How To Qualify for Aid & Attendance | VA SMC benefits

[@livininmexico3811]

I'm 100% P&T permanently living in Mexico and my psychiatrist here filled out the VA Form 21-2680 and I was awarded Aid and Attendance while here in Mexico.

[@HillAndPonton]

We are glad to hear that you are receiving your rightful benefits!

[@theofficialdaveharris8794]

How much do you get, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@livininmexico3811]

@@theofficialdaveharris8794 The monthly rate for Veteran with Spouse and no Parents or Children is SMC(L) at $4,097.57 in US Dollars.

[@theofficialdaveharris8794]

@@livininmexico3811 ok thank you so much!

[@richardmedina7925]

@@livininmexico3811 so the $4097 is your total monthly payment for aid and attendance and your VA compensation you get for being 100%?

[@jonzeejonez4585]

This is the best Aid and Attendance I've found to date... Great information....

[@troothserum585]

Im 100% P & T with SMC - S, if you are 100% now be careful poking the bear, u can be reduced back to 90% by opening up a new claim.

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

appeal

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

if you have a private doctor which is the smart thing to do heavy weight carries a long way good luck

[@GAvet4lyfe]

My brother 100%PT for Schizophrinia my mom really needs this

[@blakeds1]

This question is in regards to this topic (How do you qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits due to mental health conditions?), which physician fill out the VA form, the primary care physician that's NOT an expert on the patients condition, OR the treating psychiatrist, who has detailed knowledge of the veteran and his condition???

[@dmitchell2130]

Psychiatrist can fill it out accordingly

[@Indotech_usvet]

I'm rated 100% PTSd with SMC housebound , I got paid as SMC S rated $ $4183. My condition has been worsening severely and need aid attendance, do you think I'm qualify for filing SMC R or M or O and do you think they will approve my claim if I file for SMC aid attendance and get increased?

[@TxReese]

The va rated me schedular 100% 70% for ptsd 100% for lung sarcoidosis with pulmonary Fibrosis due to burn pit exposure I also receive SMC S-1. Ive developed breathing issues while sleeping which my doctors believe is sleep apnea due to the pulmonary fibrosis but the earliest sleep study they have me set is for January 8 2021. If it comes back that I have developed sleep apnea due to my service connected disability would I be able to claim this new development and have my SMC rating changed.

[@tobysmith5099]

Just got off the phone with a very nice lady at the VA. And she states the following..if your service connected "static"rating or ratings equal 100% then you are permanent and Total. All of your ratings Do Not have to be Static for P&T. You can have 10 rated disabilities in which 6 are "static" and 4 are not but the 6 equals 100% and therefore P&T. It is a MYTH that all your connected disabilities have to be "static" for P&T status. Hope this helps fellow Vets

[@brentthull8551]

My mother is a widow of a WWll veteran and in an assisted living facility. I was told she would qualify for aid.

[@lindacreesy3909]

that's non service connected pension with aid and attendence

[@sosolinhasnba2k24]

Thank you so much for your uploads. I really appreciate it.

[@jessiepeoples9132]

Can you help me with my claim.

[@sosolinhasnba2k24]

@@jessiepeoples9132 Information below in video description I believe. 🙂

[@Mark-c1s1o]

Forwarded my documents for smc t May 2024. Now October 2024 and nothing.

[@tommarinevet]

Great info on this subject thank you ladies

[@Handicappedvet]

Is there any disability implications to secondary claims from Anthrax series vaccinations think I received series of 6 jabs, have thier been any symptoms of psychological effects like memory losses or physical change into orthopedic issues bone muscle loss etc.?

[@HIMDUNCAN404]

I got 9 of those j a b s of that particular concoction, and I 1,000% believe it’s caused rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. My skin turned into flesh after a firefight in Afghanistan from my knees up into my nose. If you find out any info on this please let me know .

[@villainvondoom9482]

I received the 6 shot series back in 2006 while serving in Okinawa and annual boosters afterwards. Im 100% P & T and I live with pain everyday! Getting harder everyday to hang on.😔

[@marsciakransdorf9316]

I need to live in an assisted living situation but I was told I might qualify but I need to move into a home but I must be able to pay the $3000 monthly for 3 months from my social security which I can’t afford because I only receive $2200 monthly total for all my monthly née do so I was told to borrow the money from my family or friends. I’m 74 and a veteran. I need help bathing, cleaning, cooking walking and I do have a girl coming in to help but i really need to move because I fall all the time and have broken bones but I was denied. Is there someone I can talk to . Thank you

[@rsonnytravelandstories2561]

I’m retired and 100% P&T. May I know what the income and asset limits are to apply for A&A? I have four conditions that I asked my wife to quit her job so she can take care of my my medical management, help me with dressing/undressing, bathing, and perform household chores. Thank you.

[@debacofzomb9889]

You should apply regardless of what your income is. I believe the limit is $44,000ish however, they can deduct a lot from that based on your expenses. Don't give up!

[@SpaceRanger187]

there is no limit..if u need help you need help..

[@Rollercoaster555]

The VA will pay your wife

[@mariamorano5448]

this is great for those that need it but does this not only give you special monthly benefits but what about the care taker who pays them is that on the veteran or does the aid and attendance pay this

[@babyjayhawk065]

If the vet 100% disable the person maybe qualify to get the caregivers pay from the VA and contact your local VA or DAV and they shouldn’t charge you for any questions and they can help you fill out forms.

[@rooseveltrugless4658]

Thank You for Your video and info...Question? I am 100% disabled and my wife and I are enrolled in the care-givers program, would be better served in Aid & Attendance ?

[@richrod1678]

They are two separate programs you could apply forAid & attendance too

[@antoniodavis8424]

Thank you for the information!!! It was very informative!

[@HillAndPonton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eldelfin3311]

How if been 100% T&P since 2019 wish I knew about this earlier now I loss s much time that don’t know if I be approved and just summited for Aid and Attendance back paid will be given

[@davidgodshall2535]

Is it true that to qualify for Housebound, the veteran must have 1 disability rated at 100% and another/others that total at least 60% and are not related to the 100% rating?

[@aprilj.9174]

So i noticed you didn't say dementia, somehow the mental health has to be related to the service. So when my fathers doctor fills out the paperwork it shouldn't say dementia? He is currently in a living assistant home.

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi there April, Aid & attendance (and Special Monthly Compensation as a whole) is a very complex area of VA disability. To answer your first part, yes, in order for a veteran to receive service-connected compensation they must prove their condition was caused or aggravated by service. Here's our written blog on aid and attendance which should have some more information for you: www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/

[@aprilj.9174]

@@HillAndPonton Thank you soooo much for your reply. My father is a Vietnam Vet and I am looking to get assistance for his stay. Thanks again.

[@miguelcoronado7940]

Where do I find the official law that spells or that qualifies Aid & Attendence ?

[@inclusion9212]

Do you have a video for aid and attendance for survivor spouses for war vets?

[@babyjayhawk065]

And if your veteran is 100% services connect and qualified you can get the caregiver benefit too.

[@roldyczarmoaes6226]

If scheduled to C&P exam under aid and attendance claim what is it they be looking if I have caregivers with me taking me to all doctors appointments and assisting

[@offroadspec918]

You guys are awesome 😎 I really appreciate your help and your advises

[@ginahowery157]

Hello Ma'am. My husband is 10percent grant for his tinitus pension. Then recent he got head stroke june 26,2020 and totally paralized. I taking care of him full time 24 hours a day. I was apply to VA for aid and attendance but no reply.

[@lawaincooley6788]

The VA is not fast. You'll have to be patient or hire a lawyer to help you get it going faster.

[@jeffro582]

Call your local DAV office, make appointment to see service representative there. He will help you to apply and sent it in electronically. It took me less than 4 months and I was just awarded SMC-L. 800.00 per month for myself and 2 dependants

[@richm4769]

How many deficits do you need to qualify for aid and attendance. Ex. Memory care and help with eating. Do you need 2,3,4,5 etc.. to qualify. This is for spouse. Veteran is deceased

[@josephminero6519]

If I apply for A&A do I risk a new VA rating exam which could cause the VA to lower my 100 % P&T?

[@MBeist-vi7ho]

No answer? This is extremely inportant to know.

[@clydemonroe1430]

No it doesn’t, I applied and got denied and still have my 100% rating

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

​@@clydemonroe1430what was the reason for denail sir appeal what you need asap

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

​@@clydemonroe1430true

[@Handicappedvet]

Im awarded aid and attendance but don't receive a seperated award from my 100% it's total combined single status the $4,100 a month nothing extra, is that right?

[@jrrj-vf4jb]

Can a Veteran apply even though his wife is receiving Caretaker benefits? Thank You

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

yes

[@levitorres92]

Do you use va form 21-526ez or va form 21-527ez for aid & attendance & smc ...?

[@deetiligo7761]

If your 100% p&t and home bound smc s1. Can you also get aid and attendents too?

[@SpaceRanger187]

yes

[@roldyczarmoaes6226]

On C&P exam for a aid and attendance claim what is looked when scheduled to attend a claim for aid and attendance

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Is homebound pay different from aid and attendance

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi Dennis, our website states regarding Housebound Status and Aid and Attendance "Each of these types of SMC’s also has different levels that qualify veterans for different amounts of compensation." I have linked more information here from a written blog on our website www.hillandponton.com/va-benefits-a-basic-understanding-of-special-monthly-compensation/

[@mlw1968]

Can you be a Caregiver and receive Aid and Attendance?

[@HillAndPonton]

This is a good question, mlw1968. I'm going to share it with our attorneys to answer in a future video.

[@milagrosmercado9760]

Is it common to go from homebound to aid and attendant?

[@Traveler-PKK]

You loose HouseBound if you qualify for Aid and Attendance

[@Nsands81]

Yes it is but you have to provide the evidence otherwise if you file without it you risk getting your 100 reduced. Be very careful alright

[@danielalvaradojr73]

I once requested this from my Primary Care and Mental Health both of which said they cant due to VA stuff. Not sure what that means, however can an outside Dr. fill out the document?

[@danielalvaradojr73]

@@HillAndPonton Thank you so much for your help

[@Traveler-PKK]

The problem with Aid & Attendance is you have to be very poor to qualify. You have to qualify under the VA Pension income Level. Which means you have to give everything away or live very poor. It's almost the same as trying to qualify for Medcare - however, they did raise the limite of assets you can own under the VA. But this is Assets only. Most people make way more than the monthly limit.

[@toraw8359]

I've heard the same as what you said about VA A&A Pension, but was told that you can apply for a 2nd type a different type of VA A&A called COMPENSATION, also known as SMC where income isnt as strict

[@mr.cleanone3900]

I got ssdi Medicare came along with it . And I was making over 100 k a year

[@evilload]

VA compensation is based on disability of the Veteran and income has no effect on it.

[@jonzeejonez4585]

My understanding is that Aid and Attendance (SMP) is income based. Not SMC... You use the same VA form. However, you check the box for the benefit for which you are applying...

[@pubatheoriginal]

Can you qualify for SMC r-1 for mental health TDIU?

[@Delivery111]

Do know anything about Va. Have outside provide do the aid and attendance C-P exam outside?

[@HillAndPonton]

I have linked more information here about acquiring Aid and Attendance benefits directly from the official VA website. www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

[@Delivery111]

@@HillAndPonton Thank You

[@Delivery111]

Can you qualify for two knee replacement and back the Va. Order C&P exam what should I expect ?

[@HillAndPonton]

Our website has two very informative blogs about ratings for knees and the back. I have linked them both below. Thank you for watching! www.hillandponton.com/knee-disabilities/ www.hillandponton.com/spinal-claims-pt1/

[@Delivery111]

What about aid and attendance with 2 knee replacement and back pain with outside provide

[@HillAndPonton]

@@Delivery111 There are specific requirements to qualify for Aid and Attendance. I have linked a blog with the requirements listed here www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/

[@Nsands81]

Is aid and attendance SMC(L) more than housebound SMC(s)? Online it says it is but my VSO said they are the same and this video is also saying the same. Also for aid and attendance to qualify you need to file a form for a caregiver. So wouldn't that alone be more than SMC(s)?

[@floydlholt9829]

I'm a 100% disabled veteran that suffering from having a cancerous tumor from my brain and cannot use the left side of my body correctly. Is this something I can apply for?

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi Floyd, we are very sorry to hear that. It is possible that you may qualify. I have linked a blog from our website here that explains more about Aid and Attendance and the requirements. Thank you. www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/

[@carlosparscal]

100 % you should be getting S-1 Housebound if not apply for it..

[@floydlholt9829]

@@carlosparscal the tumor been removed, but I'm going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment right now. But my left side is very flaky. Sometimes I fall while walking, drops things in my hand and lose functions on my left side randomly.

[@floydlholt9829]

@@carlosparscal I applied for SMC and the doctor wrote up my condition of having my left side messed up due to having a piece of brain removed due to the cancerous tumor. Hopefully I will meet the qualifications for SMC.

[@editamabazzz2854]

Wow i am the one who canot stand up enemore since my husband pass away last nov. I become high blood and with the side effect of the medication the more i git sick, very hard to be widowers, it's just like you are all alone and start a new life.

[@dwaynescott9636]

Say that you are a disabled veteran receiving VA compensation with your wife is also disabled can you receive aid and attendance on your wife behalf because because you take care of her

[@dwaynescott9636]

@@HillAndPonton no she's not

[@HillAndPonton]

Unfortunately, Aid and Attendance is a benefit only available to Veterans. In our article regarding Aid and Attendance, it states "The first step in determining eligibility is proving that you served in active duty military service." Here is more information in our article linked here www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/

[@Walsh25]

@@HillAndPonton this conversation yes maybe but A&A is available for a spouse-receiving widow receiving benefits -

[@tamaraharden9849]

Can a blind 100% P/T service connected veteran receive aid and attendance if they already have a care giver paid through the Care Giver Program?

[@jesseg6708]

Great video as always. Is it possible to get aid and attendance if you are service-connected for epilepsy and you have long periods of time you’re not allowed to drive? My spouse has to take me everywhere and help with finances because it makes me forgetful?

[@metalarteestsliger9321]

yes

[@ralphcastle7513]

I could use help with this issue.

[@glengayer9627]

Do you need to be a certain Disability Rating to qualify ?? I’m only at 10% since 73 never followed up

[@dinakindred]

What about a widow of a veteran? Can they as well quality?

[@ruththomas7164]

Yes they do- ✌️🇺🇸

[@dinakindred]

@@ruththomas7164 thank you helping my mom

[@TacticalPAPA]

So in the beginning she said A&A is in addition to your disability benefits? That’s not what I’m reading…so is it paid ontop of or??

[@dwaynejones1555]

I know a veteran that qualifies for both on VA Form 212680 which 1 is most Preferred? SMP or SMC? No children no spouse. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) - Veterans and surviving spouses or parents who are eligible to receive VA compensation due to a service-related disability or death and require aid and attendance of another person to perform personal functions required in everyday living such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting oneself from the hazards of the daily environment may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation. A Veteran or a deceased Veteran's surviving spouse may also be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation based on being housebound (substantially confined to the immediate premises because of permanent disability). For a Veteran, the disability causing the need for aid and attendance or housebound status must be related to service. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly compensation. They are not paid without eligibility to compensation. Special Monthly Pension (SMP) - Veterans and survivors who are eligible for Veteran's Pension and/or Survivors benefits and require the aid and attendance of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting him/her from the hazards of his/her daily environment, or are housebound (substantially confined to his/her immediate premises because of permanent disability), may be eligible for Special Monthly Pension (SMP). This benefit is an increased monthly amount paid to a Veteran or survivor who is eligible for Veterans Pension or Survivors benefits.

[@anthonylenow9055]

What the difference between housebound and aid & attendance? Can you qualify for both ?

[@SpaceRanger187]

one or the other. If you need it apply

[@richrod1678]

No, housebound means that you could only go out to your doctors appointments or with someone to run certain errands like shopping groceries. Otherwise you have to be in the house all the time.

[@keviningram831]

does a non service connected veteran qualify for aid and attendance? My father is an 80 year old veteran with 3 years of service and was been diagnosed with Parkinson disease

[@mariamorano5448]

Does this also apply to the spouse of a veteran.. is the spouse eligible for this

[@katnapgamingproductions]

Can you qualify for A&A if you are 100% PTSD?

[@lorenzotimmons2598]

yes

[@peedinkus389]

You're conflating aid and attendance pay with smc based on need of A&A.

[@ginahowery157]

What do I need to be done for me to claim aid and attendance.

[@richrod1678]

Well I like what you're saying you're forgetting one thing that if you have a major psychotic disorder and it includes all those other sicknesses the VA only rates one the major one the other ones are just symptoms of that diagnose disability. So that means the veteran really has no other choice but to live with them.

[@Rollercoaster555]

Me 54 years and counting

[@richrod1678]

@Rollercoaster555 What are you counting my friend?

[@davidstephens6902]

Are there financial requirements?

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi David, yes there are. Our blog on our website states that for Aid and Attendance, there is a limit. "Currently, this limit is $1,644 per month or $19,736 per year. These limits determine whether an individual or family has a financial need for aid and attendance benefits." I have linked the blog here www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/ Thank you for watching!

[@trayatwood1500]

Is the SMC form the same as Aid and attendance?

[@livininmexico3811]

The form is VA Form 21-2680. It is for both SMC(S) "Housebound" AND SMC(L) "Aid and Attendance". I applied for and received my A&A making sure I had a full-time caregiver to take care of me.

[@hectorpuente316]

Thank you for your service brother. 1st question: I’m all ready p&t 100% under SMC-S which is housebound can you still get A&A? 2nd question how does one get SMC-R1 ?

[@toribiomares1881]

⁶​@@hectorpuente316

[@thomasc7119]

Can a veteran get both the caregiver and aid and attendance.

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi Thomas, thank you for writing to Hill and Ponton. I just wanted to clarify your question. Are you asking if a Veteran can have "Aid and Attendance" and qualify for the VA Caregiver program? If so, this may be possible. There are specific regulations. It would be best to consult a Veteran's Service Officer or Veteran's Advocacy Group to see if your specific situation could apply. Thank you.

[@paulking2182]

Hi good morning thank you very much for this video and helped me and my father out. He is a Vietnam combat veteran and I’m trying to find assistance via the VA for home care he’s bedridden right now it needs a lot of help and I just can’t find the right person to talk to he’s living in Naples Florida please advise thank you so much

[@carlosparscal]

can you aid and attendance if you get TDIU?

[@HillAndPonton]

Yes, it is possible because Aid and Attendance is a form of Special Monthly Compensation. I have linked our blog about Aid and Attendance here www.hillandponton.com/what-are-aid-and-attendance-va-benefits/

[@carlosparscal]

@@HillAndPonton thank you

[@watchme2025]

How do we get in touch with u lady’s for help

[@HillAndPonton]

Give us a call at 800-257-4400

[@dr.mathamagic3157]

VA says I have to be "bedridden" despite the fact I'm 100% mobility impaired and paying out of pocket for daily care.

[@susanlucas1125]

Can a senior spouse apply for deceased WWII Veteran benefits for Aid and Attendance?

[@MakeWay4CJ]

Whut? Who would the senior spouse be using the money for it the veteran has passed away?

[@jdavideast]

Would this quality for a surviving spouse? Like a 81 yr old spouse with dementia / beginning stages of Alzheimer’s?

[@sharonbeckey7837]

How dose one fine out if they qualify. My son gets disability is he still qualify for aid he is TBI

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi Sharon, I provided our phone number that you asked for in your previous post. It is 407-537-9000. Please feel free to give us a call for more information. Thank you!

[@hailonchannel8800]

How can I get my C&P exam fastest way? I faxed my request, but still waiting. 4 months already. Thanks

[@brianh2253]

This entire concept scares the hell out of me. By opening up and letting a doctor (especially a Gov employed one) into my head and thoughts it opens up Pandora's box so to speak. I know the general thought is "if you need help, go get it" but when you look at the reality, this person has the ability to remove your freedom from you. If you tell them things and/or use special words you can be placed in "observation" (mental ward) or loose your drivers license or right to bear arms and on and on. This is such a slippery slope to need help but at the same time not want the inevitable outcomes. It is no wonder we become agoraphobic when we do not dare open up to anyone.

[@adtemporary69]

VA hired bottom of the barrel people. Essentially the shot doctors who can’t make it at good hospitals. There’s a reason 70% of VA enrolled people don’t get aid at a VA facility.

[@WahlVids]

You can request a referral to an outside provider through a VA community care rep. They will insist no because they provide the service. Then just go get seen to express these concerns and insist on getting a referral to an outside provider to go that route, especially if you happen to have tricare.

[@gigireynolds2258]

I have been my husband's caregiver for 11 years. I have had to quite my job. I get $650 a month only. Through the caregiver program. How do I apply for Aid and Attendants?

[@jeffro582]

Get tge va form and fill it out, or better yet, go to DAV office and let the service rep fill it out for you, he will file it electronically.

[@gigireynolds2258]

@@jeffro582 thank you so much.

[@jeffro582]

@@gigireynolds2258 you are most welcome.

[@summergibson9012]

I was granted SSI For one month then I received DIC which is $1487 they took this is security insurance away from me because I made too much with my DIC where I qualify as far as income and because I was already found disabled but yeah I’m not receiving disability am I eligible

[@michaelt7815]

I think good thing about that is you can work and earn whatever. If ya can not sure of your condition. Ssi is very strict on income you have or savings etc. As far as aid and attendance think that is only for veteran but not sure. If say contact county veteran affairs office or veteran s attorney

[@darleenmiller8427]

Can the spouse also use this?

[@darleenmiller8427]

@@HillAndPonton Thank you. However I am still not seeing anything that says this can be used on the spouse if they are the one who is homebound. ;-(

[@troberts7259]

Wow !!

[@charlesbell6634]

I am 100% disabled. Need Aid & Attendance

[@HillAndPonton]

Please feel free to give us a call at 407-537-9000 to see if we may be able to assist. Thank you!

[@donmilland7606]

Attorney is not a title.

[@dwaynejones1555]

What is TBI?

[@dwaynejones1555]

@@HillAndPonton Thank you

[@brianharrington-ws2kj]

am bed riden anhouseond

[@dwaynejones1555]

I know a veteran that qualifies for both on VA Form 212680 which 1 is most Preferred? SMP or SMC? No children no spouse. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) - Veterans and surviving spouses or parents who are eligible to receive VA compensation due to a service-related disability or death and require aid and attendance of another person to perform personal functions required in everyday living such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting oneself from the hazards of the daily environment may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation. A Veteran or a deceased Veteran's surviving spouse may also be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation based on being housebound (substantially confined to the immediate premises because of permanent disability). For a Veteran, the disability causing the need for aid and attendance or housebound status must be related to service. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly compensation. They are not paid without eligibility to compensation. Special Monthly Pension (SMP) - Veterans and survivors who are eligible for Veteran's Pension and/or Survivors benefits and require the aid and attendance of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting him/her from the hazards of his/her daily environment, or are housebound (substantially confined to his/her immediate premises because of permanent disability), may be eligible for Special Monthly Pension (SMP). This benefit is an increased monthly amount paid to a Veteran or survivor who is eligible for Veterans Pension or Survivors benefits.