Income Qualification

[gvozel@insightbb.com]

I am assisting my 90 year old father, a WWII vet, with filing for Aid and Attendance Pension.  Based on income limits, his current countable income would exceed those limits and I believe the VA will deny his application.  My father and mother still live in their own home and now are in need of in-home assistance.  During the next 12 months, the cost of the in-home aides will push their expenses above their countable income and should qualify them.  Should he file an application now, knowing it will be denied?  If he files now (gets denied) and in 12 months would qualify, does the VA consider the last 12 months expenses in determining eligibility under the application already filed?  Or would he have to apply again and use the expenses for the past 12 months to qualify him?  I guess the bottom line question is - how can he get reimbursed retroactively for that first year of expenses exceeding the income limit?

[Fit2009]

Countable income is Income minus those caregiver expenses and other regularly occuring medical expenses, if that puts remaining monthly income below $1,949 per month, you should file.  If you get a partial award at year-end you can submit other medical expenses for annual reimbursement.