The surviving spouse of a wartime Veteran may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. This benefit can help pay the costs of in home care, board and care and assisted living facilities for the surviving spouse. We must be able to show that the surviving spouse had been married to the Veteran for at least one year, or had children by the Veteran if married less than one year.
The surviving spouse is not eligible if he/she has remarried. Also, the surviving spouse must have been living with the Veteran at the time of the Veteran’s death, unless they were separated because of medical or military reasons. The Veteran must have a discharge from the military that is other than dishonorable. The pension rate for the surviving spouse may be as much as $1,056 per month, or $12,681 per year.
Each VA claim is different and unique, and there are never any guarantees that any claim will be granted by the VA. When we plan for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension benefit, we also plan for Medi-Cal at the same time. Both benefits have different qualification rules, which must be coordinated.
This blog is general in nature, is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should consult an elder law attorney for your particular case, and before you proceed with any planning.
Written Michael J. Young, lawyoung1@gmail.com, elder law attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. www.WalnutCreekElderLaw.com mike@WalnutCreekElderLaw.com. 1931 San Miguel Dr., Suite 220, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. 925-256-0298. Mr. Young, who also advises on Medi-Cal qualification, asset protection, nursing homes and the VA Aid & Attendance qualification, serves Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in CA, including the cities of Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, Concord, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Clayton, etc.