For veterans and their families, veteran benefits for assisted living are an important source of help and comfort. These benefits can be used to pay for the costs associated with assisted living, including rent or mortgage and utility bills. However, there are many myths about what is available through these programs and how they work. If you are thinking about using them to help cover expenses related to your loved one’s move into a senior-friendly independent living community, here are five common myths that might come up during your discussions:
VA Aid And Attendance Benefits Are Only For The Aging Population
Veterans are eligible for benefits if they are 65 or older. However, veterans can also be eligible if they have a disability that is service-connected, regardless of their age.
In addition to this rule being applied on an individual basis (i.e., each veteran’s situation must be evaluated individually), it’s important to note that veterans do not need to wait until their 65th birthday before applying for these benefits; they may apply at any time during their lives and still receive them if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Only All Veterans Of WWII Are Eligible For Benefits
You might be surprised to learn that not all veterans are eligible for benefits. Many types of veterans can receive assistance.
The first group is those who served during World War II and received a discharge certificate (DD214) stating they were honorably discharged from the military. This includes those who served in the Army Air Forces or Navy before 1947 and received an honorable discharge.
A second group includes those who served during Vietnam or Korea and any other war since then, including Iraq/Afghanistan/Persian Gulf War vets. They must have been honorably discharged from active-duty service with no less than two years of service time. It doesn’t matter if you were injured while serving; if it was on active duty, it counts towards eligibility requirements for VA benefits!
You Must Be In A VA Hospital To Qualify For Aid And Attendance Benefits
The truth is, you can apply for Aid and Attendance benefits while you are in a VA hospital or in an assisted living community. The only requirement is that the veteran must have been discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (meaning they were honorably discharged). If they meet this requirement, they may apply regardless of where they live.
Only Veterans Who Served In A Combat Zone Can Get Assistance
Veterans who served in a combat zone may be eligible for additional benefits, but it’s not the only way to get assistance. Veterans who served outside of a combat zone are also eligible for financial assistance and other programs.
Veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty, including those discharged for a service-connected disability, are considered wartime veterans. This means they could be eligible for additional benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If You Do Not Qualify For Aid & Attendance Benefits, You Will Not Be Able To Afford Assisted Living
While VA benefits may be the best option for some veterans to pay for assisted living, it’s important to remember that there are other ways. You can use your own money or get help from family members–and even use other financial resources like an inheritance.
Getting Your Veteran Benefits For Assisted Living Is A Difficult Process
If you’re a veteran and considering assisted living, don’t let the idea of getting your veteran benefits for assisted living scare you away. The process is pretty easy. First, ensure you are eligible for the benefits (you must have served in the military). Then, contact a veterans service organization or advocate to help guide you through applying for them. If they can’t help directly with your application, they should be able to point you toward someone who can.
