Aid and Attendance Benefit for War Era Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Wartime veterans, 65 years and older, and their surviving spouses, may be entitled to a tax-free benefit called Aid and Attendance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Benefit is designed to provide financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term care for those who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL'S) such as:
bathing
dressing
meal prep
eating
toileting
transferring
Benefit monies can be used for in-home care, an assisted living community, or a personal care home.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a period of war.
- Must have anything other than a Dishonorable Discharge.
- A surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of his passing.
- Must require assistance from another person to perform some of the activities of daily living.
- Must meet income and asset criteria set by the VA.
- Must be 65 years and older or totally disabled.
Eligible Periods of War:
World War II: Must have served 1 day of active duty between December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean conflict: Must have served 1 day of active duty between June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam era: Must have served 1 day of active duty between February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
Persian Gulf War: Must have served 1 day of active duty between August 2, 1990 - Present
Korean conflict: Must have served 1 day of active duty between June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam era: Must have served 1 day of active duty between February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
Persian Gulf War: Must have served 1 day of active duty between August 2, 1990 - Present