What home care and assisted living advantages can be found for veterans and their surviving spouses?

For veterans and the veteran’s surviving spouses who want in-home care or are in an assisted residing facility, help is available. The Veterans Administration has an underused pension called Aid and Attendance. This benefit gives money to those that require help performing regular basis tasks, bathing, feeding, dressing, or going to the bathroom, bedridden, blind, or residing in an assisted living facility or nursing home.  However, you have to further qualify for this benefit.

Aid and Attendance is available to veterans who served not less than 90 days, with at least one day during World War II, Korea, Vietnam or the Gulf War; and receive a Honorable Discharge.

To qualify, a married veteran will need to have lower than $80,000, excluding the home and vehicle. For a single veteran, assets have to be less than $40,000.

Also, the veteran’s income less unreimbursed medical expenses actually paid by the veteran (Medicare, Medigap or Medicare supplement plans; medications; assisted dwelling or nursing house charges; the cost of an in-home care; etc) is in a negative situation i.e. Household income ($1,500) less unreimbursed medical expenses ($2,500) is below zero (- $500).

Consequently, you will receive a supplemental pension.