VA Benefits

If you are a veteran or widow/widower of a veteran you may qualify for a pension (in 2009 up to $15,493) if family income is low (especially after paying for home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. There is a special benefit allowed if you need assistance (Aid and Attendance) by a caregiver, or need to living in an assisted living or nursing home type environment, which pays in addition to a pension. A disabled veteran and their widow may be eligible for compensation if injured or made ill by a service-connected condition. Don't confuse "pension" benefits with the VA's "compensation" programs. When a veteran is compensated for a service-connected disability, that is compensation income which is tax-free and awarded based on the injury or illness severity, not on financial need.

Compensation or Pension
A claimant can only receive one form of income, either compensation or pension. Since application for the pension allows income to be adjusted (reduced) by costs of home care, assisted living or nursing home care as one ages and incurs these costs, a pension may pay more than compensation. If a veteran already receiving compensation for a known service connected illness or injury, it may be wise to consider applying for a pension as the veteran ages and care costs go up. We will start with the general criteria for a VA pensions:

General Criteria for VA Pensions
1. veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty of which at least one day was during a war-time period, as follows:
Vietnam: If in Vietnam, service between 02/32/55 to 05/07/75. Or from 08/05/64 to 05/07/75 in all other cases.
Korea: 06/27/50 to 1/31/55
WWII: 12/07/41 to 12/31/46 or if the veteran was in service on 12/31/46 but had not yet served 90 days, then if his/her service continued until 07/26/47 is allowed as WWII service.

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2. Must have a discharge of any type except "dishonorable"

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3. Must be 65 or older, or be totally and permanently disabled

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4. Must have a total family income below the annual limit. Costs of Assisted Living, Home Care or Nursing Home are counted and will reduce the family income.

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5. The VA determines that the claimant's household net worth is not excessive. This is done on a case-by-case basis and some assets are not counted.

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