Many veterans and their families assume that there are no benefits for veterans unless they were either wounded in combat or suffered a service-connected disability. This is incorrect.
If you are a veteran (or their surviving spouse) who served at least one day during a period of wartime, and if you are in an assisted living facility or are spending a significant amount each month for care in your home, then you may qualify for benefits under the VA Aid and Attendance program. This program is one of the VA’s best-kept secrets.
Aid and Attendance is available to a veteran (or their surviving spouse) who is disabled and has the additional requirement of needing the assistance of another person in order to avoid the hazards of his or her daily environment (for example, the veteran needs someone to help him or her bathe, dress, and otherwise take care of himself or herself).
The Aid and Attendance application process is very complicated.
The VA now requires that anyone who assists a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of a claim for Aid and Attendance must be accredited by the VA before they can legally provide assistance. Thus, to protect yourself while going through the Aid and Attendance application process, make sure you are using an accredited agent.
