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Veterans Affiars

Aid and Attendance Pension vs. Medicaid Compensation

By Government Benefits, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Affairs

It is imperative that veterans  take time to choose which government program best suits their needs. According to Paying for Senior Care, these are the 2016 costs for both programs.

Program Medicaid VA Aid and Attendance
Other names Medi-Cal, Mass Health Homebound, Basic Improved Pension
Regulation State Level Federal Level
2016 Income Limits $2,199/month (for individual) $1,788/month (for individual)
Application Approval Time 2-3 month 6-12 months
Best Suited For Nursing Home Care Home Care or Assisted Living

 

March 17, 2017
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What are the non-financial requirements to qualify for VA benefits?

By Government Benefits, Veterans Affairs

To qualify for VA benefits, there are many financial and non-financial requirements for veterans and veterans’ spouses to meet. Listed below are some of the non-financial requirements:

  • Veterans or their spouses applying must be at least 65 years old or designated as disabled if younger.
  • Veterans must be “wartime veterans” which means that they served in the military for at least 90 days during the dates below. Also, the service is not limited to combat service.

According to Paying for Senior Care, the dates are:

  • World War II: Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946
  • Korean War: Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
  • Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in Vietnam)
  • Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 – Undetermined

 

  • Veterans cannot have been dishonorably discharged
  • A higher benefit is granted to veterans who are disabled
  • For spouses, the surviving spouse must have lived with the veteran at the time of his or her death and must be single at the time of the application.

If you need legal advice for VA benefits, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

March 14, 2017
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What are some conflicts that arise from receiving VA benefits?

By Government Benefits, Veterans Affairs

Qualifying for VA benefits can be a complicated and extensive process due to certain requirements and conflicts with other government programs. Listed below are some rules and guidelines for veterans to follow to receive their benefits:

  • Because veterans cannot receive both VA Disability compensation and the VA Aid and Attendance Pension, they will receive the higher of the two programs
  • Veterans are able to receive both Aid and Attendance and Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services
  • A surviving spouse of a veteran cannot receive both Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and a death pension on that veteran. However, the surviving spouse can opt for DIC and qualify for additional assistance of $300 a month.
March 10, 2017
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Does the VA pay for assisted living?

By Government Benefits, Long-Term Care, Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does pay the rent of assisted living facilities for veterans that need certain eligibility requirements. However, it may pay for extra services that are essential in assisted living facilities.

Most veterans are expected to pay for assisted living facilities independently or through their long term care insurance companies. As a result, it is common for veterans to pay for assisted living using Aid and Attendance. Aid and Attendance is a pension for veterans over the age of 65 who need assistance with their daily living activities. This pension can be utilized for whatever purpose the veteran designates (i.e. assisted living rent, board, other services, etc.). Aid and Assistance can grant up to $2,120 a month in assistance for veterans.

If you need legal advice for VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid planning, estate planning, probate or trust administration, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

March 7, 2017
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