What is the VA Aid and Attendance program and how do veterans qualify?

The VA Aid and Attendance program is a benefit offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses cover the cost of long-term care, such as home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. To qualify, veterans and their spouses must be at least 65 years old, and must meet a certain income and asset criteria. The program also requires the veteran to have served in the military at least 90 days (with at least one day during an active wartime period) and have a discharge other than dishonorable. Veterans and their spouses must also meet one of three medical criteria to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit. The medical criteria includes a need for help with daily living activities such as bathing and getting dressed, being bedridden, or having a severe cognitive impairment. Additionally, the veteran must have a medical condition or disability that requires the aid and attendance of another person. The benefit is designed to help veterans and their surviving spouses cover costs associated with long-term care, such as the cost of a home health aide, adult day care, and assisted living facilities. The amount of money that veterans and their spouses receive depends on their income and assets. It is important to note that the program does not cover the cost of the care received—only the costs associated with it.

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