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