America owes a lot to our Veterans, their spouses and dependents, and VA benefits can be an integral part of long-term care planning for these individuals. Sources from the VA state that 31% of our total population is in some way eligible for VA benefits, and when focused on the WWII and Korean Veterans and their widows, this percentage climbs to 47%.
The Elder Law Attorneys at JacksonWhite are well versed in VA benefits and encourage clients to make a VA application for pension a part of their long-term health care planning.
Pension is afforded to Veterans with wartime service, who can no longer work, or are 65 years old or older, or receive social security disability. Widows of wartime Veterans are also eligible. There is an income base for all VA pension programs but “accountable” income for eligibility can be reduced by “unreimbursed” medical expenses; this includes the room and board charge at most assisted living facilities.
In addition to basic pension benefits, the VA will award monies for both housebound and Aid & Attendance benefits, based on your need for medical services or the aid of caregivers. The JacksonWhite Elder Law team is prepared to help you document these qualifying expenses. Veterans without dependents can be eligible for $1,554 per month and widows for $998.
In many instances, the amount of VA benefits awarded to Veterans and their widows is not counted by ALTCS as monthly income, nor is accessed for their share-of-cost payments.
Please click here to request a free phone consultation to discuss your long-term care options, including VA benefits, or call toll free at 800.243.1160. There is no cost for this initial phone consultation.
This site is informational only and should not be construed as legal advice. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult a knowledgeable attorney regarding your specific legal needs.
