Non-Service Connected Aid and Attendance
If this information does not fully answer your questions or you have questions that are not addressed here, please contact Todd or one of his associates. We would like to help you navigate this difficult time and get the aid and benefits that you deserve. You can find our phone number at the top of the page or on our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you.
How long do I need to have served in the military in order to qualify for Veteran's Aid and Attendance?
Arkansas veterans who wish to qualify for VA aid must have served at least ninety days of active duty with at least one day being during an active war period. There is not, however, a combat requirement. (Ninety Days Must Generally be Consecutive, with Some Exceptions)
Can I qualify for Non-Service Connected Aid and Attendance in Arkansas if I have been discharged?
In Arkansas, A veteran can qualify for this benefit as long as he or she was not dishonorably discharged. A veteran who was dishonorably discharged will not qualify for this benefit.
What role does an Arkansas veteran's physician have in qualifying for Non-Service Connected Aid and Attendance?
The Veteran's Physician Must Declare Him/Her as Housebound and in Need of Assistance from another Individual, Which May Include Services Offered by Assisted Living
What assets can I have and still qualify for aid?
Claimant Should have Limited Household Assets; Excluding Primary Home, Car, and Personal Belongings (If Assets are Jointly Owned by Other than Spouse, Only the Claimant’s Share is Generally Countable. In the Case of a Married Veteran, Both His/Her Assets are Countable. There is No Longer a Current Asset Cap, Per Se. The VA Now Considers the Claimant’s Life Expectancy in Determining how Much a Claimant can Have. In the Case of Assets Over $50k, It May be Best to Consult an Elder Law Attorney. One Should Never Transfer Assets without the Proper Legal/Professional Advice)
What do my medical expenses need to be in order to qualify for Veteran's Aid?
- Claimant’s Household Out-of-Pocket Yearly Medical Expenses Must Exceed or Come Close to His/Her Total Yearly Household Gross Income (Total Yearly Cost of Assisted Living is Typically Considered a Medical Expense)
Can a veteran's widowed spouse qualify for benefits?
- The widowed spouse Must have been Married to the Veteran for at Least One Year, OR have had Children by the Veteran if Married Less than One Year, and Never Remarried (with Possibly One Very Rare Instance)
- The widowed spouse Must have been Living with the Veteran at the Time of the Veteran’s Death, Unless the Separation was Due to Medical or Military Reasons (There May be Some Exceptions Related to Separations Due to Abuse)
Can a veteran's children qualify for benefits?
- Minors or Disabled Adult Children May Qualify for Limited Benefits on Their Own
2009 Maximum Pension Rates for Aid and Attendance (A&A)
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Single Veteran $1,644.00 Per Month or $19,736.00 Per Year
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Married Veteran $1,949.00 Per Month or $23,396.00 Per Year
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Widowed Spouse $1,056.00 Per Month or $12,681.00 Per Year
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Veteran Married to Veteran (Both A & A) $2,540.00 Per Month or $30,480.00 Per Year
Once Awarded Aid and Attendance or Housebound Status, a Veteran May Obtain Free Medications, Medical Equipment, Incontinence Supplies, Glasses, and Hearing Aides from the VA Hospital/Clinic via U.S. Mail Without Going to the VA Clinic or Hospital. A Separate Application Must be Made Through the Health Care System.
**Note: Each VA Claim is Unique and the Above Criteria is Generic in Nature and May Not be Applicable to Each Claimant. There are Never Any Guarantees that Any Claim or Specific Benefit Amount will be Awarded