I see a lot of discussions here about Medicaide , Medicare , But not sure if I have seen any discussions on the above . Well as all of you know I had to put my DW in the Assisted Living about 8 weeks ago . I found that we will quilfy for VA benefits of about $1,949.00 a month . Like the Medicade you have to spend down . With VA the spend down is about $80,000.00 At that time I can apply . Be sure to check this out at your local VA office . Also they will assit you in doing all the paper work . you DO NOT need a lawyer to do this . That will cost big bucks . Hope this will help some of you . My DW is doing better and she can now go to Dineing room and back by her self . YEA
Susan L, one thing I know for sure you qualify for is a halo. Wear it with pride, knowing that right now the professionals are making informed decisions about your loved one. Take advantage of this little bit of breathing space, such as it is, you've been given.
Excellent news ribbit! Lynn didn't qualify for any benefits. Maybe because he only served 4 years. He did serve during war time, (korea) but was not injured. Glad to hear your DW is thriving, great to hear :)
They had to have served in the war zone. Art served on a ship that fueled other ships off the coast of Vietnam. If he had not gone there, he would not have qualified for VA benefits. Just glad he did.
Anyone have an answer for this one? Sid served in the National Guard for 6 years. 1964-1970 It was during the Vietnam War. He DID NOT see combat. They kept him in the U.S. because they needed his special skills as a radio repair opertator. I was told that makes him eligible for absolutely nothing. I certainly don't expect him to be eligible for a monthly pension, but I figured he must be able to get something.
joan, I am not absolutely sure but I think the operative word is war ZONE. There is probably someone with more knowledge or you might be able to google veteran benefits and find an answer.
Joan, also check this site on Aid and Attendance. I don't think he has to have served in a war zone, but for Aid and Attendance, he needs to have been on active duty. My husband doesn't qualify, because his income (pension and ss) is too high.
Janet, my DH didn't qualify either because of SS and a small pension he receives from x-employer. (And my IRA). But it's my understanding that for instance if you have help coming into the home which you are paying for - that will be deducted from income - which may then qualify you for A&A. Mine doesn't need that yet - but when/if it happens, keep very good records of your expenses and it may help you qualify.
Most of the benefits for veterans are dependent on length of active duty (it varies by conflict or war); some require active duty in a war zone; and some have other requirements.
For example, my DH served 89 days of active duty during Desert Storm, in Saudi Arabia, although he was a reservist. The length of active duty required for Desert Storm is 90 days. So, he is not eligible for any veteran's benefits based on that issue alone. But, he did serve 20 years in the Reserves and did all required weekends, etc. so he is eligible for retirement benefits when he reaches age 60, which includes pension and health insurance. It is just weird.