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Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living: How to Apply, Eligibility & RequirementsMore than one-third of Americans over 65 are either wartime veterans or are married to one. Many veteran families may not realize the benefits available to them to help offset the cost of senior care. Less than 10 percent of those who qualify apply for Veterans Aid & Attendance use the benefit, which can be used to help pay for in-home care, board and care, assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities. This is because many veterans either are not informed or do not understand the benefits available to them. It’s actually easier to qualify than you think. Many people easily qualify even without the slightest suspicion that they would. We are here to clear up the common misconceptions of veterans benefits for assisted living to ensure that every veteran has the opportunity to the benefits they have earned. What are Veterans Benefits for Senior Living?The Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit helps qualifying Veterans or their surviving spouses pay for in-home care or some form of assisted living/memory care in a retirement community. The program is referred to as Aid and Attendance and sometimes called “VA assisted living benefit” or “veterans eldercare benefit”. Thousands of families receive veterans benefits for assisted living from this pension program to help pay for quality care that they could not afford otherwise. If you qualify for Aid and Attendance, you will receive an additional monthly payment above the normal pension amount. Who is Eligible for Veterans Benefits?Any veteran, spouse, or family member of a veteran should explore Aid and Attendance. Veterans benefits for assisted living are needs-based and in order to be eligible, the veteran must meet the following criteria:
Spouses of veterans or surviving spouses can also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits if they meet the following criteria:
In the case of a spouse, there must be no divorce or remarriage in order to qualify for benefits. Veterans Benefit AmountsThe amount awarded depends on the income of the applicant and the costs of care. The maximum monthly rates are as follows:
Note: Veterans’ benefits may be added to your monthly pension, but cannot be combined with Housebound benefits. For the most up-to-date amounts, visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs. How To Receive Veterans Benefits For Assisted Living
The Approval Process For Veterans BenefitsThe application and approval process for gaining veterans benefits for assisted living is a slow process. It can take weeks just to gather the necessary documents to start the application. Many families find it frustrating to apply because you have to be getting the care you can’t afford in order to qualify. Sad, but true. Fortunately, the Veterans benefits for assisted living pay retroactively upon approval. This means that the first payment includes a lump sum to cover the months when your application was pending. To help offset this cost in the interim, we have a list of companies who can bridge that financial gap until the benefits start coming in as well as financial advisors who offer free help. Care For You Because You Cared For UsIf you are a veteran, or you’re the caregiver for a veteran and you are overwhelmed with the high cost of long-term elder care, help is on the way. Veterans benefits for assisted living could be the solution to help offset these rising care costs. Patti Naiser with Senior Home Transitions can help put you in touch with the right professional that will help you get the Veterans benefits for assisted living you deserve!
Before starting Senior Home Transitions, Patti went through the same struggle as many families do - finding a safe and comfortable senior home for their elderly loved ones. She strives to help make the process stress-free and easy to understand for both the family and the person needing the assistance. She can help you find the perfect home in the Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana area that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. What services does the VA offer to the elderly?VA Benefits
Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and burial.
How do I qualify for veterans benefits?Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.
How much will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver?Spouses, unfortunately, cannot be paid to provide care, as their income is also considered when calculating a veteran's pension amount. However, other relatives, such as adult children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, can be paid to be caregivers.
Will I lose my VA disability if I go to a nursing home?A veteran who begins to receive nursing home care will have his or her monthly pension payment reduced to $90 if: the veteran has no dependents.
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