Veterans Benefits

There are benefits available for both in-home and assisted living care that many people are not aware of. It was enacted by Congress a little over a decade ago to help keep people in their homes and out of hospitals and nursing homes where expenses are higher. You have to qualify for it and it is basically tied to how much income you have coming in every month. Your house and car are exempt, but any income from investments such as interest from certificates of deposit and annuities must be declared. You have to declare all your monthly income and subtract your expenses, and then if you qualify you will receive a monthly check to help defray those expenses. One of the benefits of this money is once you receive it you don’t have to document what you spend it on. You are free to spend it any way you wish. There is a lag time after you apply for benefits, but if you qualify, the benefits are retroactive to the date of application, similar to social security.

It is available to veterans who served at least 75 active duty days in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Additionally, they must be at least 55 years old, and they must have been honorably discharged. On the application be sure to include the rank at discharge and any medals or special citations because these receive priority. It is also available to widows of veterans, subject to certain conditions. Many geriatric care managers and assisted living administrators are familiar with this program and can assist you in filling out the proper forms, and as well the social work department of any VA hospital will be able to assist you.