Download - Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit
![Page 1: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
AID AND ATTENDANCE BENEFITSFOR
QUALIFYING VETERANS
34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 310
Bloomfield, CT 06002
860-769-6938Henry C Weatherby, JD CLU, ChFC, CEBS
![Page 2: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Growing Old in Three Minutes
![Page 3: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
One Stop Shopping for Long Term Care
•Getting the answers you need now•Locating government services •Finding professional eldercare services•Researching articles and books on LTC
Care Management, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Dispute Resolution
Non-Medical Home Care Home Health Agency – Medicare-Covered Home Care
and Hospice Home Maintenance, Deep Cleaning, Remodeling and
Yard Work Veterans Benefits
Reverse Mortgage Specialist Elder Law Advice and Medicaid Advice
Estate Planning and Tax PlanningTrust Management Services
End-Of-Life Planning Care Facility or New Home Search, Relocation,
Downsizing and Real Estate Insurance Products, Retirement Planning; Financial Advice
careconnecticut.org
![Page 4: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Weatherby & Associates, PCA Life Care Planning Law Firm
Traditional elder law firms focus on saving the elder’s money to pass on to the next generation.
Life Care Planning law firms focus on using the elder’s resources for the elder’s benefit, with the goal of maximizing quality of life and independence, as well as protecting any inheritance the elder may wish to leave.
![Page 5: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Weatherby & Associates, PCAn Elder-Centered Law Firm
Life Care Planning law firms use a model called the Elder Care Continuum to help families understand the natural progression of aging and its impact on a loved one’s health, mobility, housing, and financial resources.
This approach relies less on crisis-oriented transactions and more on the development of on-going relationships with families to manage transitions.
![Page 6: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
What is Long Term Care or Eldercare?
Need for physical, emotional or supervisory support from a caregiver 80% of care is provided by family in the home Changing demographics are making family-provided care difficult
![Page 7: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
![Page 8: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
The Cost of Care – More than Money
![Page 9: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Statistics
60% of us will need eldercare at some time
40% of all seniors will spend some time in a nursing home
44.4 million adult caregivers in this country – 21% of the population
Provide 21 hours a week of care 4.3 years average time spent
providing care
![Page 10: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Most Seniors Fail to Plan for Their Care
57% worry about paying for care 69% have done little or no planning Another 20% mistakenly think the
government will cover their care
![Page 11: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Most Seniors Fail to Plan for Their Care
So, What Happens?? Families did not plan and the need for
care usually occurs without warning Working caregivers end up in panic mode
![Page 12: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Brian Williams on Aid & Attendance
![Page 13: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
VETERANS BENEFITS
A variety of benefits for those who qualify
Highly underused by otherwise qualified veterans and spouses (4.7% of those eligible as of 2005)
Important to coordinate with other governmental benefits (i.e. Medicaid)
![Page 14: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Fact: Connecticut ranks near the 48th out of 50 in the percentage of veterans receiving compensation for disabilities from the VA. Only 7.2% of our veterans are receiving benefits.
Fact: Veterans who use service representatives receive three times as much in benefit monies than those who do not use representatives.
Source: Connecticut Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance
![Page 15: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Fact: 15% of the cases rated by the Federal VA contain an error
Fact: An estimated two million impoverished veterans and their widows are not receiving the VA pension they deserve because they do not know about it.
Source: Connecticut Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance
![Page 16: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Fact: Veterans who turn to the Federal VA may want a second opinion.
22% of telephone inquiries were answered completely wrong, 23% were minimally correct and 20% were partially correct.
Source: Connecticut Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance
![Page 17: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
VA ACCREDITATION
Effective June 23, 2008, only attorneys accredited by the Veteran’s Administration may assist with the preparation of benefits applications. See C.F.R. § 14.629.
Unaccredited individuals may provide other services to veterans so long as they do not assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits.
![Page 18: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
COMPENSATION
Income to compensate for potential loss of income in the private sector due to a service-related disability, injury, or illness Benefit amount depends on degree of disability
(2010 ranges from $376 to $2,673 per month) May apply for a redetermination if the condition has
worsened Can apply many years after leaving the service
![Page 19: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Veterans Health Administration Long Term Care Benefits
Home-Based Care Contract Home Care Adult Day Health
Care Homemaker and
Home Health Aide Residential Care Respite Care
Home Hospice Care Domiciliary Care Telehealth Geriatric Evaluation
and Management Nursing Home Care HISA Grants
![Page 20: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
Grant to pay for necessary alterations to home to accommodate disability.
Certain service-connected disabled veterans can receive a lifetime benefit of $4,200 (means-tested low income can receive lesser amount of $1,200)
A clause in eligibility statute allow veterans with A & A or housebound ratings to also receive these grants
![Page 21: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Burial and Memorial Benefits
Burial allowances are partial reimbursements of eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs. Need to satisfy one of a number of conditions;
(ex. veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death) Service-related deaths up to $2,000 Non-service related deaths up to $300 towards
burial and funeral expenses and $300 for plot internment
![Page 22: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Accrued Benefits
Benefit effective date is when an application is filed. The veteran or surviving spouse must survive the
application period to begin receiving benefits
May be significant amount due from a compensation redetermination if adequate evidence provided that the VA erred years before
![Page 23: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
PENSION
Supplemental income to older or disabled veterans for reasons other than service-connected injuries or illnesses and who have a low income.
![Page 24: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Prior to VA ApplicationNeed:
Discharge Papers Medical evidence for rating Care services already in place and evidence of
payment VA power of attorney (if needed)
Our help can ensure a fully developed claim for the maximum benefit with the
least time for processing the claim
![Page 25: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Getting Started
![Page 26: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Two Types of Pension Benefits
Living Veteran
For a living veteran (single or married)
If younger than 65 must be totally disabled (over 65 need not be)
Death Pension
Single surviving spouse of a veteran who would have been eligible
Married at least one year or have a child from marriage
No requirement for veteran to have been 65 or spouse to be 65 before application
No need for total disability if veteran death before age 65
![Page 27: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Two Types of Pension Claims
First, may have veteran households with low income and few assets. Rating not required but will result in much less income.
Second, households with higher income and disposable assets that are also incurring the higher costs of long term care. A rating is required for these claims.
![Page 28: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Service Requirement
![Page 29: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
VA “RATINGS”
VA gives an additional income allowance if applicant is in need of the "aid and attendance" of a caregiver or considered "housebound."
![Page 30: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Estimating the Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Allowance
Countable Income Pension Benefit
Family income $2,400 Allowable benefit $1,950
Unreimbursed medical
$3,310 Less countable income $0
Countable income -$910 Pension benefits $1,950
Please Note: VA calculates benefits and costs on an annual basis and divides by 12
![Page 31: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Estimating the Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Allowance
Total Family Income
Family income $2,400
Pension benefit $1,950
Total income $4,350
Please Note: VA calculates benefits and costs on an annual basis and divides by 12
![Page 32: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Using Aid and Attendance
…to Pay Any Person for Care in the Home (including children, but excluding spouses)
…to Pay for Professional Home Care Services
…to Pay for Assisted Living …to Pay for a Nursing Home
![Page 33: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
Little publicized provision allows adjusting countable income downward for certain types of expenses.
Rating and special documentation is required.
![Page 34: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Income & Asset Tests
INCOME
Household countable income must be less than the Maximum Allowable Pension Rate (MAPR) Single veteran ($1,645/mth) Veteran couple ($1,950/mth) Surviving spouse ($1,057/mth)
ASSETSHousehold cash or assets that can be readily converted to cash cannot exceed approximately $80,000 (decided case-by-case)
– Exempt assets include personal residence, vehicles, and personal property
![Page 35: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Don’t Meet Asset Test? You Need Our Help!
To meet the asset test… Assets can converted to income Assets can be gifted without penalty
But, consult an expert versed in both Medicaid rules and VA benefits so Medicaid eligibility is not jeopardized!
Can use certain types of trusts
![Page 36: Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022052822/554c381cb4c9056b648b458f/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
Please complete and return evaluation form in materials
Questions? Feel free to call us at
860-769-6938
Email: [email protected]
Thank You!