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Blackbeauty Asked January 2016

Dad is a WWII Veteran, lives in independent living; Mom lives in adjacent Memory Care. Are there Vet's benefits for her?

They are married. She lives in Memory Care for her own well-being as well as physical safety since while living together she would just leave and walk to town. Dad is 90 and has a hard time getting around, uses a cane regularly, but walks across the alleyway each day to have meals and some social time with her. They live separately due to her added needs which are more than Dad can physically and emotionally manage. Are there any Vets benefits available for her while he is still living?

EXPERT Ralph Robbins Jan 2016
From the description of your father's service and your parent's circumstances it is possible he is eligible for and will qualify for VA Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance.
As a couple, the maximum benefit for this award in 2016 is $2,120 per month paid directly to the veteran.
Keep in mind that the award is always based on the veteran's need so if he is living in Independent Living and not receiving assistance with activities of daily living from any source he may not qualify for the Aid and Attendance award but still may qualify for Basic Pension which for the couple in 2016 is $1,404 per month.
As hinted at earlier, this is a needs based benefit and in addition to medical requirements there financial requirements with respect to assets and income.
There is a full description on this site and many others.
You may wish to consider professional advice either from a County Veterans Service Officer or an independent accredited claims agent or accredited attorney. CVSO's do not charge for their services and many accredited agents/attorneys will provide an initial free phone consult.
Certainly worth investigating further.
By the way, the time to look into this is now as the VA will be changing qualification rules in 2016. These changes will be of benefit to some claimants and a detriment to others however enough is now known about the changes to determine whether it makes more sense to pursue a claim now or to wait for the rule changes occur.

pamstegma Jan 2016
The surviving spouse of a wartime veteran can get Aid & Attendance pension reimbursement for up to $14,353 per year or $1,196 per month. BUT since he is still alive, she is not a "surviving spouse" aka "widow"

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gladimhere Jan 2016
But, as a married veteran, your Dad may qualify for $2,120.00 a month if he meets income and asset standards. Call the VA for information specific to your parents situation. If your mom is also a vet they would qualify for $2,387.00 a month, but I assume that is not the case.

Blackbeauty Jan 2016
Thank you to each of you for your kind support. I've made an appointment with the VA representative in our county to find out what opportunities we may have.

monicalouise Jan 2016
Many states have a State Veterans home system where wives can receive nursing home, personal care at a Veterans home...PA has such a system....call your local Veterans Affairs office to explore options

tenderhands Jan 2016
Some VA have a system that wives can receive some assistance so speak to someone at the benefit office in the VA serving your area. Good luck.

askcherylc Jan 2016
It is possible your Mother would be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits if they meet certain requirements. You can check with your local VA office.

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