How to Get Veterans' Benefits for Assisted Living or Home Care

One of the more obscure entitlements available to veterans and their families is known as the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit.

According to attorney William S. Fralin, writing in YourHEALTH Magazine, it's possible for American veterans to take advantage of this benefit for either care provided in an assisted living facility or in their homes.

Fralin reports that the statutes governing veterans' benefits are located within Title 38 of the U.S. Code. Most vets are at least somewhat familiar with provisions for compensation linked to a specified (and often contested) percentage of service-related disability.

However, veterans as well as certain widows or widowers are also entitled to non-service connected benefits if they meet certain conditions. Although the program is needs-based, the veteran does not have to be already retired from the military. The basic requirement is having served at least 90 days on active duty. At least one day must have been served during wartime. The veteran must also have been the recipient of a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.

He or she must also be permanently and totally disabled due to a condition not connected to military service or be more than 65 years old. The income limit is $931 per month with zero dependents or $1,220 a month if there is one dependent.

According to Fralin, if the veteran needs "care or assistance on a regular basis" to navigate any potential dangers in his day-to-day environment, the A&A benefit kicks in to help. The law presumes that any vet residing in an assisted living facility needs this type of assistance. However, it's wise to include a letter from a personal physician describing the vet's disability when applying for the benefit.

The A&A raises the $931 income limit to $1,554. And the $1,220 monthly maximum rises to $1,842. The maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) with the A&A benefit would be the higher of $1,554 or $1,842. Eligible widows or widowers can collect up to $998 a month.

Many veterans are unaware of an important provision of the pension program. Any income total is cut by medical expenses the veteran has paid but for which he has received no reimbursement. This includes insurance premiums, Medicare premiums, dental and vision care, and costs associated with an assisted living facility. It also covers expenses for help in the home or adult day care. For many, these expenses are sufficient to reduce the vet's income to a level that qualifies him or her for benefits.

While net worth is also a consideration, Fralin says that amounts under $80,000 for a couple or $50,000 for an individual have been considered allowable.

A&A payments go directly to the veteran or eligible widowed spouse. They are also excluded from being counted as income for Medicaid eligibility. However, the benefit drops all the way to $90 a month if the recipient resides in a nursing home.

Veterans should consult with a financial expert versed in military benefits to identify all programs for which they might be eligible.