Assisted living is very costly, and many senior citizens simply cannot pay for it out-of-pocket. Medicaid can be a solution for some people, and veterans may be able to tap into a very valuable military benefit.
The Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension provides single veterans with as much as $1732 per month to help with assisted living expenses. A surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may receive up to $1113 per month, and a couple could qualify for $2054 each month.
To meet the eligibility requirements you must of course be able to provide medical proof that you are in need of help with your day-to-day needs. You also have to meet the length of service requirements.
Those who have served for at least 90 days with a minimum of one day being served during a time of war are eligible.
The last hoop to jump through as it were involves your financial capabilities. This program is not intended for people who have absolutely no financial need.
You must demonstrate some financial need to be able to qualify for this special pension. However, if you are a homeowner the value of your place of residence does not count when your financial means are being tallied.
The best way to go about applying for benefits to pay for long-term care is to do so with the assistance of an elder law attorney. It can be challenging to qualify for these programs while still retaining as much is possible in terms of personal property. Your lawyer will have the experience and expertise that it takes to provide the appropriate guidance.
- Special Needs Planning and Medicaid Recovery - March 21, 2019
- Have You Considered a Living Trust? - March 12, 2019
- How Do You Qualify for Medicaid? - March 7, 2019
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