Medicare and Medicaid are both limited in the amount of care they will cover in the home, if available at all. Even coverage by private insurance might be limited and requires doctor’s orders. And yet, for patients who need help beyond medical care, the pension could make a crucial difference between them remaining living safely in their home or having to move into a facility.

Little-known VA Benefit

Many Veterans don’t know that the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension is available.

The terms for eligibility are within reach of many Veterans. The Veteran needs to have served 90 days or more of active duty, with one day beginning or ending during a period of war, such as:

• World War II December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
• Korean War June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (Feb 28, 1961 – if “in- country” before August 5, 1964)
• Persian Gulf Conflict. August 2, 1990 – date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation

Secondly, the Veteran must have been honorably discharged and must have a medical diagnosis that warrants home care. The Aid and Attendance benefit is for medical conditions not associated with a Veteran’s service.

In addition, the applicant must meet certain financial criteria set by the Veterans Administration, including limits on liquid assets. The Veteran’s home and their personal vehicle are excluded from the calculation of liquid assets. Also, the Veteran should be home bound. This does not mean that the Veteran cannot leave their home, it just means he or she cannot drive.

Streamlined Application Process

CareWorks can assist Houston Veterans every step of the way with the application process. Initially, CareWorks verifies that the Veteran meets the criteria needed to apply for the benefit, which is regarded by the Veterans Administration as a pension. The agency then helps the Veteran and/or surviving spouse that is under our care complete the necessary paperwork at no cost.

As of 2011, the maximum benefit for a Veteran is $1,644 per month. If a married Veteran qualifies for home care, the maximum benefit is $1,949 a month. A Veteran’s widow can receive up to $1,057 per month.

The payments from the Veterans Administration are made monthly and are made directly to the Veteran, who is to use the money to pay for the home care or other qualified care. The Aid and Attendance benefit is available to the Veteran or widow for the duration of their lives.

The money from the Veterans Administration is drawn from the Federal Agency’s pension account for the Veteran who requests funding. Thus, if the Veteran is already receiving a disability pension, the Veterans Administration may not pay for home care through the Aid and Attendance Program.

To ensure compliance with Veterans Administration requirements, and the continuation of benefits, CareWorks requires the Veteran to provide copies of all correspondence with the VA.

Veterans or family caregivers who have questions about home care funding through the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Program can call (832)-237-CARE.