Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TomSlick

(11,743 posts)
Wed Feb 28, 2024, 09:41 PM Feb 2024

Any experience out there with VA benefits for assisted living?

My father was a Korean War combat veteran. Dad recently died and Mom has moved to an assisted living facility.

My brother has been in contact with "Patriot Angels" that is telling him that mom they get her a VA benefit to help pay the assisted living costs - for a fee.

I'm skeptical (I'm always skeptical) but "Patriot Angels" has a good BBB rating and more good reviews than bad.

Does anyone have experience with "Patriot Angels" or aware of such VA benefits?

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Any experience out there with VA benefits for assisted living? (Original Post) TomSlick Feb 2024 OP
Was your dad already getting VA benifits? gay texan Feb 2024 #1
No. TomSlick Feb 2024 #2
Get down to the local VA office gay texan Feb 2024 #4
Thanks. That's obviously the better choice. TomSlick Feb 2024 #5
Dude, the "companies" gay texan Feb 2024 #6
Shockingly, the SiL decided to talk to the VA without the "company." TomSlick Mar 2024 #11
Does your state government have a Veterans Affairs Dept? GP6971 Mar 2024 #10
Your local VA office can assist getting aid and attendance for your Mom. It is a free service. 33taw Feb 2024 #3
Aid and Attendance Pension waterwatcher123 Feb 2024 #7
Hey, thank you so much for posting this. Susan Calvin Feb 2024 #8
Thanks, very helpful. TomSlick Feb 2024 #9
Do not pay ANY fees. That is the sign of a scam. Jacson6 Mar 2024 #12
Thanks. We're dealing directly with the VA. TomSlick Mar 2024 #13
It will take time, but the VA will get it done correctly without charge. denbot Apr 2024 #14

TomSlick

(11,743 posts)
2. No.
Wed Feb 28, 2024, 09:45 PM
Feb 2024

He did not have a service connected condition. As far as I know, he never went to a VA medical facility.

gay texan

(2,810 posts)
4. Get down to the local VA office
Wed Feb 28, 2024, 11:01 PM
Feb 2024

Have your Dads service records, discharge paperwork, and ssn. Be forwarned, the VA moves slow

TomSlick

(11,743 posts)
5. Thanks. That's obviously the better choice.
Wed Feb 28, 2024, 11:09 PM
Feb 2024

My brother (a retired Reg Leg) and SiL are obviously smarter than I and are shot-in-the-tail to throw Mom's money at these guys. My brother got pissed because I asked for time to do some internet research.

It's simply not worth the fight. I will content myself with the coming "told ya so."

TomSlick

(11,743 posts)
11. Shockingly, the SiL decided to talk to the VA without the "company."
Fri Mar 1, 2024, 07:19 PM
Mar 2024

She now has the situation well in hand. Good thing she's so smart..

GP6971

(32,715 posts)
10. Does your state government have a Veterans Affairs Dept?
Fri Mar 1, 2024, 07:13 PM
Mar 2024

If so, they might have advocates that can help or at least provide you with information.

waterwatcher123

(234 posts)
7. Aid and Attendance Pension
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 01:01 AM
Feb 2024

Your mother is definitely eligible for the Aid and Attendance pension benefit (https://www.veteransaidbenefit.org/aid_and_attendance_pension_benefit.htm). You do need to go through a fairly detailed application process than includes getting doctor's signatures on her need for custodial care. You will also need to document all her income and expenses and organize it in a way that a potential reviewer can wade through all the paperwork (table of contents or index).

There are some people who prepare these VA applications professionally for survivors or veterans. But, you can do it yourself with a bit of due diligence and careful preparation. I did it for my mother who was in assisted living facility and later moved to a nursing home. It was incredibly helpful and paid on par what she received from the Social Security Administration.

Susan Calvin

(2,024 posts)
8. Hey, thank you so much for posting this.
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 09:25 AM
Feb 2024

I had absolutely no idea I was eligible, and it turns out that I am both on my own and through my late husband. I hope not to need it, but it's nice to know it's there.

Jacson6

(681 posts)
12. Do not pay ANY fees. That is the sign of a scam.
Tue Mar 26, 2024, 09:59 PM
Mar 2024

You need to get in touch with a Veteran Service Organization(VSO) in your county. Some States like California provide it for free. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) do provide VSO's.
If any one asks you for money then walk away and contact a VSO. They have saved me twice in the VA bureaucracy.

Good Luck.

TomSlick

(11,743 posts)
13. Thanks. We're dealing directly with the VA.
Wed Mar 27, 2024, 05:42 PM
Mar 2024

It's going to take a long time but I think that would be the case in any event.

denbot

(9,910 posts)
14. It will take time, but the VA will get it done correctly without charge.
Tue Apr 2, 2024, 04:13 AM
Apr 2024

No private company contractor can move anything faster than any single individual. As a matter of fact, even if they “only” charge half up front, they still have half with no fiscal motivation to do anything. When anyone blathers about privatizing, read the fine print. I personally think you done good.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»Any experience out there ...