Veterans’ Pensions Help Seniors Pay for Home Care Assistance

It seems like things get more and more expensive every day. After we get through paying for the necessities, anything else seems almost out of reach financially.

This includes home care assistance, too. Though this is a necessity for many families, they don’t think they can afford it.

Do you fall into this category?

Fortunately, your family may qualify for payment assistance, and there are a number of government programs which cover senior home care for veterans.

In fact,  many veterans are eligible for VA pensions which cover in home care as well as financial assistant to family members who are caregivers.

Home Care Assistance Is Covered by Veterans’ Pension Plans

If you or a family member is a veteran who needs nursing home services, you can get assistance through the Veterans Administrtion. However, not all senior vets need to move into a nursing home. With the right assistance, you or your loved one can stay at home. Not only is this more comfortable, it encourages senior independence for as long as possible.  

Do veterans’ pensions cover home care services?

Absolutely! Veterans’ pensions – namely, the Aid & Attendance pension and the Housebound pension – often cover in home care services.

What do seniors receive with this type of care? Examples of home care services which seniors need help with are:

• Running errands
• Bathing
• Chores around the house
• Medication maintenance
• Dressing
• Meal preparation

What Is the Difference Between Aid & Attendance and Housebound Pensions?

To get help paying for assistance for home care agencies, you have to be eligible for either the Aid & Attendance pension or the Housebound pension. What’s the difference?

Aid & Attendance pensions provide funds if you’re a veteran who needs help with daily living activities, like dressing, bathing, and meal prep.

If you or a loved one are a veteran who has been confined to their home due to a permanent disability, you may be eligible for the Housebound pension. Even if you are able to care for yourself on a daily basis you may still be eligible for this pension.

For instance, if the disability has cost you your driver’s license and you need assistance to get to and from your home – you’re possibly eligible for the Housebound pension.

Caregivers Can Get Federal Assistance for Caring for Their Veteran Spouse or Family Member

Spouses and family members who care for veterans are eligible to receive funds for in home care. However, there are some eligibility requirements.

The money you receive from VA programs (like the Aid and Attendance and Housebound pension) can be used to pay for bills, as well as assistance from home care agencies.

What are the eligibility requirements?

All wartime veterans have to meet the following requirements.

• Income – As of 2020, veterans could receive between $22,000 and $27,000 per year of income depending on whether the veteran had dependants or not.
• Net Worth – There’s no net worth limit, but assets should generally be less than $129,000.
• Disability Level – The veteran needs to be permanently and totally disabled. This means they cannot work because of their disability. The disability cannot be related to any misconduct while serving.
• Care Needs – A physician has to put in writing the veteran needs in-home, assisted care.
• Military Service – Veterans are required to have served at least 90 days in active service, and at least one of those days need to be during a war. This does not mean they have to actually serve in a war. They just need to have served during wartime.
• Military Discharge – The veteran needs to have a general or honorable discharge. They will not be eligible if they were discharged for willful misconduct.

Figuring Out How to Pay for In Home Care

When deciding which senior home care service to choose, we recommend choosing one which readily answers your questions.

Whether your loved one is a veteran or not, there are ways to affordably pay these types of services. At Skylark Senior Care, we will explain your options and help you figure out which services fit your needs and those of your loved one.

Do you have questions about how to pay for senior home care? Contact us today for more information about our services and payment options.