VA Aid and Attendance — Based on Health of Veteran or Spouse?


VA Aid & Attendance — Based on Health of Veteran or Spouse?

VA Aid and Attendance -- Based on Health of Veteran or Spouse?This is a common question that comes up.

“Whose health do we look at when determining if a veteran or surviving spouse qualifies for the VA Aid & Attendance (Pension)?”

If the veteran is alive, then we look to the health of the veteran to determine whether the veteran qualifies for merely the “base pension” which normally does not help the veteran.

Or does the health challenges of the veteran fit the requirements of “housebound” or needing “aid & attendance?”

If so, this benefit can provide a benefit of over $2000 a month and nearly $25,000 a year tax free.

If the veteran has passed away and the surviving spouse has not remarried, then the surviving spouse can qualify if the veteran met the military requirements (90 days active duty, war time veteran, and honorable discharge).

To determine if the surviving spouse can qualify for housebound or aid and attendance ratings, we look to the health of the surviving spouse.

In summary:

  • Military requirements — always look to veteran
  • Health/disability requirements — look to veteran if alive or surviving spouse if veteran has died
  • Financial requirements — look at household income and assets.

Sometimes this can be confusing but always remember we look at the health of the one who is to receive the benefits.

Contact Us.

If you would like to talk to us about this, give us a call at 205-879-2447.

We will be glad to set up a phone call or meeting with you.

Or you can always contact us through our website if you’d prefer.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!

-John G. Watts

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