The Long-Term Care Benefit that Many Veterans Fail to Use

Many individuals and their families are unaware of the full range of benefits that may be available for veterans. One good example of an underutilized benefits program is Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit (A&A benefit). In fact, individuals apply for only about five percent of the available benefits under this program each year. A&A benefits provide eligible veterans or their spouses with tax-free monthly payments that can be used toward in-home care, assisted living community care, or room and board at a skllled nursing home.

In order to be eligible for A&A benefits, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military duty, with at least one of those days occurring during one of the specified wars. The veteran must have had an honorable discharge. The veteran and/or spouse must have assets of less than $80,000, not including a house and car. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) considers countable income, such as monthly pension and Social Security benefits, less the costs of long-term care. Additionally, the veteran or spouse must be in need of assistance with an activity of daily living, such as eating, bathing, or dressing, or otherwise need care that rises at least to the level of assisted living.

It typically takes six to eight months to be approved for A&A benefits, but some applicants may wait a year or more. However, once an applicant is approved, the benefits apply retroactively. These benefits are not just available for veterans in need of care or their surviving spouses who need care. Rather, benefits also may be available for veterans who do not need care and still live independently, but who have a spouse in need of home health care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. 

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of a caretaker, whether in a home health care setting, nursing home, or other healthcare facility, you may have a valid personal injury claim. This type of situation makes it essential to contact an experienced Wisconsin neglect and abuse attorney in order to protect your rights and obtain the financial relief that you deserve. Certain individuals have an obligation under the law to report suspected abuse or neglect of an elderly individual in nursing homes or other residential facilities. Those who fail to do so must face the consequences of their actions. Hold negligent Wisconsin care providers responsible for their actions. Contact Boller & Vaughan today and learn how we can help you.