According to the May 2011 VA demographic report, there are approximately two million World War II Veterans, and many more surviving spouses of these benefits. However, there are only about 300,000 receiving VA Aid and Attendance benefits to assist with their care costs. Based on these numbers, I believe many elderly veterans and their spouses could receive financial assistance from the VA to help pay their care costs, but simply do not know the benefit is available, and are not applying.
Although some veterans and surviving spouses are obviously not eligible due to their non-wartime service, financial situation, or lack of care costs, there is a very large number who are eligible but do not apply. Unfortunately, the ability for our veterans and their families to get financial assistance from the VA has been a well-kept secret. And, wrong information is spreading like wildfire, making it difficult for the applicant to successfully apply and receive the benefit. More disturbing is the fact that many are told that irrevocable trusts and annuity purchases are needed in order to qualify. This is untrue, and may hurt the applicant’s future Medi-Cal eligibility if skilled nursing care is needed.
A single veteran, who served even one day during a qualified war time, may be eligible for up to $1,644 per month to help pay for home care, assisted living, nursing home care, and other medical necessities. A family member can serve as the caregiver. A married veteran or a veteran with a dependent child may be eligible for up to $1,949 per month; a surviving spouse for up to $1,056 per month.
There is also a lot of confusion out there about how much an individual can have in assets. There is no set asset cap for everyone! The amount that any claimant can have is dependent upon the claimant’s total household gross income, total household out-of-pocket medical costs, and life expectancy. I urge anyone who even thinks that he or she might be eligible to contact an accredited attorney, an accredited agent, a Veterans Service Organization, or the VA Regional Office to inquire about such benefits.
We, and our government, owe a great debt to those who have served our country. Our Veterans deserve the correct information and the benefits they deserve.
For more information, please call the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260, or visit www.VAbenefits4seniors.com; or www.JaneMcNamara.com.