March 13, 2023
Veterans have many options available to them to help cover the cost of home care.
As a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, it’s important to understand the benefits that may be available to you to cover the cost for in-home care services. In our last blog post, we outlined two different types of benefits to explore. If you believe you may qualify for benefits, what happens next to help cover the cost of home care as a veteran?
How to Apply for Veterans’ Benefits
The good news is, Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits are extremely beneficial in ensuring that necessary care at home is available for veterans and their spouses. However, applying for and receiving these benefits can be complicated and time-consuming.
At Continuum, we have the information you need to get started and are here to help you every step of the way.
First, you’ll need to determine the VA regional office that has jurisdiction of your claim. It will be the office where your claim for pension benefits was filed. If you’re unsure of the appropriate office, any VA regional office can help point you in the right direction, or check here for more information.
In applying for benefits, you will need to provide a report that includes:
- Verification from a physician that validates the need for either Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits
- Sufficient detail to confirm an injury or disease that has produced loss of coordination, mental or physical impairment, or any condition that impacts the ability to self-dress and undress, feed, tend to sanitary needs, and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness
- Clarification as to whether you are seeking Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits with confirmation on what you are able to do in a typical day, how well you get around, and where you go
Though the process is lengthy—often taking as long as 6 months to process and approve or deny benefits—any benefits provided will be retro-dated to the original date of application.
Additional Helpful Links
- Veteran’s Pension: Find details about the veteran’s pension, determine your eligibility, download the application form or apply online
- Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits Q&A: Find answers to top questions about veterans’ benefits, links to additional forms you may need, and other resources
- Military Records Request: Use this tool to obtain copies of military records including orders and endorsements, performance reports, awards and decorations, security clearance, qualifications, licenses, certificates, and more
Though it’s not a simple process to apply for veterans’ benefits, it’s well worth the time and effort, and our care team is here to provide you with the support and assistance you need. Contact us at 636-861-3336 with any questions about obtaining benefits and to find out more about how we can help.