When calculating an A&A pension benefit amount, some medical and long-term care costs can be deducted from a client’s income. This allows some veterans and surviving spouses who would otherwise be over the income limit to qualify for the A&A pension. One such allowable deduction is the cost of paying a caregiver, including relatives, such as adult children, grandchildren, and siblings to provide care.  If a Veteran does not have a family member that they can entrust a family friend can step in as a caregiver.

A veteran or surviving spouse who requires assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as mobility, transferring, eating, and bathing, would meet the disability requirement. In addition, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease generally meets the disability requirement since it is assumed the individual requires a protected living environment.

Caregivers are also expected to assess the personal needs and wants of the patient including but not limited to social, physical, entertainment, services of others, and the supplies and goods needed for the patient.

Caregivers provide assistance to a patient ten (10) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, fifty-two (52) weeks per year.  All of the time and resources can be deducted from a client’s income.

*Paying a spouse to provide care is not a viable option, as both the veteran and spouse’s income is considered in calculating a client’s pension benefit amount.

According to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, there are more than 5.5 million military caregivers in the United States.  Do you incorporate caregiver agreements into your VA Pension practice?   Do you have questions about caregiver agreements?  We are here to help.  Contact us today at michelle.bowman@swainlawfirm.net or by calling (770)500-3074 if you need help with a caregiver agreement.