Veteran Benefits
FOR THOSE WHO FIRST SERVED US
VA Benefits For Assisted Living Care
We are privileged to include veterans from all five branches of the military service among our residents at Astoria Park. Words fail us when we hear their stories of raw courage and self-sacrifice—all in the name of Country and Honor and Duty.
As we learn of their veteran status, we are pleased to direct seniors to local resources that can ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Veteran Benefit
VA Benefits for Assisted Living are Tax-Free
“Aid & Attendance” is a tax-free pension paid directly to the qualified veteran or spouse. The monthly benefits are subject to change annually. The 2020 maximum monthly benefits for qualifying applicants are:
Surviving Spouse of a Veteran: $1,244
Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children: $1,936
Married couple where the Veteran requires care: $2,295
Veteran is healthy but Spouse requires care: $1,520
The National Care Planning Council estimates that up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance.
To qualify, the Veteran or surviving spouse must demonstrate a regular need for caregiver assistance or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. This assistance is commonly provided in a licensed assisted living or memory care community.
Every state has a Department of Military/Veteran Affairs staffed with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Their assistance in completing the complex application is free of charge. Assistance can also be given by accredited VA agents. Accreditation is granted by the VA to representatives, agents and attorneys to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims. To learn more or to be connected with an Accredited VA Agent, call Elderlife Financial at (714) 891-6608.
