Not sure how many know about this program for veterans or their surviving spouses. I worked a package for my mom (93 at the time) and she now receives $1,113 per month on top of her social security. Dad was in WWII and I found out about this program by accident. I started working her package in Oct 2011 and she rec'd her 1st payment in Feb 2012--WARP SPEED for the VA!! VERY IMPORTANT--make sure you have ALL the required documents--DD214, marriage license, vets death certificate (for survivors to receive pension,) social security pay, vets discharge papers and all the other documents they ask for. Yes--it does take time--but--the end results sure help either the veto surviving spouse. I hope this will be of benefit to you. After all--the vet and the spouse earned this pension. There is a payment differential between what the vet receives and what the surving spouse gets. VET & WIFE CAN QUALIFY TOGETHER!!! Take the time and checkout website!! Bob
was wondering a few things that maybe you could help me clear up as far as eligibility..
For our Veterans: Can they draw disability from VA as well as receive the Aid and Attendance
Can they receive Retirement Benefits and still be eligible
Can they own property
Do they have to be within a certain level of income
Also:
For our Mama's or spouses or widows of Veteran:
Can my Mama own property
Does she have to be in a certain medical situation to be eligible.. or does the physician have to indicate that she needs extra care or is home bound, ect,.
I was just curious about these things as I continue to help Mama as long as she needs me...
Thank you so much for bringing attention to this subject as I was getting ready to study it to help a Veteran that unfortunately I lost...
Susie: I'll answer what I know. I became "somewhat" of an expert during the process to get my mom her A & A payments. Not sure about drawing both VA Disability or Retirement Pay and getting A & A--I'm sure that's answered on the VA website. YES to owning property--IT IS NOT part of the equation to getting A & A--unless something has changed since I did this in late 2011. Income level DOES figure in. The MORE help she requires is better--you DO need a doctor's stTEMENT--very straight forward questions on the form. TALK TO THEIR DOCTOR--explain what you're doing & why----you'd be surprised at just HOW helpful the doctor's statement can be!! The A & A payment is BECAUSE she needs the extra care. YOU can be the caregiver and in yours or their home!! The VAwebsite is very straight forward--all the forms can be downloaded. Check with the DAV or other vet services in your area. There are people out there who assist with this and they have folks who do the FINAL check before sending to the VA. Quality "up front work" DOES pay dividends--we had NO questions on my moms and it flew right through in less than 60 days!! Like I said--that's WARP SPEED for the VA! I do know, they recommend to not have more than around $15,000 to $18,000 in cash. Requirements could have changed--so be sure to check. Hope this helps you and anybody else working the A & A system. Bob (573) 286 0160