Question: My father, a World War II veteran, is 86 years old, and my mother (his wife of 65 years) is 83. As my parents aged and talk turned to “what if” one of you needs a nursing home, Dad was of the unshakeable opinion that the Veterans Administration would take care of them.
Dad had a stroke earlier this years and, after six weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Mom and I first came to the realization that she could not care for him at home given her advanced osteoporosis and other health problems. Dad is nearly blind and needs help with everything. His memory comes and goes, and he can’t be left alone.

I was shocked to learn that my parents’ total monthly income was less than $1,200.00, and that, other than their modest home where they had lived for 50 years and a 15 year old car, they had just over $10,000.00 in the bank to their names.

But figuring that Dad must be right about VA benefits, I began looking nearly a month ago, and I am writing you because I have never received more misinformation and disinformation in my life. I had read about benefits, but it seemed that each representative I talked to gave me different information about program’s resource and income limits. To me, the application was a maze of confusion. I am convinced that had it not been for me, my mother would have never learned about the benefits available nor been able to complete the application. I even went to a lawyer for help, but was told that it is a federal crime for a lawyer to help clients complete the VA application or charge a fee to assist clients in getting benefits.

I finally figured it out for my parents and got them qualified, but the experience makes be believe that most people -- especially vulnerable seniors --would be able to do it alone. With all of the World War II and other veterans aging, why does the VA keep its programs for disabled seniors secret and confusing?

Answer: Your question about the special Veterans’ Administration pension program known as “Aid and Attendance” echoes similar requests we have received from readers throughout the United States who have encountered the same difficulties. While our limited space does not allow us to attempt to explain the qualification criteria of “A and A,” we can certainly get you started and lead you to resources that can help – without fear of retribution.

Generally, if the veteran and spouse require regular help with eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, or toileting, and if the asset and income levels are met, monetary benefits may be available through the VA. Depending on the circumstances, patients in nursing homes and even assisted living facilities can qualify.

Unfortunately, many families with veterans or surviving spouses who need extra money to help care for ailing parents or loved ones don’t apply for this program because they don’t know about it. Qualification for this benefit does not depend on service-connected injuries, and most veterans who need this type of help will qualify. In fact, Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Depending on income and other factors, a veteran is currently eligible for up to $1,519 per month; a couple for up to $1,801 per month, and a surviving spouse for up to $976 per month. The current asset limit is $80,000.00 excluding the home and vehicles.

Taking the NextStep: This most important program is available. The best resource we have found is Veteran Aid which can be found on the Internet at www.veteranaid.org. Or you can go to www.nextsteps.net and click on Useful Links to reach these folks and for VA Aid and Attendance applications and other forms and information.