Veteran's Caregiver Benefit

Military Veterans who meet certain requirements qualify for a Caregiver to assist them in their home with what is commonly called "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs is the lingo used in the nursing community).  This just means if they need help with meal preparation, eating assistance, bathing and dressing, Uncle Sam will pay for a Caregiver to help.

As some Veterans may have more medical issues, at an earlier age, due to injuries during service, this can be a welcome benefit.  You cannot have more than $80,000.00 in assets, excluding homes and cars, to qualify.

You can learn more about the details for qualification on Caregiverlist, including which wars qualify and download the Aide & Attendance application.

It isn't easy to find the details on this benefit.  The Senior Home Care Agency I owned provided home care services to Veterans, after becoming an approved provider.  As I had to meet with the Veteran's Administration to set this up, I had direct contacts at the VA Hospital.  They educated me on the process and how to best work with the bureaucracy.

As this is just one of many benefits which Veterans may not be aware of, a website was started in 1999 to help.  Military.com provides answers in plain English. 

Remember, a "Surviving Spouse" also qualifies for this benefit and both the Veteran and the spouse can receive care services at the same time.

Print | posted on Sunday, June 08, 2008 6:26 AM

Comments on this post

# re: Veteran's Caregiver Benefit

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If your assets are close to the limit it is still worth talking to someone who helps prepare these forms. Those veterans and/or their survivors only need to prove that their medical expenses exceed certain income and asset limitations. And the cost of in home care and or assisted living and easily be more than the senior's limited income. A Veteran is eligible for up to $1,519 per month, while a surviving spouse is eligible for up to $976 per month. A couple is eligible for up to $1,801 per month.
Also, the sooner you apply the better because once you are approved the benefit back dates to your application day!

Left by LisaS on Jun 09, 2008 7:53 AM

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