Two Quick Questions

[jkkohl]

My folks live in an independent senior living facility (my Dad's a WWII vet).  My Dad's to the point where he needs additonal help with things like dressing and showering.  They have in-home help available to them, and the option of assisted living if they need it later.  Does in-home help qualify, or do the they need to actually be in assisted living in order to get A&A benefits?

Also, does my mom qualify for benefits now, or only as a survivor should my Dad pass?

I'm new to this and am just beginning the process.  Any answers to my questions would be appreciated!!

[vetadmin]

The expense of the in-home care does qualify as an allowable medical expense.

If your mom rquires assistance as wll, then your dad would file as a veteran with a spouse.  If not, then just as a veteran.

What you have to determine is what their "countable" income is for VA purposes and financially qualifying.

The VA suggests that its adjudicators use a certain amount of personal
judgment on this issue. But the bottom line is: does it realistically appear
that the veteran or surviving spouse may outlive their assets? If so, they
are likely eligible.

Do NOT count their residence or vehicle when estimating net worth.

Do NOT count a life insurance policy (because the policy holder must be
deceased in order to benefit from it).

DO count CDs, annuities, stocks, bonds, savings, checking, IRAs, Keogh, etc.

DO count any assets owned by the spouse as well.

As a rule of thumb, assets should not exceed $80,000. That amount drops
depending on the age of claimant.

List below the estimated ANNUAL income of the veteran or surviving spouse:

Estimate total income (If married include spousal income): ______

All income must be included. This includes social security, pension,
interest income, dividends, income from rental property, etc.

If the veteran is married, then any spousal income must also be included.

List all unreimbursed, recurring health care expenses:

This includes:

Assisted Living costs (per month): _________________

Nursing Home costs (per month):________________

Home Care service (per month):_______________

Health Insurance premium (per month):_______________

Medicare premium (per month):_________________

Regular (unreimbursed) prescriptions
(per month & verifiable through a pharmacy print-out): _____________

TOTAL Expenses per month: __________
(multiply x 12 to get total annual expenses)

[jkkohl]

Thank you so much for the advice.  They should be fine on the income level as they don't have anything other than SS plus they withdraw a small monthly amount out of a IRA/Annuity, and the balance in that account will be gone shortly.  Also,  I think my Mom may qualify as well because she's disabled and in a wheelchair due to MS.

However, in looking at the form, I don't see how you apply for both a veteran and spouse -- it only seems to talk about the veteran, although it does ask about marital status.  Do I have the right form?  I'm using 21-526.
Maybe just listing the spouse gets her qualified?

Again, you are a lifesaver with all this information.  There's no way I'd be able to walk thru this maze without your website.  Bless you!!

[vetadmin]

Yes, you use the 21-526, and you will need to have the Physcian's Statement filled out for both of them since you should be filling for your dad as a vet with spouse.

You can include a letter with your application with a clear statement that the application is for a veteran with spouse, however by including the Physcian's Statement for her, they will know it is for both.

Glad you found us, and that we are able to help.

Make sure you send to the right Pension Center for their state.