Understanding the Application Process for Aid & Attendance Pension
Pension (aid and attendance benefit) and its sister benefit, Compensation, are two disability income programs available to veterans. Compensation is the more heavily used benefit and is available to veterans who have service-connected disabilities. VA estimates about 35% of all currently discharging veterans will apply for Compensation some time during their lives. Pension is a lesser used benefit and a lesser known disability income that is available to veterans who served during a period of war. Pension is available to war veterans who are non-service-connected disabled or age 65 and older. Special death benefit arrangements related to these two disability programs are also available to surviving dependents of veterans.
Claims for Compensation and Pension are submitted on the same application form and VA can grant either one. Generally, Compensation is the more desirable benefit because there is no income or asset test and it is not taxable as income. Pension works best for veteran households with very low income who do not qualify for Compensation. Pension also fits well for veteran households incurring the high costs of long term care services and in these cases may be a better alternative to Compensation.
In 2008, the Compensation and Pension program expects to serve 3,733,100 beneficiaries and pay out annually $41,058,000,000. This represents almost half of VA's 2008 fiscal year budget. The Compensation and Pension program plans on processing about 800,000 claims in 2008 related to these two benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs
In terms of number of employees, the Department of Veterans Affairs is the second largest federal agency, employing over 218,000 full-time workers. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a member of the President's Cabinet.
VA is divided into three benefit divisions:
- Veterans Health Administration -- VHA
- Veterans Benefits Administration -- VBA
- National Cemetery Administration -- NCA
There are also numerous other administrative and support divisions in the Department of Veterans Affairs devoted to supporting the 8 legislated benefit programs available to veterans..
What is a Veterans Benefits Consultant & when should a family use a veterans benefits consultant.
Who is eligible for the Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
Using aid & attendance to pay any person for care at home, for professional home care, for assisted living, or to pay for a nursing home.
The application process for aid and attendance Pension.
The National Care Planning Council, we promote and support planning for long term care.
An individual acting as a consultant must be careful not to violate any federal statutes and VA regulations pertaining to representation of veteran claimants. At the NCPC, we recognize our responsibility to assist you regarding these matters & have ensured that this package offers extensive guidance on what we believe constitutes a compliant veterans benefits consulting practice. Intergity & honesty are at the heart of our business. We expect those who purchase this package to maintain high ethical standards in all areas of their consulting practices. Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude and support for those who display stewardship, compassion, care, & integrity while working with seniors & thier families.
