Aid and Attendance benefits can help people afford in-home care and nursing home care. This type of care is especially important for people who are partially or fully unable to meet their own medical and personal care needs. Many veterans qualify for this type of benefit, but not all do. Learning about your eligibility can help you take advantage of all the financial aid that you qualify for. Here are some of the ways you can qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits:
1. You have met the active-duty military service requirements.
To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, you must be a veteran who has served on active duty for at least 90 days. Your days of service must be consecutive. The Department of Veterans Affairs will make the final decision regarding your eligibility based on the information you provide on your application for aid.
2. You are confined to your bed for a significant portion of the day.
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for military service time, you must also prove that you need Aid and Attendance benefits. One way you can qualify is by showing that you are confined to your bed for a significant portion of each day. People who are bedbound typically need the kind of care that can only be provided by an attendant or residential facility.
3. You have a disability that prevents you from being able to care for yourself.
If you have some other disability that prevents you from adequately caring for yourself, you may be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits. Your disability can be physical or mental. People with advanced dementia, for instance, often need supervision or memory care. People who are blind and mobility-challenged can also qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits.
4. You stay in a nursing home.
You can also qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if you reside in a nursing home. People who live in nursing homes require daily medical care in addition to personal care. Nursing home stays can be short- or long-term. Even if you're only living in a residential care facility temporarily, you can still apply for Aid and Attendance benefits.
5. You demonstrate financial need.
In addition to demonstrating a physical need for personal care, you must also demonstrate financial need for Aid and Attendance benefits. People with low annual incomes are eligible for this benefit. The VA may look at your pay stubs or tax returns to determine your eligibility.
