Does home in which veteran no longer reside count as asset?

[davielle]

My 88 year old mother (WW2 vet) can no longer live alone and has moved into an independent living retirement community. We are applying for a pension and aid and attendance in order to continue paying for the facility. She no longer lives in her home which she does not want to sell. Does this home in which she does not currently live, count as an asset?

Thanks!

[vetadmin]

The key here is it doesn't count as long as she has some "hope" of ever returning there for her final days, or to move back and have outside services come in then it doesn't count.  If she rents it, she would have to claim those payments as income.

Make sure that the Independent facility does indeed offer services that will make her eligible.

[AngelaManz]

The home is exempt as long as retains the ability to move back home.  This means that if you rent it out and don't retain certain rights, the VA could then count the home value as an asset.  If it is not rented, it will stay exempt. 

It doesn't matter if she could never go home for health reasons - it's more the fact that she has the right to go back to her home.

[davielle]

Thank-you for your advice. This is the first time I navigate a forum (yes, I admit!) and I couldn't figure out how to reply when I was able to read your response.

You were absolutely right, the house was not a problem.
Today we were informed that she would receive an improved pension for $840 if she relinquishes the $133 death pension she receives for my father.
The calculation I was given is the following: her SS is $804, so 804 + 840= $1640, the maximum allowable under Aid and Attendance for a single veteran. BUT, it seems the VA didn't allow for non reimbursed medical expenses (medicare deductible of $1100 and dental of $1500), nor did it allow for the cost of the facility which provides custodial care for $2600. Basically she is going to be short of $1000.

Any ideas? Once again, many, many thanks.  

[vetadmin]

I replied to your email, but given that she is in an "Independent" facility, who is providing her care and services?  The VA is not going to let her claim the "rent" in an Independent faciltiy without services.  If she has outside care coming in, those expenses would be allowable.

It is tricky with this arrangement.  If her doctor states that she cannot manage her daily activites and needs an environment modified for her protection, you have a better chance with this.

[davielle]

The facility where my mother now lives provides the following:
- 3 meals a day (she cannot cook)
- emergency call buttons in her bathroom and rooms
- 24 hours managers on location to respond to immediate need
- ramps in hallways

I don't know how the fee charged ($2600) breaks down in terms of rent, food and care.

[vetadmin]

Hate to say, but the question is, why is she in an Independent facility rather than an ALF?

The VA may not allow this rent since you cannot break it down per item or service as you have listed.

[davielle]

She is living in what is advertised as an "Independent Retirement Living Community". It is part of HOLIDAY RETIREMENT which has over 300 facilities in the country. It is really nice. 
What is the difference with an Assisted Living facility?
Maybe I can ask for a breakdown of expenses. What kind of breakdown would the VA want?
Thanks again!