so it’s important to be patient.

If the VA approves your application, you will start receiving the Aid and Attendance benefit. If the application is denied, you will receive an explanation, and you may appeal the decision or provide additional information if needed.

How Much Aid and Attendance Will a Surviving Spouse Receive?

The amount of the Aid and Attendance benefit depends on several factors, including income, net worth, and the level of care needed. The VA sets a monthly pension limit, which is the maximum amount a surviving spouse can receive. The benefit amount is meant to help with the cost of long-term care, such as assisted living, nursing home care, or in-home care.

The VA updates these limits annually, so the exact amount a surviving spouse will receive can vary. In some cases, if the surviving spouse’s income is lower than the monthly pension limit, the VA will provide a benefit equal to the difference.

Additional Resources for Surviving Spouses

Surviving spouses who need help navigating the application process or who want more information about available benefits should reach out to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). These professionals are trained to assist veterans and their families in accessing the benefits they are entitled to, including Aid and Attendance. You can locate a VSO through local VA offices or by searching the VA website.

Final Thoughts

The Aid and Attendance benefit can be a lifesaver for surviving spouses of veterans, offering crucial financial support when it’s needed most. If you’re a surviving spouse of a veteran who needs assistance with daily living, this benefit can help cover some of the costs associated with long-term care.

By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and completing the application process, you can gain access to this valuable benefit that can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. Be sure to reach out to your local VA office or a VSO for assistance and support throughout the process.