I want to share with you some important information regarding Veterans’ Aid and Attendance benefits. This is an important benefit that many of our clients receive, but changes to the program could make it difficult for families to receive in the future
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According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website, “Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to Pension.” There are several requirements that must be met in order to receive this benefit and they can be found here.
In January, the Veterans Administration announced proposed changes to the Improved Pension, aka Aid and Attendance benefit. If these changes are approved, many wartime veterans and their surviving spouses will find themselves ineligible for this important long-term care benefit. The benefit change could happen as soon as October 2015.
The proposed rule establishes new definitions for certain countable assets and new rules regarding the transfer of assets. The proposed rule includes a three-year look-back on asset transfers, the establishment of a 10-year penalty period, and a rule that a primary residence with more than two acres would be considered a countable asset.
I encourage any family member that feels their loved one(s) could use the Veterans’ Aid and Attendance benefits to call our office at 203-634-8668. We can give you a referral to great elder care attorneys who can help you access this benefit.
