Veterans' Benefits Attorney in Grand Haven, MI
Over 30 Years of Elder Law Experience to Support Veterans
What Is Aid And Attendance?
Aid and Attendance, or A&A, allows qualifying veterans and surviving spouses to receive a monthly pension benefit to cover the cost of care needs. As of 2025, the maximum monthly amounts for Aid and Attendance are:
Married Couple: $3,740
(two veterans who need A&A)
Veteran and Spouse or Dependent: $2,795
Single Veteran: $2,538
Surviving Spouse of Veteran: $1,515
The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt helps veterans in Grand Haven, MI, understand and apply for their Aid and Attendance when applicable.
Qualifications for Veterans Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has several requirements in place for veterans to receive benefits. This includes service, disability, asset, and income requirements. Your application serves to prove that you meet the qualifications.
Disability Requirement
Veterans who are above the age of 65 and require the aid and attendance of a caretaker to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, may be eligible for benefits. Significant or total blindness or being bedridden are also considered qualifying needs. A&A helps with the cost of care in an assisted living facility, from a home caretaker, or from a family member or cohabitant other than a spouse. These care services must be recommended by a licensed healthcare professional.
There is also a care contract requirement between the caregiver and the person receiving the aid. The document should specify the expectations of the caretaker for what care will be provided and the amount to be paid, which must align with the average local rate for such services. Our team can help you prepare a care contract properly to avoid delays in your application processing.
Service Requirements
A veteran can still be eligible for A&A if they did not serve overseas, participate in combat, or develop a service-related disability. However, the VA does require applicants to have served 90 or more days of active duty (with at least one day during a war period) and to have been honorably discharged. For veterans who meet these requirements, surviving spouses may also qualify.
Official Declared Wartime Periods as Determined by Congress
World War II:
December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
Vietnam War:
August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
Begin February 28 1961 if you served in Vietnam
Korean War:
June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
Persian Gulf War:
August 2, 1990 - Date not yet determined
Veterans' Benefits FAQs
What Does Aid and Attendance Cover?
Aid and Attendance (A&A) helps with the cost of care for veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, taking medication, or toileting. This care can be provided in a facility or at home, whether from professionals or qualifying family members.
Does the VA Require a Care Contract for Aid and Attendance?
A care contract is required to apply for veterans benefits. It explains the services provided and the compensation agreed upon, which must be fair and comparable to local rates. This rule applies whether care is being provided by a professional or a family member.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Surviving Spouses?
A surviving spouse’s eligibility is evaluated separately from a veteran’s eligibility. The VA considers care needs, the veteran’s service history, and financial circumstances when processing a spouse’s application.
Is Overseas Service Required to Receive Aid and Attendance?
Overseas combat service is not required for Aid and Attendance. Service requirements prioritize honorable discharge and active-duty service during one of the qualifying war periods.
Do You Need an Attorney to Complete an Application?
The VA does not require veterans to have an attorney to apply for A&A. However, an attorney can help structure your assets for eligibility and guide the application process.
What Types of Care Does Aid and Attendance Apply To?
Aid and Attendance applies to any medically necessary care needs provided by a professional caretaker, housemate, or family member other than a spouse. This care can be given in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home.
How Do Income and Assets Affect A&A Eligibility?
Because A&A is intended to cover care costs, the VA assesses financial eligibility based on whether it would be reasonable for a veteran or surviving spouse to pay for care costs using their income or assets.
As of 2018, a veteran’s total countable assets must be less than $130,773. This figure includes their income in the current year. Assets like homes and vehicles do not count toward countable assets.
What If My Assets Exceed the Requirements for A&A?
There are ways to structure your assets for A&A eligibility. In 2018, the VA introduced a rule that may disqualify veterans who made gifts within the past three years from receiving benefits. If your assets minimally exceed the requirement, adjustments can be made to qualify for A&A in the near future.
If your assets significantly exceed the requirement, advanced planning can improve eligibility. Outright gifting is not recommended, as it can expose assets to your beneficiaries’ creditors and may need to be retracted to avoid penalties.
Gifting assets to an irrevocable trust can help avoid these issues. The trust must follow specific guidelines to not be considered a countable asset. The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt helps veterans create trusts that align with their estate plan, support A&A, and protect future Medicaid eligibility.
Helping Veterans in Grand Haven, MI Claim Their Benefits
Veterans in Grand Haven, MI, and their surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance. The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt helps veterans and their families apply for A&A correctly to avoid delays and denials that make accessing care stressful. We can help you understand requirements, structure assets for qualification, and meet documentation expectations for your application.
If you have questions about veterans benefits or would like assistance applying in Grand Haven, MI, contact the Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt today.