Veterans' benefits, as they apply to assisted living and long-term care, are a largely misunderstood benefit. You may qualify to receive support if you are a U.S. veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran.
WHAT IT IS
"Aid and Attendance" is a commonly used term for a benefit that may be available to veterans as part of the VA's disability pension, or to the surviving spouse of a veteran as part of the VA's death pension. "Aid and Attendance" refers to the fact that for this particular pension benefit, the claimant must demonstrate a regular need for the aid and attendance of a caregiver or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. This benefit is most commonly available to residents in an assisted living community, a skilled nursing community or recipients of home health care.
HOW YOU QUALIFY
The VA considers offering Pension benefits to Veterans (or Surviving Spouses of Veterans) if the Veteran:
Received discharge from service under any condition other than dishonorable,
AND
Served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a war-time period,
AND
(Or Surviving Spouse) is age 65 or older, OR, is permanently and totally disabled,
AND
Total countable family income is below an annual limit set by law (most medical or care expenses including Nursing Home, Assisted Living and Home Care will reduce net countable income if you qualify medically).
Benefit Amounts
For 2009, the maximum annual benefit for those qualifying for the Aid & Attendance level of pension is:
- Surviving Spouse of a Veteran:$12,681
- Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children:$19,736
- A married Veteran where the Veteran requires care:$23,396
- If the Veteran is healthy, but their Spouse requires care, then the Veteran qualifies for a regular pension only:$15,493
- AND
- Net worth is a factor in determining eligibility, however, there is no specific dollar amount designated as excessive (some assets are exempt from the net worth determination).
If you would like to learn more about VA Benefits to help pay for your family member's senior living expenses, please call your Senior Care Advisor today at 866.342.4297.
