Houston Elder Lawyer: Extra VA Benefits Are Available for Wartime Veterans to Help Pay for Long-Term Care

Long-term care is expensive, and many seniors in the Greater Houston area struggle to pay for the costs associated with aging and their declining health.  Fortunately for older veterans that served the country during a period of war, additional tax-free benefits may be available through the VA to help offset their out-of-pocket costs.

This benefit is known as the Aid and Attendance Pension, and it is a 3-tiered tax-free benefit for wartime veterans and their spouses who need financial assistance, or simply need help covering the costs associated with long-term care or un-reimbursed medical expenses.

Aid and Attendance is designed for veterans who need help with performing functions of everyday living including, bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, etc. The benefit can even be used to pay a family member who oversees or provides the care for their loved-one.

There are 4 criteria for eligibility:  service, income, net worth, and medical expenses.  You do not need to have a service-connected disability to qualify.  The VA will look to ensure that you:

• Are permanently and totally disabled, or 65 or older
• The veteran must be honorably discharged
• The veteran must have served at least 90 consecutive days, with at least one (1) day during a period of war.

How to Plan for Eligibility

There are strict income and asset requirements that must be met in order to qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. However, even if you have assets or money in your name, you still may be able to secure Aid & Attendance benefits.  Similar to Medicaid, the government allows veterans to utilize financial tools and planning strategies with the assistance of an attorney in order to legally reallocate assets to fall within the VA’s guidelines.  Once approved, older veterans and their spouses can be eligible for up to $25,525 per year, tax-free, to help pay for their care.

Get Help When Seeking A & A Benefits!  

Our Houston elder attorneys recognize that securing A & A benefits and working with the VA can be difficult. Many veterans are turned away because they do not understand the VA’s rules or the planning available to help meet the VA’s asset and income requirements.  Our attorneys are available to assist you in order to determine the best legal and financial tools necessary to qualify and quickly help you get the benefits you deserve. To schedule a consultation, simply call our office at (281) 885-8826.