Unfortunately a lot of people take a “this will never happen to me” attitude about some things, and this can come back to haunt them. Individuals who find themselves prepared for all eventualities don’t think this way. They keep their heads up and face all possible contingencies head on. They may or may not have to put their contingency plans into action, but they are prepared nonetheless and this provides them with a great deal of peace of mind. This in itself can help to keep you healthy as you start to reach an advanced age.
With this in mind, consider the fact that the United States Department of Health and Human Services tells us that seven out of every 10 individuals who reach the age of 65 are eventually going to need some form of long-term care. For men, the average period of time that long-term care is necessary is 2.2 years; for women it is 3.7 years. So, if you want to be prepared for the future you should understand that the odds indicate that you will likely incur long-term care costs.
Veterans who have served during a time of war may be eligible for a benefit that can help to address these costs called the Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension or Veterans A & A. The length of service requirements are modest. If you served a total of 90 days on active duty with at least one of these days taking place during wartime (even if you did not serve in combat) you meet the requirement.
Qualified single veterans who need assistance with their day-to-day needs, things like dressing, eating, bathing, etc. can qualify for a monthly benefit of as much as $1632. Eligible couples may receive up to $1949 per month, and a qualified surviving spouse may qualify for a maximum of $1055 each month.
These benefits can go a long way toward defraying long-term care costs. To learn more about the financial requirements and see whether you or a loved one might be eligible, contact an experienced elder law attorney. You can also obtain information from the United States Veterans Benefits Administration either online, in person, or over the phone, or from the local Veterans Affairs representative in your county.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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