Whenever we do Medicaid long term care eligibility analysis for veterans or their spouses, we look at whether they might qualify for certain VA benefits as well. In addition to VA nursing home residency eligibility, we look at whether an individual might qualify for a VA Low Income Pension or Aid & Attendance cash assistance.
Many people refer to these together as simply, “Aid & Attendance” – and in a Medicaid analysis context, the two benefits are often thought of as a blended benefit. This is because service qualified veterans applying for Medicaid will typically have low income, sparse assets, and medical need for long term care assistance. However, Low Income Pension and Aid & Attendance are different benefits. One might qualify for a low income pension without qualifying for Aid & Attendance – and vice verse.
To receive a low income pension, the veteran must meet service criteria, be occupationally disabled, and be under income and asset limits. Unless actually working, a veteran age 65 years or older would be presumed to be occupationally disabled. Low income pension is a type of disability related cash benefit. A survivor’s pension may be available to a surviving spouse. For more information, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/.
Aid and Attendance provides monthly cash help with paying for medically necessary care assistance. Generally, to receive this benefit the veteran or surviving spouse must be housebound or need assistance with at least two activities of daily living, and meet income and asset limits. The common candidate for this benefit often has medical expenses, which greatly offset his or her income; and, the income limit is a little higher than that for low income pension. Aid and Attendance usually provides a higher amount of cash assistance than Low Income Pension benefit. The amount of this federal benefit is usually reduced when state supported Medicaid benefits are provided too. For more information, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/aid_attendance_housebound.asp.
Service connected disabilities may make a veteran eligible for additional or increased benefits. The Veterans Administration’s website, www.va.gov, is a great source of general information about benefits available to veterans and surviving spouses. The Veterans Administration will help you with making your application. Your elder law attorney is always happy to provide consultation and analysis of what you may be eligible to receive, or to appeal wrongful denials of benefits. If we agree to help you with your actual VA benefits application as part of your Medicaid benefits application assistance matter, the initial VA application portion is done at no charge.
We support our veterans and their families, and we thank you for your service and sacrifice. Mention this article and receive a 10% discount off our standard fees for Medicaid/VA eligibility initial consultations, benefits eligibility analysis and action plan, and estate planning.
