Veterans’ Benefits Planning

One of the most valuable benefits available to veterans is, sadly, also one of the most underutilized. The Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit can help eligible veterans, and the widowed spouses of eligible veterans, obtain tax-free assistance to pay for long-term care.

Through Aid and Attendance, a single, eligible veteran can receive nearly $25,000 a year for assistance with medical expenses and long-term care. An eligible veteran’s widowed spouse can receive over $15,000 per year. This money can be used to pay anyone, including the veteran’s children, for home care. It can also be used to pay for professional care in the home, assisted living, nursing home care, prescription drugs, insurance premiums, and more

The Aid and Attendance benefit can allow an eligible veteran or widowed spouse to live at home for as long as possible while still receiving the care he or she needs. With proper planning, it can also help you double or even triple the time you can afford to live in an assisted living facility while preserving Medicaid eligibility for future nursing home stays, if necessary.

To qualify for Aid and Attendance, a veteran must be at least 65 years of age and/or unemployable. He or she must require medical care. In addition, the veteran must have served on active duty for at least 90 days, with at least one of those days occurring during a time of war, and received a discharge other than dishonorable. Certain financial guidelines established by the Veterans Administration must also be met. If you have too many assets to qualify for Aid and Attendance, we may be able to structure your estate in such a way that you will become eligible.

Houck Menninger Law, LLC can help you navigate this complex benefits system. We will advocate for their rights and give you the peace of mind you’ve been searching for.