Ellias & Elias, P.C. attorneys are accredited with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and skilled in the intricacies of asset transfers and other planning devices to maximize veteran benefits. If you or a family member is a veteran of any branch of the United States military, you may be entitled to certain benefits.

The “Aid and Attendance” program provides eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who need assistance with basic daily activities such as bathing, dressing, taking medication and eating, with funds necessary to help pay for long-term care and other costs. Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for this benefit whether in need of a caregiver, in an assisted living home or in a nursing home.

In order to qualify for “Aid and Attendance”, the following initial qualifications must be met:

  • The veteran must have served at least 90 days on active day.
  • The veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
  • The veteran must have served at least 1 day of active duty during a war period. There is no requirement that any service be performed in a combat zone.
  • The surviving spouse of a veteran must not have divorced the veteran or remarried after the veteran’s death.
  • The claimant must be certified by a doctor as needing assistance with their daily living activities.

In addition, the following income and asset tests must be met:

  • The household cannot have more than the Allowable Countable Assets determined by the Veteran’s Administration.
  • The adjusted Household Income must be less than the “Aid and Attendance” Pension Benefit.

As the “Aid and Attendance” benefit is income and asset based, it is advisable to seek professional advice before applying for the benefit. The attorneys at Ellias & Elias, P.C. can help identify whether you or a family member qualifies for such benefits and can assist you in your efforts to obtain the same.

Jane Elias, a founding partner of Ellias & Elias, P.C., is the proud daughter of a World War II veteran and committed to serving the needs of all veterans.

Contact Jane Elias to discuss how Ellias & Elias, P.C. can assist with your Veteran Benefit needs.


IMG1 
Jane’s father, Alan Barnett, U.S. Army, 1943

 

IMG2crop
Jane’s father, Alan Barnett, being deployed to the South Pacific, 1944

 

IMG3crop
Jane’s father, Alan Barnett, in the Philippines hitchhiking to Manila, 1945