The Value of Veteran Benefits for Kansas Veterans
Veteran laws and health care benefits in Kansas are like most government programs— challenging to navigate. Our Wichita law firm understands veterans’ laws and the importance of incorporating VA planning into an estate plan. VA benefits can be a significant part of long-term care planning in Kansas.
Those veterans who have served during wartime have access for themselves and their spouses to a pension that will pay for long-term care assistance. It’s called the Veteran’s Pension for Aid and Attendance. This benefit would be in addition to any other veteran’s payment, such as disability or another pension. It includes a benefit for those veterans and/or their spouses who are housebound or in a facility.
Understanding Eligibility Requirements for Veterans Pension Benefits
The Veterans Benefits Administration changed the rules relating to eligibility for this pension in 2018. It’s now much clearer regarding assets and income a veteran or spouse can have and still be eligible for the pension to assist with care costs.
If the veteran or spouse need daily assistance, determining what they’ll be entitled to monthly depends on a cash-flow analysis.
- For example, a veteran with no dependents, who is housebound, may be entitled to as much as $22,577 annually.
- A veteran’s surviving spouse may be entitled to as much as $14,509 annually.
As of 2023, the VA requires a veteran or spouse to have a net worth limit of $150,538 or less to qualify. This limit is a combination of income after deducting medical costs and assets, including bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and property other than the veteran’s primary residence and vehicle.
Similar to Medicaid benefits, VA benefits also have a lookback period to check for any asset transfers prior to your application. Making mistakes risks claim denial and delays. We gather all necessary medical and financial documents and explain how to meet the eligibility requirements. We help determine which benefits are available to you and process your claim as quickly as possible the first time. Our attorneys can also represent you with appeals.
Our Kansas elder law lawyers know how to navigate the veteran’s benefits application process. Having an experienced Kansas veterans law attorney on your side makes qualifying for this pension much easier. Since fees are regulated by the government, there are no upfront costs to file your claim.
Larson, Brown & Ebert, PA is here to help you and your loved ones understand Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Planning, and Farm and Ranch Planning. Our Wichita, Kansas, law firm welcomes the opportunity to consult with clients in Wichita and surrounding Kansas areas to learn more about how we can help meet your veteran planning needs.