Aid and Attendance Benefits in Michigan

If you served just one day during a declared period of war, regardless of where you were stationed, you and your surviving spouse may be eligible for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits. Sadly, only about 28% of the people eligible for this benefit are receiving it, often due to a lack of awareness or incorrect information.

At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, we can help you apply for the veterans benefits available to you. There is no fee for completing the application.  If you’re based in or around Ann Arbor, MI, call us at 734-930-9200 today to schedule your consultation.

What Are Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits?

Aid and Attendance benefits are a veterans pension that can help cover the costs of long-term care of elderly wartime veterans or their surviving spouses. Currently, the benefit pays up to:

• Surviving spouse: $1,432 / month
• Single veteran: $2,229 / month
• Married veteran: $2,642 / month
• Two vets married: $3,536 / month

Are You Eligible for Aid and Attendance Benefits?

You may be eligible for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits if you meet the following criteria:

Active Service

You or your spouse must have been in active service in the U.S. military for a minimum of 90 days, at least one of which was during a congressionally declared wartime, and you were not dishonorably discharged. There is no requirement to have been in a war zone.

The following are the start and end dates for congressionally declared wartimes:

• World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – June 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era: February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 (for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam) or August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (for everyone else)
• Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – a future date set by law or Presidential Proclamation

Medical Need

Aid and attendance is a non-service-connected benefit, meaning you don’t need to have sustained injuries during service to qualify.

However, you must have a current medical need that requires — as the name suggests — the aid and attendance of another person for daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed, dressing and undressing, bathing, eating, cleaning, taking medications, paying bills, and so forth. You may also be eligible if you are blind or have a visual impairment.

It doesn’t matter whether you live at home, with a family member, or in an assisted living facility.

Financial Need

Finally, you must also have a financial need and meet the income and net worth limits set by Congress. These change annually, so be sure to check the latest figures.

Keep in mind that you may still be eligible for Aid and Attendance even if you have assets above the limit. Some items are exempt, including:

• Your primary residence
• Your vehicle
• Prepaid funeral planning
• Some types of Trusts
• Other resources

The benefits amount you’re eligible for will depend on your marital status, whether you have dependents, and other factors.

Contact an Experienced Veterans Benefits Lawyer in Michigan

Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits can be complicated. At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, we can advise whether you’re eligible and help you prepare and file your application. Call 734-930-9200 to schedule an initial consultation with a veterans benefits attorney in Ann Arbor, MI.