Some seniors miss out on the lifestyle they deserve because they think they don’t have the financial support to pay for it. However, seniors on a budget can still enjoy the benefits of St. Petersburg assisted living with the help of programs such as the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit.
What Are Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits?
The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is a financial benefit that helps veterans and their spouses pay for the assistance they need in everyday functioning, such as eating, bathing, and managing medication. Importantly, the benefit can be used toward the cost of assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
This program is often referred to by other names, including “veterans eldercare benefits” or “VA assisted living benefit.”
Who Is Eligible for the Benefits?
While the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is intended to help veterans and their surviving spouses, not all people in these categories are eligible. Generally, there are two categories of eligibility requirements: non-financial and financial.
Non-Financial Requirements
First, veterans or their surviving spouses must be at least 65 years old or disabled. There is also a military service requirement, as the veteran must be considered a “wartime veteran,” meaning they served at least 90 days total and served at least 1 day during these specific wartimes:
- World War II: Dec 7, 1941-Dec 31, 1946
- Korean War: Jun 27, 1950-Jan 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964-May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961-May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in Vietnam)
- Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990-a date yet to be set
In addition to these requirements, veterans cannot have been dishonorably discharged. Finally, if a surviving spouse is applying for the benefit, they must have been living with the veteran at the time of their death and must be single at the time they apply.
Financial Requirements
A veteran’s income level must be below a certain threshold to qualify for the benefit. It must be less than the pension amount for which they are eligible.
In addition to income level, the VA also considers the veteran’s net worth. In calculating overall net worth, they take into account assets in bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and property other than a primary residence and primary vehicle. As of December 1, 2020, the net worth limit is $130,773.
Utilizing Benefits for Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Seniors eligible for Veterans Aid and Assistance may use their benefit to pay for high-quality assisted living. These programs are a wonderful opportunity for veterans to take advantage of the care they need and deserve, regardless of their financial standing.
