VA Pension Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Veterans 65 and older or their surviving spouses may qualify for an Aid and Attendance Pension that can help pay long term care expenses. A qualifying married veteran may receive up to $2,169 per month. This monthly benefit can provide significant assistance to veterans who are in need of long term care.
Qualifying for Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension
In order to qualify for an Aid and Attendance Pension, a veteran must meet the following qualifications:
- Be 65 or older
- Need the aid of another person in performing two or more activities of daily living
- Served 90* days of active service with at least one day during a time of war:
- Periods of War:
- World War II: Dec. 7, 1941 - Dec. 31,1946
- Korea: Jun. 27, 1950- Jan. 31, 1955
- Vietnam: Aug. 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
- Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 - To be announced;
- *24 months after September 7, 1980
- Have received an other than dishonorable discharge
- Have assets of less than $80,000 (less if single), excluding the veteran’s residence, car and personal belongings
- Have unreimbursed medical expenses equal to or exceeding monthly income
Many veterans believe that they cannot qualify for an Aid and Attendance benefit because of too much income or an excess of assets. However, through proper legal planning a veteran may be able to transfer assets outside of his or her name and still preserve those assets for the benefit of family members. In addition it may be possible to identify medical expenses that will offset the veteran’s income to the extent necessary to qualify for benefits.
