Are you or a loved one, a wartime veteran or the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran? The Department of Veteran Affairs offers veterans or the surviving spouse of a veteran who qualify for benefits up to $25,000 annually to help pay for long term care, including care in the home and in assisted living facilities.

The Improved Pension Aid & Attendance applies to veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist them in activities of daily living (i.e., bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication monitoring).

Who is Eligible?

Any War veteran with 90 days of active duty with at least one day served during war time. A surviving spouse of a war time veteran may be eligible if married to the veteran at the time of his/her death.

What are the Qualifications?

• Been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions
• Served 90 days or more of active duty with at last one day during a war
• Have disabilities that keep him/her from working a regular, full-time job, or must be 65 years of age or older, or must be currently in receipt of SSD benefits
• Have countable family income below a limit set by law (the limit changes annually)
• Meet objective and subjective resource limitations

Potential Benefit for the Individual

Veteran with One Dependant: $2,019.00/mo.

Veteran Alone:  $1,703.00/mo.

Surviving Spouse: $1,094.00/mo.

Periods of Wartime Service

WWI:   April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918

WWII:  December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946

Korean Conflict:  June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955

Vietnam Era:  August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975

(Feb. 28, 1961 to Aug. 4, 1964 for veterans who serviced “in country”)

Gulf War:  August 2, 1990—TBA

Because this benefit is asset and income based, it is recommended that you seek professional advice before applying for this benefit. Simasko Law Office can determine if you could qualify for this benefit based on your income, assets and medical expenses. You may contact our office for a FREE consultation at (586) 468-6793.