Senior living can be a significant cost for older adults. Fortunately, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help eligible wartime Veterans or their surviving spouses.
Read on to learn more about the benefits, determine if you are eligible, and how to apply.
What is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit?
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit was established in the 1950s to help wartime Veterans or their surviving spouses pay for senior living care, including independent or assisted living, home health care, adult day services, and skilled nursing care. Eligible individuals receive monthly payments in addition to their monthly VA pension.
Who is eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit?
There are three requirements for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. You must meet all three criteria to be eligible:
1. Military service – You must have served on active duty at least one day during a period of war, with at least 90 days in total. A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you for the benefit. If you are the surviving spouse of a Veteran, they must have met the above criteria at the time of their death.
Periods of war are defined as:
- World War I: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975 (if you served in Vietnam)
- August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (no matter where you served)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation of law (minimum active-duty requirement is two years or period for which you were called up active)
2. Medical requirement – A medical rating is determined by the Veteran’s medical situation if living, or that of their surviving spouse. The individual must meet one of the following medical requirements:
- You need another person to assist you with daily activities, including bathing, feeding, and dressing.
- You have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed due to illness.
- You are a patient in long-term care due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
- Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses, you have only a 5/200 or less in both eyes or concentric contraction of the visual field to five degrees or less).
3. Financial requirement – The financial requirement has two parts: income and assets.
- The household income of the Veteran or surviving spouse must be less than the pension to which you are applying. You can deduct your medical insurance premiums, including Medicare, and the cost of home care and independent or assisted living fees.
- The amount of assets you can have equals the Maximum Federal Community Spouse Resource Allowance defined by Medicaid. Assets exclude your primary home, family transportation, and your personal possessions.
Get tips on paying for a move to senior living >>
How do I apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit?
You can apply for the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit by mail, online, or in person.
- Mail – Send a completed form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) that serves your state. Find your PMC at this website.
- Online – File a claim online at this website.
- In person – Visit this website to find a VA location near you.
Feel at home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your loved one’s future care.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Each Frontida community maintains a garden to incorporate seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables into our menus. We encourage healthy choices and well-balanced meals.
Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible, private bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Access to a trusted network of physicians, nurses, podiatrists, and therapists
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized mental health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Registered Nurse to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
The “Duty to Care Veterans Discount” at Frontida Assisted Living
At Frontida Assisted Living, we hold our nation’s heroes in the highest regard. To express our gratitude, the Veteran’s community fee will be waived when they choose a Frontida community as their next home.
When Veterans choose Frontida Assisted Living, they join a compassionate community that understands their unique needs and values their remarkable contributions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the support and comfort they deserve. Learn more by scheduling your tour today!