VETERANS AND PAYING FOR LONG-TERM CARE

First, if you're a Veteran - THANK YOU! At Redding Fitzpatrick, LLP we are proud of all our USA Veterans.

Because of the sacrifice you made, programs are available to help pay for long-term care as you age. Many Veterans do not know about these programs. Why? I do not know. But, the programs are here to help and we're here to help you maximize the benefits available to you as a Vet.

Most people know about the VA benefits for health care or disability. What about paying for long-term care? The VA two programs designed specifically for this: Aide and Attendance and the "Homebound" pension.

AIDE & ATTENDANCE

Aide & Attendance provides finances to eligible wartime veterans and/or their surviving spouses who require regular assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, dressing, and medication management.

To qualify for Aide and Attendance the veteran must be 65 years old or older (if under 65 must be disabled). The vet must've served at least 90 days with one of those days during wartime (Vet did not have to see combat). Additionally, the Veteran must have separated from the military without a dishonorable discharge.

The biggest thing to recognize is that these requirement for care does NOT need to be related to the Veteran's military service.

There are also financial requirements that vary depending on spouse and/or children (this will be reserved for another post).

HOMEBOUND PENSION

Similar to Aide & Attendance the Homebound pension, but this is for veterans with a disability rating of 100% that prevents them from leaving their home. Again, this does NOT have to be related to military service.

For the Homebound pension financial requirements must also be met.

The next post related to this topic will discuss in detail the financial requirements for these 2 programs.

Please contact us with any questions.