|  | Healthcare Industry | Health Insurance

VA Benefits for Elderly Widows

The Aid and Attendance Pension is a disability income benefit for veterans of which few people are aware. Wartime veterans who are age 65 or older, seriously disabled or who have limited or no income qualify for Pension -- the official name of the benefit. Single surviving spouses can also qualify if they meet the eligibility requirements.

  1. Aid and Attendance Pension

    • The Aid and Attendance Pension provides benefits for the surviving spouses of veterans. To qualify, you must require assistance with the activities of daily living. Medical evaluation by a physician determines whether you need someone to help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking or eating. You may qualify if you need assisted care because you are blind or physically or mentally debilitated. Pension benefits can help pay for care in your home, an assisted living facility or nursing home.

    Eligibility

    • A widowed spouse of a wartime veteran can apply for the Aid and Attendance Pension if the deceased veteran spouse served 90 days of active duty with one day or more during a period of war. Periods of wartime service qualified by Congress include World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era and Persian Gulf War. Other eligibility requirements include the marriage coming to an end by the death of the veteran. You must also prove medical and financial need and be eligible for a VA basic pension to qualify.

    Application Process

    • When applying for the Aid and Attendance Pension benefits, a surviving spouse is required to provide specific documentation to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You must present a copy of your marriage certificate, husband's death certificate and a copy of your current Social Security award letter. You will need to show bank and investment account statements, as well as proof of income from pensions. Be prepared to provide proof of insurance premiums, medical bills, medication costs and other medical expenses not reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance. The regional Veterans Affairs office where you apply will ask to see a list of all the doctors and hospitals where you had appointments in the past year and a statement from your primary care physician. The statement must describe your current diagnosis and medical status, prognosis and whether or not you are able to care for yourself.

    Basic Guidelines

    • Completing the application package as directed can speed the time it takes to process your application. Generally, it takes four to six months to receive a determination letter. Sometimes it can be longer before you hear whether you qualify for benefits. Once benefits are approved, payment is retroactive to the date of application. If you are older you may receive a faster response as the VA gives priority to applications of a veteran or widow older than age 70.

Health Insurance - Related Articles