Older Veterans Often Miss Out on Long-Term-Care Benefits of Up to $2,210 Each Month
If you qualify, be sure to follow the rules to collect the Aid and Attendance benefits you've earned in service to our country.

Many older war-era veterans and surviving spouses over the age of 65 across America are missing out on a major element in securing their retirements: the Aid and Attendance benefit for long-term care.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is available to veterans and their spouses to help offset recurring medical costs and some of the costs for home care and assisted living care. This is a benefit for senior veterans who served during wartime—World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf War—for at least 90 days of active duty and who are 65 or older, as well as their surviving spouses. It doesn't matter if the veteran served stateside or internationally, saw combat or didn't, was wounded or wasn't. If the veteran's doctor—not a VA doctor—affirms the veteran or spouse needs assistance, then he or she may be eligible for Aid and Attendance, regardless of Social Security, Medicare, pensions or other benefits.
These benefits can be quite substantial, even if they are a variable number. Under Aid and Attendance, a veteran living alone can receive as much as $21,456 annually, or $1,788 a month. A married veteran can receive as much as $26,550 annually, or $2,210 a month. A surviving spouse is eligible for as much as $13,788 annually, or $1,149 a month. These benefits are paid directly to the veteran or surviving spouse and are tax-free. Payments are retroactive to the date of application.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Many veterans and surviving spouses are not aware of the Aid and Attendance benefits they have earned, or they are confused about them. Too many veterans are told they can't have a certain level of income or assets to apply for Aid and Attendance. That's simply incorrect. As long as the veterans and surviving spouses meet the criteria, they are eligible for those benefits for the rest of their lives.
Some of this confusion and lack of knowledge is perfectly understandable, since the application process can be complex. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot give veterans legal or financial advice on how to get qualified for the Aid and Attendance benefits. Even worse, if a veteran asks about the benefits, the VA will simply tell them to apply. The VA will not tell veterans the requirements or how a veteran can qualify based on the rules. Only around 20% of veterans who apply on their own for Aid and Attendance benefits ever receive them.
However, if a veteran follows the rules, they are able to receive the benefits. My firm has been working with veterans and surviving spouses on Aid & Attendance benefits for more than five years. During that time, we have helped more than 300 veterans and surviving spouses obtain the benefits they have earned through their service defending this nation. Unfortunately, around 80% of the veterans who we have met with over the years are not aware of or misunderstand these benefits.
That's why it's important to get the facts about Aid and Attendance benefits from credible, unbiased sources with the ability to provide the correct information. The VA cannot and will not do that.
There are billions of dollars already set aside in Aid and Attendance benefits that veterans and surviving spouses have earned. Veterans and their families should not feel guilty about having earned these benefits through their noble efforts and service. Working with a trusted and experienced financial adviser will ensure our heroes are able to receive the Aid and Attendance benefits that they have earned through their sacrifices and hard work in defending this country.
Kevin Richards, a Registered Financial Consultant, is with KNR Consulting and Wealth Management, Inc. based out of Laguna Niguel, California. Kevin is an Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance professional in the state of California (license #0F20506).
Investment advisory services offered through KNR Consulting & Wealth Management, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of California. Insurance products and services are offered through KRWM Insurance Services, CA License #0L03034., KNR Consulting & Wealth Management, Inc. and KRWM Insurance Services are affiliated companies.
KNR Consulting & Wealth Management, Inc. and KNR Consulting Group, Inc. are not affiliated with or endorsed by The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.
Kevin Derby contributed to this article.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Kevin Richards is with KNR Consulting and Wealth Management, Inc. based out of Laguna Niguel, California. He is a Registered Financial Consultant, an Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance professional in the state of California (license #0F20506). He is able to provide the following services: Social Security optimization planning, 401(K) IRA rollovers and management, life insurance analysis and long-term care insurance planning. He focuses on helping clients grow their assets ahead of inflation and protect their principal and loved ones by understanding the financial strategies that are available.
-
What Dave Ramsey and Caleb Hammer Taught Me About Handling Money
From Ramsey’s strict discipline to Hammer’s blunt reality checks, their lessons reveal how to save, invest and prepare for the future.
-
Dismal August Jobs Report Offers Rate-Cut Relief: What the Experts Are Saying
The August jobs report came in much lower than expected, lifting the odds that several rate cuts will come through by year's end.
-
10 Ways to Stay Safe From Grandparent Scams and Other Fraud, Courtesy of a Financial Planner
Scams are increasingly hard to detect, and anyone can be fooled, from older people to educated professionals. Here are 10 ways to avoid becoming a victim.
-
This Is How the Student Loan Bubble Is Primed to Pop, From a Student Funding Expert
Fueled by easy money, inflated tuition and high default rates, the student loan bubble mirrors the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. We could be headed for a potential financial collapse. What can we do?
-
More Than Money: The Hidden Toll of Financial Abuse of Older Adults
Financial abuse from schemes involving tech support, government impostors, false sweepstakes, grandchild hoaxes and online shopping issues can cause thousands of dollars in losses.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Here Are Three High-Impact Ways to Make a Difference With Your Dollars
The world often feels out of control, but here are three ways to use your money — through investments, charitable giving and political donations — to help create a more just and sustainable future.
-
The Unsung Hero of Aisle 5: A Tale of Forgotten Change and Compassion at the Supermarket
This supermarket manager went above and beyond to help when a child forgot her change at the checkout counter. You might be surprised at some of the complications that supermarkets face when it comes to customers' forgotten change.
-
Train, Integrate, Retain: A Strategic Playbook for Adviser Onboardings
Build a thriving practice by training new advisers with clear goals, structured processes and consistent mentorship for strong team growth.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: Here Are Four Ways You Can Use Debt to Build Wealth
Using debt strategically, such as for homeownership, education and more, can lead to greater financial stability and growth.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Three Things You Will Wish You Did Before the Fed Cuts Interest Rates
With potential interest rate cuts on the horizon, you might want to lock in today's higher yields and consider adjusting your asset allocation.