|
Low Income Pension Benefit |
|
|
|
 The VA has a low income pension benefit that will bring your income up to $11,830 for a veteran without dependents and $15,493 for a veteran with one dependent. For the spouse of a deceased veteran, the amount is $7,933 without dependents and $10,385 with one dependent. If you are age 65 or older you automatically meet the disability requirement for this pension. If you are under age 65, you must be totally disabled. For the purposes of this benefit, totally disabled means you have a debilitating condition that prevents you from working. Some medical expenses are deductible from your income if they exceed 5% of the Maximum Annual Pension (MAPR) rate category. The active duty service requirements for this benefit are: other than a dishonorable discharge; a minimum of 90 days active duty, with one day beginning or ending during a period of war; or, a surviving spouse of a war veteran. However, anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980, must serve at least 24 months or the full period for which that person was called to serve.
|
Aid & Attendance is a little known and under used VA Pension Benefit . This pension is available to veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person. The maximum benefit payable in 2009 for a veteran with one dependent is $23,396 per year.
Housebound, like Aid & Attendance is part of the VA’s Improved Disability Pension benefit. The difference is in the level of disability required to qualify for Housebound versus Aid & Attendance. The maximum benefit payable in 2009 for a veteran with one dependent is $18,120 per year.
Managing your affairs during a period of sudden or long-term illness can be a daunting task, filled with stress and anxiety, prior pre-planning can help.