THREE VETERAN PROGRAMS WORTH EXPLORING TO MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE

Resources and Veteran Programs to Help Veterans Stay Safe and Hold onto Their Independence

For Veterans looking to maintain their independence for as long as safely possible, several resources and veteran programs are available to help get the care and support they need. These include the VA Community Care Network, the Aid and Attendance Program, and Veteran-Directed Care.

Let’s look at each option in depth, including the qualifications and possible benefits of each.

UNDERSTANDING THE VA COMMUNITY CARE NETWORK

The Community Care Network (CCN) is a nationwide network of care providers, including doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and other care professionals who collaborate with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This network aims to deliver high-quality, timely, and accessible care services and support to eligible Veterans outside the VA healthcare system.

How the VA Community Care Network Works for You

For Veterans who find it challenging to travel to VA medical facilities or need specialized care unavailable at these facilities, the CCN provides a valuable solution. Through this program, the VA authorizes community providers to offer care services, such as homemaker, home health aide, and/or respite, directly to you, with the VA covering the costs.

These veteran programs are provided by trained caregivers and span a wide range of daily activities and tasks in your home, from light housekeeping and meal preparation to hygiene, bathing and dressing. This is also an ideal option if you are experiencing isolation, or your caregiver needs a break. If you require skilled care, you may determine home healthcare is the best option.

How to Qualify for Care Under CCN Veteran Programs

Home Health Aide and Respite Care is available to all enrolled in VA Health who have Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs.

To be eligible for care under the Community Care Network (CCN), you must first be enrolled in VA Health and have Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs.

Enrollment in VA Health is based on several factors:

• You must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
• If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty.
• This minimum duty requirement may not apply if you were discharged for a service-connected disability, discharged for hardship, or served prior to September 7, 1980.
• Current or former Reserves or National Guard members must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period of service.
• Veterans who served in certain locations during the Vietnam War era are eligible.
• Veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards during service, including those who served in combat zones after 9/11, are eligible.

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you can apply for VA health benefits in several ways:

1. Online Application: Apply directly through the VA’s website.
2. Phone Application: Call the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387 (available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET) for assistance with your application.
3. Mail Application: Complete the Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) and mail it to: Health Eligibility Center PO Box 5207 Janesville, WI 53547-5207
4. In-Person Application: Visit your nearest VA Medical Center or clinic with a completed VA Form 10-10EZ.
5. Assisted Application: Work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative for help with your application. Click here to locate an accredited representative.

THE AID AND ATTENDANCE VETERAN PROGRAMS

The Aid and Attendance program is a pension benefit for eligible wartime Veterans and their spouses, offering financial assistance for personal care services. This benefit helps if you need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

How Aid and Attendance Works for You

If you need ongoing support but lack financial resources, the Aid and Attendance benefit can cover the costs of home care aides.

How to Qualify for Aid and Attendance

Eligibility requirements for the Aid and Attendance pension are divided into four criteria: Military Service, Health Needs, Monthly Income, and Total Assets.

1. Military Service
   a. The veteran must have served at least one day of active duty during a wartime period and a total of 90 active-duty days.
   b. Wartime periods: World War II (Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946), Korea (June 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955), Vietnam (Aug. 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975), Republic of Vietnam (Nov 1, 1955 – Aug 4, 1964).
   c. An honorable, medical, or general discharge is required.
   d. The surviving spouse must apply based on their most recent spouse’s service and is not eligible if remarried to a non-wartime Veteran or divorced.
2. Health Needs
   a. Assistance with two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or a cognitive impairment is required.
   b. ADLs: bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, transferring, or ambulating.
   c. Conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, or Parkinson’s disease qualify.
3. Monthly Income
   a. Includes the entire household’s income: social security, pensions, wages, rental, and investment income.
   b. Veterans can deduct home care expenses from their income.
   c. Full benefit if income is less than monthly care expenses; partial benefit if income is higher.
   d. Positive net income reduces the payment.
4. Total Assets
   a. Asset limit: $150,538, which increases annually.
   b. Includes all liquid assets: checking, savings, CDs, annuities, IRAs, 401(k)s, mutual funds, real estate (except primary residence), stocks, and bonds.
   c. Primary residence (with up to two acres), burial policies, prepaid funerals, funeral trusts, vehicles, and personal property are not counted.
   d. Exceeding the asset limit requires planning to become eligible.
   e. Selling a home can affect eligibility.

Once eligibility has been determined, you will need to complete the VA application either by purchasing an online package or downloading and filling out the 30-page form by hand.

Submit the signed application and required documents by mail or fax to the VA Pension Management Center. Approval can take 3-9 months.

If approved, you’ll receive an award letter and deposit; if denied, you can appeal within a year with assistance from a VA-accredited attorney or representative.

VETERAN-DIRECTED CARE: EMPOWERING YOU WITH GREATER CONTROL

Veteran-Directed Care allows Veterans of all ages to access the necessary Home and Community-Based Services in a self-directed manner.

These veteran programs cater to Veterans requiring personal care and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. They also support Veterans who are socially isolated or whose caregivers are overburdened.

How Veteran-Directed Care Works for You

Participants in this program receive a service budget, which can be managed by the Veteran or their representative. With guidance from a counselor, Veterans can hire workers to assist with their daily needs, enabling them to live independently at home or within their community.

How to Qualify for Veteran-Directed Care

All Veterans are eligible for Veteran-Directed Care if they qualify for community care and meet the clinical criteria for the service.

Additionally, you must live in an area where VDC is available. Interested Veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center for more details on the application process.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH VETERANS’ HOME CARE

Understanding the different home care options available through the VA can significantly benefit Veterans. These veteran programs provide essential financial assistance and services tailored to your needs. By leveraging these benefits, you can access high-quality care that supports your independence and well-being, ensuring you receive the help you need in the comfort of your own home.

Home Helpers^® Home Care is a proud partner with Paradigm Senior Services to make our veteran’s lives easier. Together with Paradigm’s advanced solutions for home care agencies working with the VA, Medicaid, and other third-party payers, we help make sure our Veterans can remain independent wherever they call home.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IN-HOME CARE SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU. This blog was written in partnership with Paradigm. Paradigm partners with home care agencies nationwide, empowering them to effectively accept and bill for veteran clients.