THE VA IMPROVED PENSION DEFINITIONS

While this website concentrates on Aid and Attendance, it is important to realize that other levels of the Veterans' Improved Pension are available. Below are descriptions of the other two tiers of the VA Improved Pension.

Basic Pension

The VA classifies any veteran at the age of 65 to be permanently and totally disabled regardless of your physical state.

The classification of "Disabled" entitles the veteran or widow for a Basic Pension if he/she meets the net worth and income criteria. The same is true for the surviving spouse. No Physician's Statement is required for filing for Basic Pension.

To be eligible for Basic Pension:

• A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than $11,830 a year
• A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than: $15,493 a year

Click here to learn how to calculate "Countable Income".

SPECIAL NOTE:
I would like to point out that this level of the Pension could have tremendous impact on our vets who are homeless.

While it is not an extraordinary amount of money, it could offset the costs for food, shelter, medications, etc.

The VA requires a mailing address for any application for benefits and for those living on the streets, this can be a challenge. A veteran can use a family member's or friend's address, or a PO Box at a local Post Office.

Housebound Pension

For those who wish to remain in either their own home or the home of a family member, you can apply for the Housebound level of the Improved Pension. A Physician's Statement is also required for the Housebound level. The VA will automatically consider this level if the claimant does not fully qualify for Aid and Attendance.

The criteria for Housebound requires that the claimant needs regular assistance, but is not as limited as those who would qualify for Aid and Attendance.

Care can be provided by family members or outside Caregiver's agencies. Families need to be reimbursed for the care and services they are providing just as you would an outside agency.

It is recommended that you survey the costs of these services in your area to determine what a fair amount to charge would be.

It is imperative that an accurate accounting of expenses is kept. Do not ever pay in cash as you must have a record of payments via check, money order, etc. The VA sends out an annual evaluation form known as an EVR to determine if the applicant still meets the standards of criteria. Without proof of expenses, the VA will stop payments on the pension. An EVR is required an all three levels of the Improved Pension. You will be given a set amount of time to respond with the documentation, and it is critical that you respond in the timeframe given.

The same forms are used for filing for Aid and Attendance and Housebound:

• 21-526 Veteran
• 21-534 Surviving Spouse

To be eligible for Housebound Benefit:

• A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than $14,457 a year
• A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than: $18,120 a year

Click here to learn how to calculate "Countable Income".

VeteranAid.org was created to provide information, free of charge, to veterans, their spouses and families.  If you are a veteran, the surviving spouse of a veteran, or the responsible family member of a veteran, we urge you to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance Special Pension at the earliest time possible.  This benefit could make the difference between a veteran or surviving spouse living in a high-quality assisted living facility or in a state-operated nursing home.

VeteranAid.org cannot answer any legal or medical questions.  VeteranAid.org is not associated with any government agency and cannot guarantee eligibility nor monetary compensation from the Aid & Attendance Special Pension.

*Figures are from the Veteran's Administration as of 12/01/09  Please contact the VA to verify current Aid and Attendance monthly payments.

†While not a non-profit, VeteranAid.org conducts itself as a not-for-profit organization. That is, proceeds from the sale of goods or donations are reinvested into the organization to assist with meeting the mission statement goals. The primary mission statement goal is to bring awareness of the Aid & Attendance Special Pension to the general public so that all those who are entitled to the benefit have the opportunity to apply. Purchases from or donations to VeteranAid.org are not tax-deductible, but you will have the thanks of millions of Veterans and their families for your support.