Veterans’ benefits are expected to be tougher to qualify for next year, according to the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension program, which subsidizes senior living and home care for veterans and their spouses.
The pension is designed to provide financial support to lower income veterans and their spouses who need help with daily living.
To qualify for the new standards, a veteran and his or her spouse must have $80,000 or less in total assets, excluding one home and vehicle. Also, the veteran must have been discharged honorably and served 90 consecutive days, at least one of which was during an approved period of war.
The proposed changes will tighten eligibility requirements, potentially affecting veterans already eligible for the pension, including disqualifying candidates who were previously entitled to the funds.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Benedum Foundation.