Noteboom The Law Firm

Mostly Unknown Pension Benefit Available For Veterans

April 9, 2010 - The cost of long-term health care is at an all time high. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does offer some help for veterans. There is a very under-utilized pension benefit available through the VA. The Aid and Attendance Benefit can help veterans and their surviving spouses in need of in-home care or are living in a nursing home. One of the best aspects of this pension is that veterans with high medical expenses can receive this benefit even if they make too much money to qualify for a VA pension.

The requirements for the benefit are few and many veterans will find themselves able to qualify; veterans do not even need to suffer a service-related disability. Veterans and their spouses who live in a nursing home, are bedridden, or are blind all qualify for the pension benefit as long as the following minimum requirements are met. The benefit is available to those veterans who:

• Served at least 90 days;
• Served at least one day during war time;
• Need help from some other person to perform an everyday action (this applies to spouses as well);
• Have less than $80,000 in assets (not including home and vehicle); and
• Have an income less than the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).

 The income requirement does not include social security, welfare benefits, or medical expenses not reimbursed, i.e., paid out of pocket and not covered by insurance and reoccurring every month. These expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Medicare;
• Medigap;
• Long-term care insurance premiums;
• Over the counter medications obtained at a doctor's request;
• Nursing home fees;
• In-home attendants providing medical services; and
• Assisted living facility costs.

 The amount of a person's income dictates the amount of money the person receives from the pension; the VA covers the difference between the veteran's income and the charted MAPR. The MAPR will depend on the veterans specific situation:

• Single veterans are limited to $18,234;
• Veterans with one dependant are limited to $21, 615;
• Single surviving spouses are limited to $11,715; and
• Surviving spouses with one dependant are limited to $13,976.