The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension and Housebound benefit are two largely unknown benefits that the Veterans’ Administration (VA) offers to qualified veterans, their spouses and, in some cases, their dependents. These benefits provide monthly payments that are added to the monthly VA pension or Survivors Pension that can assist in paying for long term care expenses. These pension benefits are not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. A&A can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility. Whereas, the Housebound benefit can assist with paying for in-home care. However, please be aware that a qualified recipient cannot receive A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time. Additionally, a veteran cannot receive Compensation (pension for veterans who are disabled because of injuries or illnesses incurred while on active duty) at the same time as A&A, therefore a decision has to be made for one or the other.
Before applying for A&A or Housebound benefit, the veteran or senior loved one must be receiving, or applied for, the basic VA pension. In order to receive the basic VA pension, veterans must meet all of the following criteria:
1. They must have served at least 90 consecutive days of active service with at least one day of service during a wartime period. Or if after September 7, 1980, served on active duty for 24 months, with at least one day during wartime.
2. They must have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
3. They must be at least 65 years of age, have a permanent and total disability, or receive Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.
After satisfying the basic VA pension, A&A and Housebound benefits are available to veterans who meet the clinical and financial requirements as well. A&A benefits are available if a veteran is blind or disabled. Whereas with Housebound benefits, a veteran can qualify if they spend most of their time in their home due to permanent disability.
A veteran’s financial requirements are based on are income and asset limits. To qualify a veteran’s net worth must fall below the number that is set annually by Congress. Net worth includes: the veteran’s family income (all income received by the veteran and his/her dependents) and assets. However, there is no specified limit on the amount of resources a person may or may not have and generally it is at the discretion of the VA case worker. Assets that are counted includes bank accounts, money market accounts, investment accounts, annuities, retirement accounts, etc. All personal goods are exempt from the net worth assessment. The VA will exclude any income that the law allows, such as public assistance. There is a 36 month penalty period for gifting or transferring assets. Therefore, it is important to consult with an elder law attorney when considering applying for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.
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