Did you know that there is a VA benefit available to Veterans and their widows to help pay for in-home care, assisted living or nursing home care?
This benefit will pay $2266 per month to a married veteran who needs care, $1755 per month to a single veteran, and $1230 per month to a widow of a veteran. To qualify for this benefit, the veteran or their widow must meet four requirements:
1. Wartime Service.
90 active days of service, 1 day of which was during a wartime. The following is a list of the qualifying wartime:
December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946 – World War II
June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955 – Korean Conflict
February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975 – Vietnam Era (The above dates are for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam. If they didn’t, the valid dates are August 5,1964 through May 7, 1975.)
August 2, 1990 through currently undetermined – Gulf War
2. Disability.
This isn't a disability related to service, that is a different benefit. This is stating that the applicant needs assistance getting in and out of bed, getting in and out of a chair, bathing, dressing, eating, etc. The big bright line test is whether the individual is still driving.
3. Income.
The individual's income must be eaten up by medical expenses to qualify for the full amount. If a person is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, they usually have those costs. However, if a person is still at home, they may not have these costs. In those situations, we may be able to set up a contract to pay a family member (not spouse) or family friend to provide care.
4. Assets.
This is the most complicated requirement. The individual or couple may not have more than $129,094 of countable assets. If they have given assets away to get to the $129,000 mark within the past 3 years, there will be a penalty assessed for those gifts.
If you would like to discuss possible eligibility for this benefit, please contact us at liz@durnellmaierlaw.com or (937) 507-9004. Attorney Elizabeth Durnell-Maier is accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with these claims.