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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V B

We were very fortunate to have Legacy Elder Law Center assist us with the many issues that arose regarding my brother's death and the sale of his home. The staff is excellent and communicated with us every step of the way and answered our many questions. They are amazing and made a very difficult situation so much easier and manageable. We wish to thank the staff of Legacy Elder Law Center, with special thanks to Steve Bingham and Tyler Sitzlar.

Ashley Butler

I am highly impressed with the professionalism, urgency, and hard work that Rory, Liz, Chandler & others in this office displayed. I needed the appropriate documents filed to support my father in his estate and end of life planning. The package they offer provided all the documents he needed in a fast and urgent timeline. I was met with hugs and warmth as I worked with them closely to make sure everything was precise and correct.I would highly recommend their services no matter what your age is. Having all of the documents you need through out your life so your loved ones always know your wishes. If you are looking for the best, I highly encourage you work with them. I am blessed to have worked with them & Liz is absolutely amazing!Down to earth but professional to make sure you are always comfortable and understand the process.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much, Ashley, for your heartfelt review. We're truly honored by your kind words and so grateful you entrusted our team—including Rory, Liz, and Chandler—to assist your father during such an important time. It means a great deal to us to know that our warmth, attention to detail, and responsiveness made a difference. Planning ahead brings peace of mind, and we’re glad we could be part of that journey for your family. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Liz—she'll be thrilled! Thank you again for the recommendation.

Dawn

Emily listened, she is extremely knowledgeable. She explained things clearly, answered all of my questions and provided me with information that I needed that I didn’t think of.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Emily was able to provide such a helpful and informative experience. She takes great pride in making sure clients feel heard and well-informed. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!

Julie

I have an awesome consultation! So much valuable information for deciding on what’s needed to protect my mother from wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Julie! We're so glad to hear your consultation was helpful and empowering. Protecting loved ones—especially from those who may not have their best interests at heart—is at the core of what we do. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist further as you move forward.

Kat Ninh

Call to enquire their legal services. Front desk didn’t get my question. Repeated a couple of times. She told me to call again. I did. She put me to voicemail and then block my number. Totally shocked.

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with the interaction. We did speak with you at length to understand your situation, and our team did their best to assist. Unfortunately, the issue you are seeking help with—Social Security disability benefits—falls outside of the areas of law we handle.We understand how frustrating it can be when you're seeking answers during a difficult time. While we could not provide the legal support you needed, our intention was never to dismiss your concerns or block further communication. If there was a misunderstanding, we sincerely apologize.We wish you the very best and hope you're able to connect with a firm that specializes in Social Security matters who can better assist you.

L P

I would not use this law firm. The free consultation I received with Liz was a total waste of my time. She was doing house work while speaking with me on the phone which is unprofessional. She provided no useful information about what the lawyer can do for me. Instead she repeatedly emphasized their "price tag" for their products throughout the consultation.

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. It’s important to clarify that the purpose of the initial consultation is not to provide legal advice, but to understand your situation, determine whether our firm is a good fit, and explain how we may be able to help.We do discuss pricing during the consultation to be as transparent as possible about costs and services, so there are no surprises down the road. That said, we expect every member of our team to maintain a high level of professionalism during these calls, and we’re disappointed to hear that this was not your experience. Your concerns have been shared internally, and we will follow up to address them.

Robert Keller

They were very accommodating and pleasant. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Robert! We're so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your recommendation and kind words—it means a lot to us!

nell fagan

This consultation was very informative and helpful. I look forward to working with your group! I'll be in touch to set up an appointment.

Response from the owner: Nell, Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We look forward to assisting you shortly!

Lloyd Calderon

Excellent info; listened well to needs and concerns. Knowledgeable and respectful with a dose of empathy.

Response from the owner: Hi Lloyd, Thank you so much for the kind words! We're glad to hear you felt heard, respected, and supported. Providing knowledgeable guidance with empathy is exactly what we strive for. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help further.

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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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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.

Lauren Penman-Garcia

Very helpful, knowledgeable and professional.

Alexis Guirand

Emily Wanchisn has been very helpful. I appreciate her time & directions on how I should proceed with my probate issues. I will follow through & keep her informed on the outcome so she can direct or redirect me accordingly. I am grateful for her legal knowledge. The Legal Elder Law Center is recommended to all requiring this type of assistance.

Carlton Conley

My consultation with Emily was very pleasant and informative. We look forward to working with her.

Captain Tightpants

Very helpful and informative. Excellent and friendly staff as well!

Tricia Devlin

Needed some questions about probate answered. Emily was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind with my situation over the phone. (Wow, I didn't even have to drive into town for a free consult) Don't hesitate to use their practice if you need this type of information. I know this is Emily's job, but she made me feel confident to proceed with my actions and if I could I would give her more than five stars for how she spoke and treated me. Excellent experience. Thank you Emily!

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

Chris Johnson

Emily was very helpful and informative. She took a huge weight off my shoulders.

Stephen A. Vaughan

Awesome Service

Daniel Villalobos

Answered all my questions and looking forward to work with yall

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

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!

john doee

Very helpful and understanding

robin boniface

Very good meeting! Rory handled all the questions my son had and was very patient. We are excited to execute the plan!

Ashley Funk

Legacy Law was incredible and I look forward to working with them in the future!

Paul T. Leidy

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.

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

Samuel Krislov

The Legacy Elder Law Center is just what we have been looking for: a place where people genuinely serve those who are elderly and protect them from the vagaries of old age and worry. Judy and i are both at ease as we go through the process of securing our needs and those of our loved ones. We recommend them highly. Their work is invaluable.

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.

Corque Board

Great start looking forward to getting to work

Vadim P.

Spring Bartley

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

Charles Price II

yo! these people are awesome! and Eliz is the best. Talk about being thorough, communicative, and wanting to put you in the best situation based upon where you are and where you are looking to go. I've been recommending them around to all my friends because I know how important this stuff is. And for them to offer the comprehensive help they do and aid to ensure you understand is well worth it!

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.

Barbara McMillan

Very helpful and informative!

Danielle Lavoie

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!

Phil Villarreal

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.

reginald melvin

Extremely professional and knowledgeable! Listened to my needs and provided very efficient and effective counsel!!!

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 ❤️

Cathleen Weadon

Adrienne M

Very informative and professional

Jet Lobster007

It was very enlightening.

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.

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?

Edwin Allen

We greatly appreciate the assistance provided Liz with our elder care challenge. She responded quickly and provided excellent advice. Thank you!

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.

Vita Russotto

Ms. Elizabeth Clark was a pleasure to speak with. She made me feel like I Was right at home. I look forward to working with her.