Understanding Veteran Pension Benefits in Florida

If you or your spouse previously served in the United States armed forces, you can likely get some or your assisted living costs covered. If you qualify, supplemental veteran pension benefits provide cash assistance for long-term care, including stays in assisted living facilities.

Understanding eligibility requirements can be complex. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 200 organizations exist to help veterans meet financial eligibility requirements for pension benefits. But not all are qualified, they warned. In fact, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging found some organizations misrepresent themselves while helping veterans apply for pension benefits.

It is best to research the process prior to applying for benefits. If you are just getting started or seeking assistance, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can recommend accredited representation.

How To Qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension is a special monetary add-on for qualified veterans. This benefit supplements the Basic Veterans or Survivors Pension and can be used to help cover the costs of long-term care.

Only qualifying veterans can receive the supplemental Aid and Attendance pension. To qualify, age, income and disability criteria must be met.

There are specific clinical conditions that qualify a veteran for special pension benefits and only one must be met to receive the Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension:

• They need assistance with Activities of Daily Living, also known as ADLs
• They are confined to their beds
• They are residents in skilled care due to a physical or mental inability to care for themselves independently
• They have a severe vision impairment that affects their daily life

Keep in mind, clinical qualifications differ from financial qualifications. If an applicant exceeds certain income requirements, they will be required to submit additional forms in order to qualify.

How to Apply for the Aid & Attendance Pension

Applying for veteran’s benefits is relatively straightforward. If someone has not applied for a Basic Veterans or Survivors Pension, they must do so prior to or in conjunction with the Aid and Attendance application. Qualifying for the Basic Veterans Pension is necessary to qualify for the Aid and Attendance Pension since it is a monetary add-on to this primary benefit.

You can apply for the Basic Veterans Pension by filling out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).

Application Forms for Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Pension

According to the Senior Veteran’s Service Alliance, there are several forms required to receive assistance with long-term care costs. The list of suggested forms include:

VBA Form 21-527ez – Application for Veteran’s Pension

Standard Form 180 – Request Pertaining to Military Records (to obtain discharge records)

VBA Form 21-534ez – Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits

VBA Form 21-0779 – Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance

VBA Form 21-2680 – Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent need for Regular Aid and Attendance

SVSA Form FV 13 – Care Provider Certification of Services

Applications and forms are subject to change at any time, so consult your VA Pension Management Center for a complete list of required forms and documentation.

Additional information about the application process for the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit is located here.

Where to Send Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Application

Applications should be mailed to your designated VA Pension Management Center. The VA offers three centers that will process your pension benefit application depending upon where you live. The Philadelphia VA Pension Management Center processes pension applications for Florida residents.

Find out which center you should mail your application to here.

Once approved, your VA benefits office can help find an assisted living community that accepts veterans’ benefits. Florida has quite a few that provide specialized care for veterans and even more that accept pension benefits.

If you need assistance filling out the application, a veterans’ benefit advisor or VA pension planner can help.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Florida

Do you need more information on how to cover the costs of assisted living? Sonata Senior Living would be happy to answer any questions you still have. We can help you find available resources and financial solutions that may help you pay for assisted living in Florida.

To learn more about Sonata Senior Living, contact us today→ or schedule a visit →