Learn more about the Veteran Wartime Pension
April 7, 2020
VA pension is a monthly cash benefit available to wartime Veterans or surviving spouses of Veterans who have limited income and assets and need care. For the last few years, the Department of Veteran Affairs has been reviewing and considering changes to eligibility policy to make the rules more in line with Federal Medicaid rules and to eliminate the abuse of the program by unscrupulous companies.
On September 18, 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officially amended the rules regarding eligibility for VA pension.
Overview of Recent Eligibility Rule Changes
- NET WORTH – There is now a bright-line rule regarding the amount of assets that a Veteran can own and still be approved for needs-based. This asset limit is currently set at $129.094 (2020) and will increase each year.
- TRANSFER OF ASSET – Transfers of assets will now be subject to a look-back period of 36 months.
- MEDICAL EXPENSES Deduction – The deduction of unreimbursed medical expenses continues to be a very crucial element to ensure the success of the application. Recent changes in rules include:
The definition of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), In-home care licensing rules and the final rules provided much more clarification and leniency when it comes to care in a facility other than a nursing home or assisted living facility.
As always, it is important to reach out to knowledgeable Benefit Advocates when interested in obtaining any benefit that assists with cost of care. Benefit Results can help! For more information, please Contact Us by clicking here or call us at 844-810-1487.