Who Qualifies for VA Benefits for Assisted Living?

The cost of assisted living can be a challenge for many families. Price is one of the first things that families look at when choosing an assisted living community. But there are some long-term care financial assistance options that can help. One of these options is the VA benefits, fully known as Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension benefits.

But who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living? The eligibility may span wider than you think. Before simply shrugging off this option for financial assistance, first, research whether you may be eligible. Here is who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living.

Eligibility

VA benefits are available to both veterans and their spouses. Widowed spouses are eligible to apply as long as they have not remarried. You must be at least 65 years old. A single veteran who qualifies can receive a max of $1,881 per month. A married veteran can get up to $2,230 per month. A surviving spouse can receive a max of $1,209 a month.

In addition to this, there are three specific areas looked at to determine full eligibility. These are wartime service, financial aid, and medical necessity.

Wartime Service

The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty. Combat zone service is not required, but at least one of these 90 days must fall during one of the specified wars. These wars include the Mexican Border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War era, or the Gulf War. In addition to this, the veteran must have been honorarily discharged from their service.

Financial Aid

From December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021, net worth assets must amount to $130,773 or less. Assets are defined by the VA as “countable income,” meaning that both the veteran’s and the spouse’s assets and annual income count toward this net worth, as well as any social security, IRAs, and pensions. Assets such as homes and cars are excluded from the count.

Medical Necessity

The veteran or spouse also needs to have a medical necessity for assisted living. They simply cannot just move to assisted living using the VA benefits. The veteran and/or spouse must either be bedridden or need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, eating, or dressing.

As you can see, the answer as to who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living is fairly broad. Veterans aren’t the only ones who qualify; the current or surviving spouse can qualify as well. It’s important to contact the VA to make sure you meet the other eligibility criteria. If you do, the VA benefit is a great option you should take advantage of to help pay for assisted living.

We accept VA benefits here at Solterra Senior Living to help pay for care at our community. Please contact us today, and we can help you every step of the way.