If you’re a veteran in need of extra care and assistance, you may have looked into qualifying for aid and assistance benefits.  Unfortunately, it can be difficult to qualify for this level of assistance.  The good news is there are other options available.  You may consider applying for a pension.  Take a look at the information below, to better understand your benefit options.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss other aid and assistance alternatives, contact an estate planning attorney.

As a veteran, you are able to take advantage of special benefits.  This can allow you to get extra assistance with your everyday needs.  You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:

You’re 65 years of age or older or are permanently and totally disabled

• You were discharged for reasons other than a dishonorable discharge
• You served at least 90 days of military service, one of which being during a war time period.  (If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were ordered).
• Your countable family income is below the yearly limit, which is set by law

It’s important to note that the income limit requirements are very low.  To give you a better idea, take a look at the information below:

• If you have no dependents, your countable income must fall under $11,830
• If you have a spouse or child, your countable income must fall under $15,493

If you think that you may be eligible for assistance, it’s a good idea to get the help of an experienced attorney.  This will allow you to fully understand your options and can allow you to get assistance with the pension application process.

If you have any additional questions, or if you’d like to discuss other alternatives to aid and attendance, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

If you’re a veteran of the armed forces, or if you’re the widow of a veteran, you should consider aid and attendance benefits. These benefits can offer you the assistance that is needed in order to live your daily life.  If you have been struggling to get the care and support that you need, it’s a good idea to look into this option. Take a look at the information below, to better understand the options that you may want to explore. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss specific aid and attendance benefits, contact an estate planning attorney.

Many people don’t even know that these benefits exist.  These benefits include basic aid and attendance aid, as well as housebound aid for those with extreme disabilities and care needs. With the help of aid and attendance benefits, you can get extra assistance so that you’re able to get the care and assistance that you deserve.  Without this aid, you may struggle to pay for all of your care needs.

This aid is available regardless of service-related injuries.  This helps individuals with many different disabilities and care needs.  It’s also offered in addition to regular pension payments. Because these benefits are created in order to benefit those with disabilities and extra care needs, there are strict requirements that must be met to qualify.

What requirements will you need to meet?  You will need to show that you require additional care and assistance on a regular basis.  The requirements are even stricter, if you want to take advantage of the housebound aid. These requirements include proving that you’re disabled.  Both forms of aid also require you to show that you have little to no income.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss your veteran aid and attendance benefits options, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

In order to take advantage of veteran aid and attendance benefits, you must apply for this aid.  It’s important to fully understand the requirements, before applying.  In order to prove your needs, you will be required to provide a lot of information.  Take a look at the information below to better prepare yourself for the application process.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss aid and attendance benefits further, contact an estate planning attorney.

• You will need to provide military records that prove you’re a veteran and prove that you weren’t dishonorably discharged
• You will need to prove your net worth.  This includes listing all information related to bank accounts, stocks, trusts, bonds, etc.
• You will also need to prove all sources of income.  This includes listing pension plans, retirement accounts, etc.
• You will be required to list medical needs and expenses that aren’t covered by health insurance as well as provide insurance information
• You will need to obtain a physician statement that details your current medical and care needs
• If you’re currently under the age of 65, you will need to provide income and employment history
• You will need to include information on all recent doctor and hospital visits

By providing this information, you will be helping to prove your needs.  If you don’t follow through with the application process, you won’t be able to take advantage of this benefit.

It’s recommended that you work alongside an estate planning attorney when applying for these benefits.  Your attorney can better explain all of your options, and can ensure that you’ve taken all of the steps needed to apply for aid and attendance benefits.
If you have any additional questions, or if you’d like assistance with the aid and attendance application, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

If you’re a veteran who is disabled and requires extra assistance, you may be looking into various aid and attendance benefits.  Luckily, you have some options to consider.  If you’re thinking about taking advantage of housebound benefits, take a look at the below information to learn more about the eligibility requirements.  If you have any questions about any of the aid and attendance benefits that are available, contact an estate planning attorney.

How can housebound benefits help you?

In addition to monthly pension benefits, you may be able to get the assistance that you need to pay for your care at home.  You must be eligible for pension payments; you must also meet strict disability requirements and income limit requirements.  In other words, housebound benefits are available for those individuals who are in extreme need.

• You must have a single permanent disability that is evaluated at 100% disabling.  The disability must leave you confined to your home, or
• You must have a single permanent disability that is evaluated at 100% disabling, and another disability that is evaluated at 60% disabling.

You’re unable to take advantage of both housebound benefits and regular aid and attendance benefits.  However, you’re able to receive regular pension payments, in addition.

Are you wondering if you meet the income limits?  Take a look at the figures below, to better understand these limits:

• If you have no dependants, your countable family income must not exceed $14,493
• If you have one dependant, your countable family income must not exceed $18,120
• If you have more than one child, you may add an additional $2,020 to your income limit, for each additional child

These extra benefits can allow you to get the care and assistance that you need.  Don’t sit back and struggle with your everyday life. Take the time to explore your benefit options.

If you have any questions about the application process, or if you’d like to explore all aid and attendance benefits and what they have to offer, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

The veterans’ disability benefit is available to veterans for disabilities that are a result of or made worse by injuries or diseases that occurred while the veteran was on active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training. It is also paid to certain veterans that are disabled because of VA (Veteran’s Administration) Healthcare.

• VA disability benefits are tax-free and range from $115 to $3100 a month depending on the Veterans disability rating. The minimum rating is ten percent with one hundred percent being the maximum.
• Additional benefits may be available to the veteran’s spouse and children if the disability rating is high enough.
• Applications for benefits are made on Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. You should attach copies of your service discharge record, marriage, and birth certificates for your dependents and any medical information you have. Applications can also be made online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
• There are also programs for Gulf War veterans who be experiencing medical issues not traceable to any medical disease. The VA also has a pension program for wartime veterans who have permanent disabilities not related to military service who have limited resources.
• Veterans Aid and Attendance is an additional benefit available to veterans who need additional care to remain in their homes. The veteran must first qualify for the disability benefit to be eligible for the additional assistance.

Determining a disability under VA regulations is complicated. Legal representation is advisable. Getting legal representation for VA disability benefits claims can be problematic. There is a regulation dating from the civil war that only allow attorneys to charge ten dollars ($10) for assisting veterans in applying for benefits. This only applies to certain levels of the application and appeal process. This should not deter a veteran from seeking legal representation. Attorney’s fees are allowed at higher levels of appeal before the VA.

Deborah Sexton Law Office, PA is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.