Many veterans and their spouses have no idea that our federal government provides long-term care assistance via the “Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit,” also known as the “A&A benefit,” to substantially offset costs of senior living and long term care. Even lesser known is that these benefits can extend to the widows and widowers of our nation’s veterans for in-home care, veterans assisted living, private-pay nursing home or senior living communities for veterans.
This benefit can provide up to $1,881 per month to a veteran who qualifies and requires care, $2,230 per months for the veteran and his or her spouse, and $1,209 to the surviving spouse of a qualified veteran. Although it’s estimated that approximately 25% of today’s seniors qualify for this benefit, only 5% or so actually apply for and receive this tax-free asset.
Of course, it’s probably not a surprise that there are some specific qualifications to receive financial benefits to cover many types of veterans retirement communities. To dive right in to discover if you or the elder in your life qualifies for the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pensions Benefit, simply visit VeternAid.org and get started. The process may take some patience as in addition to answering some straight-forward questions spanning wartime service as well as financial and medical needs, you’ll also be required to gather a smattering of simple paperwork (such as bills and receipts). However, if you qualify for funds for senior living communities for veterans, it should be well worth the effort.
General overview of qualifications per VeteranAid.org:
“Veterans who served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days, including at least one full day during a time of war, may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if they also qualify for the basic Veterans Pension and meet the clinical and financial requirements.”
Wartime service defined:
• World War II: December 7, 1941 — December 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 — January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era: February 28, 1961 — May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that timeframe; otherwise August 5, 1964 — May 7, 1975
• Gulf War: Ongoing from August 2, 1990 as for VA benefits purposes, this time of war is still in effect.
Basic veterans pension requirements defined: Applicants only need to meet one of these.
• 65 or older with no or limited income
• Permanent and complete disability
• Accept Supplemental Security Income
• Collect Social Security Disability Insurance
• Occupy in a nursing home
Clinical requirements defined: Candidates only need to meet one of these.
• “Be bedridden except for medical and therapy appointments and treatments”
• “Have severe visual impairment (eyesight limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity OR less in both eyes OR concentric contraction of the visual field to five degrees or less)”
• “Reside in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity, including Alzheimer’s and dementia”
• “Require help with some activities of daily living (ADL's) such as, but not limited to: bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, etc.”
Financial need defined:
Those looking for senior living communities for veterans benefits should have a net worth of no more than $123,600, excluding automobile, home and personal belongings. Do know that they may ask for records going back as far as three years to learn if any major assets were sold or gifted that may push an applicant above the eligibility line for benefits for senior living communities for veterans.
This benefit is an honor that those who served our country deserve. To see if you or your family member qualifies for veterans assisted living or other veteran senior living assistance, visit the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit Eligibility page here: https://www.veteranaid.org/aid-and-attendance-eligibility.php. Of course, for personalized recommendations based on your or your loved one’s specific needs and wants, as well as other available financial resources and anything concerning what’s next, we’re here for you and just a call away.
