need advice - just starting process

[flance]

Hi,

I am just starting the process of applying for my mother.  We just moved her into assisted living last month.  Currently her medical expenses are around $8000.00 more than her income per year.  My question is does Aid and Attendance only cover medical expenses?  In other words will the award be based on the $8000.00 above?     I ask because she could benefit from being on the "continence plan" the Assisted Living facility offers which will increase the costs around $4000.00 per year.  We are hesitating as she is managing this herself currently with limited assistance and she is going to go through her savings fairly quickly without adding an additional $4000.00 to the bill each year.

So, does Aid and Attendance only cover the amount her medical expenses exceed her income?  And if yes, if approved for Aid and Attendance is the amount set for the year in advance or can it be changed as her care needs increase at any time during the year.

Thanks in advance.

Fred

[vetadmin]

Her assisted living fee is an allowable medical expense.  Whatever services you have there that go to her "care" you can claim.

Please look at the tab "Tips and Resources" on this forum for the "Countable" income formula.  That will help you to arrive at what is an allowable deduction for medical expenses. 

[ppiper]

Hi Y'all, newbie to forum.  After speaking to the VA today about applying for my dad, am happy to find this forum!  Just getting started with the process although my dad has been in assisted living since July 2009.  They are raising their rates again, and we need help to keep him here.

Two questions:

1.  Where is the "Tips and Resources" link referenced in your email?

2.  My understanding is that benefits are retroactive.  Does this mean we can get benefits beginning with the date of his admission to the ALF or to the date of application for benefits?

Thanks for being here!

Pat

[vetadmin]

There are category tabs on the home page of these forums. http://www.veteranaid.org/forums/index.php/board,5.0.html

The pension is only retro back to the date of application, so no, you cannot claim back to admission.

Good luck with the process.  Everything you need is either here or on the site.