Veteran’s Benefit: Aid and Attendance
Thank You, Veterans, For Your Service
Traditionally, November is the month when U. S. citizens offer their heartfelt gratitude to those who have served in the military and to the families who supported them. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) honors them throughout the year by providing an array of benefits and services that address issues such as changing health needs and financial challenges. Below is information on one such program.
AID AND ATTENDANCE
This benefit is for those who served during an eligible period of war and received an honorable discharge (or any other discharge OTHER than dishonorable). War-time periods include:
- WWII – Dec 1941 to December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict – June 27,1950 to January 31, 1955
- Vietnam – November 1,1955 to May 7, 1975 (served in the Republic of Vietnam)
August 5,1964 to May 7, 1975 (served outside the Republic of Vietnam)
Monthly benefits* may be paid if help is needed with one or more of the activities of daily living (ADL’s)
- Bathing – includes any assistance with bathing or showering.
- Mobility – help getting up or down stairs, in or out of a vehicle, in or out of a bed or chair.
- Dressing – help with putting on clothes, taking clothes off, buttoning, zippering or any assistance needed with dressing.
- Toileting – help on or off the toilet, assistance with incontinence.
- Eating – helping someone eat, including feeding the person.
- ADLs can also include standby assistance – having another person present within arm’s reach to prevent injury during the performance of a daily living activity.
- In cases involving cognitive impairment, the assistance can be in the form of reminders, such as to bathe, change clothes, etc.
- There is a spousal/surviving spousal benefit available to qualified veterans.
These funds can be used for care in your home settings. This includes assisted living as well as memory care or long-term care.
*Must meet financial qualifications
Of course, there are many other services and programs available to veterans. To learn more visit www.VA.gov – U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs or https://mn.gov/mdva – Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs. You will find detailed information about programs, eligibility and how to apply.