VA Advises on Aid and Attendance Benefit

The Department of Veterans Affairs is notifying wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance. The Aid and Attendance pension may be available to veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities. Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for Aid and Attendance if they have large medical expenses, which can include nursing home expenses, for which they do not receive reimbursement. To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit www.va.gov or any local veterans service organization. Applications may be submitted on-line at www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.