Basic Qualifications for a Surviving Spouse of a Florida Veteran to Receive Pension Benefits

The key for Florida seniors to pay for long term health care is to find a source to pony up the money.  The sources generally are 1) your savings, 2) long term health care insurance, or 3) the government.  Today, I am going to discuss the qualifications for a Florida surviving spouse or widow of a veteran to receive government money for long term health care.  In other words, how a person can receive a veteran's death pension.

Here is a checklist for the basic requirements for a surviving spouse to receive VA pension benefits:

1)  The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for one year prior to the veteran's death;
2)  The veteran met the requirements to receive the VA pension, including the income requirement; and
3)  The veteran and surviving spouse lived together before the vet's death (separations will not qualify).

If you are a Florida resident that was married to a veteran that has passed away, contact a Florida elder law attorney with knowledge of VA aid and attendance benefits to discuss your qualifications for VA death pension further.  If you qualify, you will be able to receive cash that could go to pay for long term health care - you do not have to go to the nursing home to qualify!

Basic Qualifications for a Veteran to Receive VA Pension Benefits

Veterans pension benefits are out there for Florida's veterans and the VA does not want you to know about it.  Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, I've met plenty of families that came during their time in the navy and have stayed.  Why?  Because Jacksonville is an amazing town.  I want Jacksonville veterans to receive the benefits to which they are entitled so they can stay in this part of Florida and not have not move because of health care costs.

Unfortunately, due to the rising costs of health care and nursing care, plenty of military families are having their assets and wealth depleted.  This money will be sent off, never to be seen again.  But what if you can transfer the veteran's wealth to family members without depletion from long term health care cost AND receive a cash monthly?

Veterans pension benefits is your answer, and here are basic qualifications:

1) The veteran served in the military during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War;

2) The veteran meets the countable income and asset requirements (note that the requirements are for low income levels BUT do not let this dissuade you, a veterans pension lawyer can help and you will learn more from me later); and   

3) You did not receive a dishonorable discharge.

These rules get you started.  In future posts I dicuss the asset and income limits for VA aid and attendance. 

Kellen Bryant, Esquire, is a Jacksonville, Florida elder care attorney specializing in VA aid and attendance benefits.