Jim Cauthorn will present a free informational seminar titled, “Aid and Attendance,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd. The program is sponsored by the American Association for Wartime Veterans (AAWV)
Cauthorn will explain the benefits which are available to qualifying veterans, widowed spouses or disabled adult children. Since the Timbers opened 14 years ago, there have been more than 50 residents who have been helped through this program.
Once awarded Aid and Attendance or Housebound status, veterans may obtain as much as $1,794 a month, surviving spouses $1,153 a month, and existing couples $2,054 a month. In addition to income, veterans and their spouses may qualify for free medications, medical equipment, incontinence supplies, glasses, and hearing aids.
Cauthorn will explain eligibility and how to initiate a claim. For example, the claimant’s physician must declare the veteran as housebound and in need of assistance from another individual which may include services offered by assisted living. The veteran must have served at least 90 days active duty with one day of the 90 during a war period.
Founded in 2002, AAWV is a privately held community outreach service formed to provide information about the improved pension program to wartime veterans and surviving spouses. To date, approximately $2.6 million a month is being paid in benefits because of AAWV’s efforts. There is no charge for AAWV’s services.
About The Timbers of Shorewood
Named the 2016 Business of the Year by the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce, The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community that provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.
The seminar is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. For more information call 815-609-0669.
What is Aid and Attendance?
A veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid and assistance of another person, or a veteran who is permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional compensation or pension payments. A veteran evaluated at 30 % or more disabled is entitled to receive an additional payment for a spouse who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person.
Basic Qualifications:
- Discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions
- Served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war
- Monthly income is less than the Aid and Attendance benefit
- Less than $80,000 in countable assets (doesn’t include home, life insurance or prepaid funeral plans)
- Have a diagnosis that requires supportive care
- 65 years of age or older
- Surviving spouse (if married at the time of death)
Periods of Service:
- WWI – 04/16/17 to 11/11/18
- WWII – 12/07/41 to 12/31/46
- Korea – 06/27/50 to 01/31/55
- Vietnam (inside) – 02/28/61 to 05/07/75
- Vietnam (outside) – 05/07/57 to 08/05/64
