Senior Services Rock Hill: VA Aid and Attendance Pension - Does Your Senior Qualify?

The VA Aid and Attendance Pension (A&A Pension) was created to assist veterans and their surviving spouses in affording the services of elder care providers. Sometimes referred to as the "Secret Benefit," this particular form of financial aid is often difficult to secure. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that, although approval can take between three and six months, the A & A Pension starts distributing aid during the first month after the application date. By turning to elder care professionals for guidance throughout the A&A Pension application process, individuals can determine if they qualify for the assistance and, if they do, gain approval faster.  

The services covered by the A&A Pension include those required to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, etc. Additionally, the Pension can contribute to nursing home or assisted living facility expenses for individuals who are blind or mentally or physically incapacitated.

Elderly individuals applying for the A&A Pension must have documentation provided by their doctor confirming that they require daily care. Additionally, applicants must file the appropriate documents. For veterans, the Form 21-526 is required; for surviving spouses, the form 21-534 is required. Additionally, applicants may need a DD-214, separation papers, a medical evaluation, and information about medical conditions, net worth, net income, and current medical expenses.

The amount that the A&A Pension provides on a monthly basis is subject to change, so it is important to contact the VA to find out exactly how much is available. Currently, veterans may receive up to $1,704 per month and surviving spouses may receive up to $1,094 per month. Couples who file together are eligible for up to $2,020 per month. Additionally, a veteran who files with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,338 per month.

Many veterans and their spouses need financial aid to cover the medical and senior care expenses that they incur. Oftentimes, though, information pertaining to financial aid is not always readily available. Elder care professionals encourage seniors and their families to research the benefits and pensions for which they may be eligible. The A&A Pension is a great example of a benefit that is available to veterans and their spouses that many families are unaware of.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of RockHill understand that living on a restricted or fixed income, as many elderly individuals do, can interfere with their ability to access proper care. Individuals are encouraged to contact the professionals at Always Best Care for guidance throughout the application process—which can prove extremely difficult to navigate. By seeking the assistance of senior care professionals, individuals can be referred to a VA-approved attorney and enhance their chances of being approved for the Pension.

We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 

803-329-0079