Veterans Affairs

The Best Veteran Benefit You Didn’t Even Know Existed

In addition to other more well-known Veteran’s benefit programs, like service-connected disability payments and health care benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”) administers a program that pays tax-free cash benefits to older, wartime vets and their surviving spouses who need assistance because of the natural disabilities associated with aging. This program is called VA Aid & Attendance. Here is a concise summary of the benefit program.

The Aid & Attendance Benefit

The A&A program pays the following maximum, tax-free defined benefit on a monthly basis and can help offset rising care costs.

Veteran/Veteran: $3,649 per month or $43,791 per year

Veteran/Spouse: $2,727 per month or $32,729 per year

Veteran alone: $2,300 per month or $27,609 per year

Spouse alone: $1,478 per month or $17,743 per year

+Dependents $235 per month or $2,831 per year

Net Worth: $155,356

The benefit can be used to pay for home care, assisted living care, nursing home care, or other personal expenses of the Veteran or surviving spouse.

Eligibility Requirements

There are three eligibility requirements for the program.

Service Eligibility – For the Veteran, this means 90 days on active duty (2 years after 1980), one day during “wartime,” and no dishonorable discharge. For the surviving spouse, this means that the deceased Veteran spouse was service eligible and the surviving spouse was married to the Veteran for at least one year before the Veteran’s death.
Medical Eligibility – The Veteran or surviving spouse must be 65 years of age and need help to be safe, with confirmation by a letter from a physician.
Financial Eligibility – The program is intended to benefit Veterans and their surviving spouses who are spending all or most of their regular income on long-term care needs. In addition, there are “net worth” rules. Working with the Legacy Elder Law Center, our clients can shelter unlimited family wealth by initiating trust planning at least three years before an application for benefits is filed. In 2021, even without preplanning, an applicant can be eligible with a “net worth” of up to $130,773 PLUS a home and vehicles.

No Charge to Process Applications

The Legacy Elder Law Center never charges a fee to prepare, file, and prosecute a VA Aid & Attendance application for a qualified Veteran or surviving spouse.

“They help good people through difficult times…”

Online Reviews

Legacy Elder Law Center

4.7

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Josh Jurrens

I've worked with the team at Legacy Elder Law Center for about a year now and they've been simply amazing partners. It's abundantly clear that they care about each and every person that calls. Their reputation is built on helping, caring, and being a true advocate for families throughout the planning process. I highly recommend that anyone give them a call and see if they would be a good fit. If not, they'll help you find someone who is.

Response from the owner: Thanks for the review Josh!

Pamela Finster

It has been my pleasure to know and work with Attorney RoryClark and the staff of The Legacy Elder Law Center for the past six years. They have assisted me with the complexity of helping my parents create their irrevocable trust. With Rory's expertise and guidance, the entire family feels that our parents' financial future is secure. My thanks to all for making this experience so easy and allaying our fears.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It has been our honor to assist you and your family over the past six years. We understand how important it is to secure your parents' financial future, and we are delighted that you felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Your trust in our firm, and in Rory's expertise, means the world to us. If you ever need anything in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for choosing The Legacy Elder Law Center.

Lisa Freire

This team has done nothing but work to help me. They have been confidantes, therapists, and obviously legal experts. They have taken a potentially disastrous situation and turned it around in a flash and explained all of my options at each stage of the process. I could not be happier with their work. We're not done yet and there are still some hurdles to jump but without them I really would be up the creek without a paddle.Thank you Leann, Rachael, Eliz, Rory and the rest for your patience, expertise, and kindness. Worth every penny.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave this wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Leann, Rachael, Eliz, Rory, and the rest of the team are all delighted to know that their hard work and dedication have made a significant difference.Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps in fostering a supportive atmosphere for every client who comes our way. We appreciate your trust in us during this crucial time and are committed to continuing our journey together, overcoming any hurdles that come our way.Thank you once again for choosing us and for your acknowledgment of the value of our service. We look forward to achieving more milestones together!

Brian Burns

We received great advice on planning for the future and protecting assets by setting up a trust, will, and AMD. Loved working with Rory, Kathy and the whole team.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience working with Rory, Kathy, and the rest of our team. It's wonderful to know that you feel more secure about your future and your asset protection. We're here whenever you need us and look forward to serving you again. All the best!

Marie Bailey

Emily, was very helpful to me and took the time, to explain the path that I needed to take, in order to move ahead, with my issue. She gave me, some much needed, peace of mind. Thanks again.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with Emily. We're delighted to hear that she was able to guide you through your situation with care and clarity. Providing peace of mind to our clients is something we strive for, and it's heartening to know Emily played a pivotal role in achieving that for you.Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Emily. Remember, we're here to support you whenever you need us. Thank you once again for your trust and feedback.

Tamara Fleming

I appreciate the support you all provided me after losing my mother, in January 2024. Your team gave the information that allowed for me to make a difficult decision based on what was in my best interest. You all were even kind of enough refund my retainer fee. Grateful for your service.- Douglas Fleming

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We understand how challenging the period after losing a loved one can be, and it was our utmost priority to provide you with the support and information you needed to make the best decisions during such a difficult time.

Rosalie Wallace

EMILY WAS TRULY VERY HELPFUL ON TIME PHONE CONSULTATION I AM GOING TO HIRE THEM FOR I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE FOR MY BEST INTERESTS LOOK AY THEIR REVIEWS VERY REMARKABLE

Response from the owner: Thank you for this fantastic review!

Kristy Howell

Was very helpful and knowledgeable and gave me alot of good advice on how to handle my father's estate and I was very happy with the help I received through just one phone call

Response from the owner: Thanks for this great review, Kristy!

Karen Tid

Emily is super and upbeat. I told of her the very hard issues of foreclosure and she gave me an assurance that it could be stopped. Since there is no money available until the 1st, she recommended a Free source. I called that number but unlike Legacy Elder Law Center, those phones aren't manned and no one ever called back.It's refreshing to have an upfront legal team who explained cost upfront. I recommend them highly. Your questions, calls, answers, and upfront expense are important and she addressed them quickly and amicably without judgement. Additionally called a day ahead of what I expected. She was sharp, fresh, and ready to go.Give them a call and trust their knowledge because I'd already done some research and she was spot on about the fees and their fee is fair. Great team!

Response from the owner: Karen, thanks for taking the time to leave us this amazing and very detailed review. We really appreciate it.

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Legacy Elder Law Center’s ability to listen to you, map out a financial strategy and follow through with expert planning and advocacy is invaluable in securing your family’s financial future no matter what event comes along down the road.

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Kurush Safikhani

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH !!!!!I had the pleasure of speaking to Emily Wanchisn. At the Legacy Elder Law Center. Emily was kind, compassionate, understanding, and informative. Just to name a few. She was willing to listen to everything I needed to tell her. And honestly, I realize now. I told her ridiculous intricate details. I am so sorry Emily. But, regardless. Emily kept a smile on her face and mine throughout. Even though, it's extremely hard for me to discuss this situation due to ALL my health problems. And, I also get very emotional. I somehow with her help, kept a balance and got it done with a smile. I was soooo much happier at the end of the meeting. She went out of her way to help me. In way more than one way. This entire experience was honestly emotionally uplifting. I am starting to feel better and think different. I did not think that any of this was possible!!! She knew everything!! LITERALLY!! There was nothing that I needed to know when I hung up. I have endless questions, ALWAYS!!So, my only question is.....................WHY HAVENT YOU CALLED THEM YET?

Corque Board

Great start looking forward to getting to work

Alan Whitt

They answered all of questions in detail.Very knowledgeable.

Beatrice Ashford

We were very pleased with the advice given to us in preparation of our trusts. Our lawyer, Kathy Limjocco, was very patient in answering all our questions.

Fred Clark

Very knowledgeable and I feel confident following their adviceFred

Joe

They are an honest and reputable organization. I would recommend them to anyone that needs probate services in Virginia. They will look into every detail and give you an honest response to your questions. Racheal was awesome. Call them if you need their services.

Jet Lobster007

It was very enlightening.

Paul T. Leidy

Andy White

Professional, patient, and available to help us understand and use trust law to protect family assets while using Medicare to pay costs for institutionalization of one of us if needed. Kathy and Chandler were always available to answer questions to help with our execution of their very valuable legal strategy for elder care.

Lovin It

Cathleen Weadon

Jeff Wolf

Stepping into a situation for which I had no preparation, the people were so patient and kind, showing me step by step what was needed, what they were going to do, and what I needed to do. Never, in this confusing process, did I feel alone in the unfamiliar territory.

Matthew Green

john doee

Very helpful and understanding

Shannon Skousgaard

Legacy Elder Law provided us with excellent, compassionate, and comprehensive service. Approaching topics concerning care for our family, our own heath and welfare in old age, and fulfilling our duties to and desires for heirs, have been daunting and unsetting. We had had wills and powers of attorney drawn years ago. Knowing we needed updating my husband, Stephen who had career in financial planning, began looking for an attorney he thought would go beyond the formulaic. Fortunately after several seminars and contacts from his previous career, we attended their seminar.After watching a sibling care for an aged parent and exhaust his resources, we knew we needed to address that possibility for our children, we learned there was much more than wills and living trusts, etc. We took an initial one hour free exploratory session. Not only did Rory, he goes by that name, spend more time with us to delve into some personal needs of ours, he truly grasped who we are, what makes us who we are. We knew we had hit the jackpot. A career trying to give that kind of service gave Stephen complete confidence.Over several more sessions and several drafts, Rory and his team really did tailor legal documents which put our minds at rest. We appreciate their compassion and thoroughness. All of our contacts have been pleasant, and everyone was considerate and made us feel more like guests than clients. After two years we have found the firm very helpful when we had questions. They have reviewed with us our needs and enabled us to understand all the proper procedures we need to follow.We have recommended Legacy Elder Law to friends. That alone testifies to our complete confidence. And that confidence is bolstered by the effusive gratitude friends have given to us.The Skousgaard family enthusiastically recommends that you visit them. You owe it to yourselves.

George VanTassel

Always professional and courteous. The team answers all of our questions despite our naïveté in this area of the law. I highly recommend Rory and Kathleen to handle these life changing decisions!

Spring Bartley

Legacy Elder Law Center has been exceptionally professional and understanding throughout my grief and loss and my legal worries

Carol Haggerty

Our work with Kathleen was very enlightening and reassuring. She answered so many questions and eased our worries about securing our accounts for our children - all with grace and professional caring.

Marty Carpenter

I called the firm regarding some issues I was having with my father’s will. Eileen O’Leary went above and beyond to get me the answers I needed. I would highly recommend Legacy Elder Law Center.

Barbara McMillan

Very helpful and informative!

David Perkins

Knowing nothing about the law regarding protection of financial assets from government seizure to satisfy judgments stemming from tax, Medicaid, or other matters, I could rely only on my observations of Att. Rory Clark (heard one of his lectures on veteran benefits often unknown or unclaimed) and the veracity of the firm's advertising and promotion material.As I worked with staff in initial contacts, I applied my critical thinking and research skills to their explanations, suggestions, and proposals--and consequently became more confident that I was dealing with competent, experienced, and honest people. Related documents were prepared in timely fashion and I was given sufficient time to review and ask questions about the contents and revisions, when agreed upon, were made promptly,As the cliche goes, the "proof is in the pudding," but I am comfortable with the outcomes of our dealings. Each client, I suggest, must use appropriate knowledge, experience, and apply careful and critical thinking as explanations and proposed solutions to identified problems are put forward.The Clark firm is easy to work with to accommodate and remedy client ignorance (as with me) and concerns.

Ted Weekley

Maria Patterson

“The Legacy Elder Law Center provides what I call excellent customer service above and beyond and I want to express my gratitude for their assistance with settling my affairs.My lawyer, Ms. Kathleen Limjoco took very good care of me. She worked with me to get my affairs in order. She was accommodating, explaining available options and provided tailored service specific to my needs. How great is that! She went above and beyond expectations and assisted with the implementation of the trust documents. She definitely went the extra mile by working up a detailed spread sheet that allowed me to lodge all required documents, make required changes to existing documents and complete all required financial transactions with ease.The service didn’t end there: I was invited to attend a monthly Lunch ‘n Learn Webinar hosted by Mr. Rory Clark. I am especially grateful for Mr. Clark taking the time out of his busy schedule to share his expertise and personally presenting the monthly webinars. I really appreciate his fun and fact-filled presentations. There is never a dull or boring moment and best of all is the fact that I gain some valuable information. “Thank you” just doesn’t express my gratitude for these monthly information sessions. I appreciate and enjoy the service very much.However, it doesn’t end there. I am also offered a yearly review to keep my affairs in order and have an opportunity to update my documents if necessary.That's what I call excellent customer service above and beyond! I am thrilled about the excellent service I received! Mr. Clark as well as Ms. Limjoco are amazing at what they do! I want to thank to the Clark Firm and the Legacy Elder Law Center for the A+ service.”

Gary Foster

Kath and others worked very professionally to help meet my expressed objectives and add other elements of fiscal security.I have shared my plan with my family members, who were able to understand it and any roles they may fill in its application. Top flight practice.

Laura Clancy

Rory's firm was recommended to me by another respected attorney. From the time I made the first phone call, I felt a huge sense of relief. With the firm's holistic approach, my loved one and I feel cared for and heard. The entire team works diligently to ensure that the very complicated subject of Elder Law is handled with the best outcome for their clients. In addition, with the launch of their Guide Wise Care, I know that I have an professional advocate on my side. I am grateful.

Erica Young

I worked with Rory and Jennifer when settling my father’s estate. It was an overwhelming job for me but the team at Legacy Elder Law was a lifesaver. I worked closely with Jennifer and I can’t say enough about her professionalism and attention to detail. The law firm was recommended to me and I would recommend them to anyone else as well. I plan to use them again in the future for my own estate planning.

Brittain73

Just had a free consultation call with them. They were incredibly thorough in the initial call and covered all of my concerns. Highly recommend using them, also were very straightforward on pricing which was a relief!

Mark Berry

Rory helped give a 360 view on implications, possibilities, potential courses of action - and closed our discussion with very pragmatic advice - after my father’s death in January.

Daniel Villalobos

Answered all my questions and looking forward to work with yall

Carmela Hutto-Kirby

Emily , shared from her heart , she was deeply concerned and invested in my situation. Listening with true compassion the advice she gave me was not to get me as a client but to help me to have peace , to move on to the next step .I just lost my Step mom have a brother trying to take advantage of the money in the trust.She was invested in our time together. Thankyou for her need more people like her in this selfish world ❤️

Marilyn Williams

I can’t say enough about the professional help and support I received from the team at Legacy Elder Law Center.It was a daunting task trying to navigate the many issues surrounding my moms care, but Legacy Elder Law could not have been more helpful and understanding . They worked with me over several months and never faltered in their efforts to give me the assistance I needed.Thank You!

Emily Wanchisn

Handles things professionally and a pleasure to work with.

Elsa Willis

Legacy Elder Law Center worked patiently with us making every effort to explain all the questions we asked while we were in the process of setting up our legal accounts. The above four qualities describe the Legacy Law Center to a “T” and more!

Phil Villarreal

Samuel Williams

London Steverson

We had a Living Trust, but it made no provisions for Skilled Nursing Care and other Old Age Services. Also, we had two burial plots in California that we wanted as our final resting place. Our Pour Over Will was not definitive enough concerning our children and grandchildren. So, for $12,000.00, we saw this an an excellent opportunity to cure these defects in Estate Planning. Rory is The Expert in this field and he has a staff off veteran and novice clerks to get it done. We are thoroughly satisfied with their service and response time. We feel we are prepared to face any uncertainty in the Future concerning medical care, spousal financial services, preservation of family wealth, and manage of income. I feel confident that my End Time worries have been provided for, my Surviving Spouse will be cared for, and my children will have sufficient assets to get them started in Life in case of an unforeseen catastrophe. Rory has thought of and provided for every possible contingency.

Harvey Vandenburg

Legacy Elder Law demonstrated great expertise in helping us set up our estate plan. We now feel confident facing the uncertainties of the future. Strongly recommended! HV

Emanual Jennings