According to the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 18 million Americans who are veterans of the US Armed Forces. Sadly, countless veterans don’t take advantage of the healthcare opportunities available to them, including care provided in the comfort of their own home. One prime example are Aid & Attendance (A&A) Improved Pension benefits through the VA.

Any war-time veteran with 90 days of active duty, and with at least one day beginning or ending during a period of war, is eligible to apply for the A&A pension benefit. Any surviving spouse who was widowed due to the death of a war-time veteran may also apply. Anyone who applies for benefits must meet both medical and financial requirements. Those who would like to learn more about applying for A&A benefits can do so at VeteranAid.org.

Introducing American Veterans Care Connection

You’ve given so much to protect our country—isn’t it time someone supports you when you need it most? That’s where AVCC comes in. AVCC specializes in helping Veterans find the right services to help them stay in their homes. At AVCC, their team understands how difficult it can be to navigate the VA and the benefits they offer. AVCC was founded by a registered nurse helping her dad receive home care as a Veteran. With a dedicated team at your service, they’ll make sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.

Only about 5% of eligible American seniors are enrolled in A&A, a figure that represents roughly one-fourth of eligible participants. Some older vets and their families are totally unaware of the A&A program. Others who are aware never apply for benefits because they don’t understand the application process.

Eligibility Requirements for VA A&A Benefits

Here are the VA’s A&A eligibility requirements:

  • You need another person to help you perform activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or
  • You have to stay in bed, or spend a large portion of the day in bed, because of illness, or
  • You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
  • Your eyesight is limited (5/200 vision or less in both eyes even while wearing glasses or contact lenses, or your concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)

How to Apply for A&A Benefits

You can apply for VA A&A benefits at VeteranAid.org. Their website contains detailed instructions that simplify the application process.

As a veteran or survivor, there are three ways to find out if you qualify for the A&A benefit:

  1. Send a completed VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) to your pension management center (PMC)
  2. Apply in person by bringing your information to the nearest VA regional office.
  3. If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance).

Documents that you will need to include with your application include:

  • Copy of your current year Social Security award letter
  • DD-214 Military Discharge papers (originals, no photocopies)
  • Proof of all assets (bank and investment statements) and income
  • Proof of insurance premiums and unreimbursed medical expenses

Because each family’s situation is unique not every applicant needs to provide the same supporting documents. For example, you may or may not need to include a marriage certificate, death certificate, or statement of occupancy from a nursing home with your application.

KallyKare Personal Home Agency Proudly Serves Veterans

The owners and staff at KallyKare are ever grateful to the men and women of the US Armed Forces, along with their families, who make daily sacrifices to protect us. We understand the importance of getting help to the heroes who need and deserve it. If you live in Louisville, Jefferson County, Bullitt County, and Oldham County and would benefit from in-home care, our compassionate and competent caregivers can deliver the top-quality home care services you need.

At KallyKare Personal Home Agency, our in-home care team stands ready to provide services for Kentucky veterans and their families that include companionship, meal preparation/feeding, laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping/errands, transportation, medication reminders, bathing/hygiene/grooming, mobility assistance—including transferring assistance and fall prevention, toileting and incontinence care. Whether you need assistance after an injury or are caring for an elderly loved one in their twilight years, KallyKare can develop a unique care plan that seamlessly aligns with your schedule and needs. To learn more please visit us today at kallykare.wpenginepowered.com.