Long-term care for older adults can be a significant expense. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits to individuals who have served in the armed forces. Eligible seniors can receive the financial assistance necessary to afford long-term care.
If you’re considering placing your loved one in a long-term care facility but worry about the cost, you should consult an experienced Brandon elder law attorney immediately. You might have options through the VA to cover the cost of your family member’s residency at a senior living facility or nursing home.
Eligibility Requirements for VA Benefits
Veterans are eligible for long-term care benefits if they meet specific requirements. The veteran must have spent at least 90 days on active duty, including at least one day of a wartime period.
This qualification doesn’t necessarily apply only to individuals who participated in combat. Even veterans who worked at a desk could receive VA benefits.
There are also financial requirements to qualify for veteran’s benefits. The senior’s net worth must be below $138,489. Congress set this limit, and it applies until November 30, 2022. Limits can change each year, so it’s best to consult an elder law attorney to determine whether your loved one is eligible.
Net worth includes:
- Assets – Assets include things like investments, personal property, and home furnishings. Motor vehicles, primary residence, and basic personal items, such as home appliances are not considered assets.
- Annual income – Annual income includes hourly or salary pay, commission, tips, bonuses, retirement payments, social security benefits, and other income earned by the veteran.
Only veterans at least 65 years old are eligible to receive benefits for long-term care. However, veterans under 65 suffering from a permanent and total disability could also qualify.
Benefit Specifics
Two main benefits are available through the VA for long-term care – the VA Aid and Attendance benefit and the housebound benefit. Veterans can only receive one of these benefits at a time.
VA Aid and Attendance Benefit
This type of benefit can supplement a veteran’s income if they require senior care at a senior living facility or their home. Your loved one must need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing and bathing, to qualify. They must also be unable to live independently.
Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments to the veteran to pay for senior care expenses.
Veterans who qualify for a VA pension can also receive these benefits if they meet at least one of the requirements below:
- Spends a significant part of the day in bed due to an illness;
- Needs a caregiver for personal care, such as feeding, bathing, or dressing;
- Has 5/200 vision or less in both eyes or a visual field of 5 degrees or less; or
- Lives in a nursing home due to a mental or physical disability.
Housebound Benefits
Veterans who spend most of their time at home due to permanent disability could qualify for housebound benefits. Qualifying individuals must need assistance from others to get to their medical treatments or appointments or be confined to their homes. They also have to be eligible for and receive a VA pension to qualify for housebound benefits.
If your loved one is a veteran in need of long-term care, do not hesitate to contact our Brandon elder law attorneys for help planning the financial aspects of placing them in a facility. You need an experienced legal team to provide the guidance necessary to decide what works best for your family member. Simply contact us at (813) 438-8503 to schedule a consultation.