Charity is Easing the Application Process for Families
By Jacey Blue Renner
Understanding the Benefit
American Patriot Service Corp was formed and initially funded by veterans in 2011. The goal: helping other veterans and their families navigate the arduous process of estate planning and how to file for, and receive, the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit.
Established in the 1950s to fulfill a financial gap in need for America’s veterans, the Aid and Attendance Benefit provides a supplemental pension to veterans and their surviving spouses. The benefit is need-based and has specific eligibility requirements that can be tough to navigate independently. Once they qualify, veterans and their surviving spouses can receive this tax-free benefit the rest of their lives.
Easing the Process
“The process is overwhelming,” says Patty Rudolph, American Patriot Service Corp case manager and New Mexico coordinator.
However, American Patriot Service Corp offers a systematic approach led by coordinators like Rudolph and VA-accredited attorneys, who can ease the process for veterans and their families by using a three-step approach. Through a phone call or webinar, an application workshop, and consultant-led completion/filing of medical and legal paperwork, applicants can “complete their process in a month,” says Rudolph.
Filing independently with the VA, some veterans and their families may wait up to a year to see a return decision on their applications, or they might discover they didn’t submit all the required documents. Delays can occur, and impacts like government shutdowns can exacerbate those delays.
Given that American Patriot Service Corp is a designated member-based charity, a one-time donation of $750 is suggested for applicants to help defray costs (the attorneys all are pro bono). That said, families may donate an amount with which they are comfortable. With that donation comes access to any additional help members might need with VA questions, audits or other relevant legal questions, and perhaps most importantly, an expedited timeline. Depending on the veteran or spouse’s age and immediate need, timing could be crucial. Attorneys and consultants strive to submit the most fully developed claim to mitigate any delays due to missing application items.
“This service is available pretty much for free,” Rudolph says. “Spreading the word is key.”
Determining Eligibility
One of the toughest but most essential tasks is to determine veteran eligibility. American Patriot Service Corp can assist with several key questions to determine whether you or your loved one qualifies for the benefit.
As a preliminary assessment, consider these eligibility factors:
- Must have served at least 90 days of active duty (180 days for Gulf wartime service)
- Served at least one day during a period of war
- Was not dishonorably discharged
According to American Patriot Service Corp, eligible periods of war that veterans can consider as they determine qualifications include service during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War to the present. This includes those who served during the Afghanistan conflict. For a full list of eligibility dates, visit the American Patriot Service Corp Eligibility landing page or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“To fully qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit, applicants must be at least 65 years of age or totally disabled, and meet care, income and asset requirements,” as noted on the American Patriot Service Corp website. A physician’s report will be required along with any additional documentation that can support the need for the veteran.
Care criteria include regular physical assistance by another member of the household or a living facility. Additionally, 100% of veterans’ monthly income must be allocated to accommodate medical expenses, and liquid cash and assets must not exceed a specific amount, to allow for those who need the benefit most, based on need and income, to receive it.
Family Planning
“Family members should really be part of the process,” says Rudolph. “Sons and daughters can be the one to complete the process.”
American Patriot Service Corp can help provide the guidance family members or caregivers might need to obtain the rights to sign for their veteran. They will walk them through the application process and offer guidance on how to collect the necessary medical paperwork to prove veteran need. Care and planning for elderly veterans can be challenging. The Veteran Aid & Attendance Benefit can help defray a small amount of their care costs and give families a small moment of peace as they are guided through the application process.
Resources and Getting Involved
To date, American Patriot Service Corp has helped over 7,000 veterans. The organization relies heavily on donations and monthly memberships. By visiting the website, donors can sponsor a veteran or their surviving spouse. Much of American Patriot Service Corp’s membership is made up of those donating $10-$25 dollars a month. “Any donation is accepted and appreciated,” Rudolph says.
For more information or to register for an upcoming information session to understand how American Patriot Service Corp could help you or your veteran apply for the benefit, visit: apscnp.org. Call 888-726-1772 or email [email protected].
For additional information on the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
