If you're a retired veteran who plans to move into an assisted living facility, you may wonder how you can pay for your accommodations and other services when you have very little savings on hand. One of the things you can do is obtain an Aid and Attendance benefits to maximize your income. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, offers financial assistance to who served in the armed forces. However, many veterans may not know about the benefits if they already receive Social Security benefits or pensions from traditional employment. Here's more information about the benefits and how you can use them to cover your assisted living costs.
What Are Aid and Attendance Benefits?
Aid and Attendance Benefits is one of two financial aids provided by the VA for retired service people. The organization offers homebound assistance to individuals who wish to remain at home. Aid and Attendance is only used by people who need to live in an assisted living facility or nursing home because they require advanced medical, physical and personal care. In addition, you must meet other important criteria to qualify for the benefits. You must meet one of the following requirements:
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, you can apply for benefits.
How Do You Apply for Benefits?
The first step to receiving financial help with your assisted living services is to contact the VA for an application. The department generally helps disabled veterans complete and file their forms. You'll need to bring along a few important documents when you meet with the VA, including medical evidence of your disability, a list of the medications you take and information about the assisted living facility you wish to live in. Once you complete these steps, schedule a meeting with a representative of the assisted living facility.
You want present copies or records of your Aid and Attendance Benefit application. A facility representative may want to contact the VA in order to show how much your services will cost. The costs may include paying for nursing care, transportation and rent fees. It may take some time to get through the process, so it's a good idea that you keep in touch with the VA and facility on a regular basis.
For more details on how to pay for your assisted living care with veteran's benefits, contact a facility near you.
Share28 May 2016
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