Are you a Veteran and need some financial assistance to help offset the cost of eldercare? The Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits can indeed be a valuable resource for veterans who are facing the high costs of long-term elder care. This benefit provides financial assistance to wartime veterans or their surviving spouses with limited income to help offset the expenses associated with assisted living facilities, home care aides, adult daycare, or skilled nursing.

It’s important to note that the need for care does not have to be directly related to one’s military service to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit. The benefit falls under the category of a non-service connected pension, meaning it is available regardless of the origin of the care needs.

There are three levels of VA Pensions available:

1. Basic Pension / Improved Income: This level is designed for healthy veterans over the age of 65 with low incomes. It provides a basic monthly pension amount to help support their financial needs.

2. Aid & Attendance (A&A): The A&A pension is for veterans over the age of 65 who require assistance with their activities of daily living. This could include help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications. The A&A pension provides additional monthly income on top of the Basic Monthly pension.

3. Housebound: The Housebound pension is available for veterans with a disability rating of 100% which prevents them from leaving their homes, regardless of the disability’s connection to their military service. This pension provides additional monthly income to support their care needs.

To be eligible for either the A&A or Housebound pensions, individuals must also meet the requirements for the Basic Pension, including limited income and wartime service criteria. It’s important for veterans or their surviving spouses to explore the specific eligibility requirements and application process for these VA Pensions. Assistance from veterans service organizations or professionals specializing in veterans benefits can be valuable in navigating the application process and ensuring eligibility criteria are met.

The Veterans A&A benefit can provide essential financial support for veterans or their surviving spouses who require long-term elder care, making it easier to access the necessary care services while managing the associated costs.

Give Silicon Valley Eldercare a call to find out more about qualifying, applying, and receiving the Veteran’s benefit.