Attorney Kellen Bryant explains how healthy veterans can access VA benefits to help care for their sick spouses.

Question: “My dad was a veteran and is in good health. My mom needs help. Are there any benefits available for her?”

This is a common situation many veteran families face – when the veteran is healthy but their spouse needs care and assistance. Fortunately, there are VA benefits available in this scenario.

Limited But Available Benefits for Spouses

When a veteran is healthy and does not have any ailments relating to his or her service, but the spouse of the veteran is the one who needs help, there are limited VA benefits available to the spouse.

The primary option is through the VA Improved Pension Program.

Understanding the VA Improved Pension Program

The spouse of a veteran who is sick can receive VA benefits under the VA Improved Pension program. This program can be expanded to help people who:

• Need maintenance and care from others
• Need assistance with household situations
• Are part of a family where the veteran is over age 65

How It Works in Practice

Here’s a typical scenario:

• The husband is the veteran and he is healthy
• His wife needs care and assistance
• The husband can apply for the VA Improved Pension
• As long as the husband meets the eligibility requirements, he can receive VA benefits relating to his wife’s needs

Eligibility Requirements

For a healthy veteran to receive VA Improved Pension benefits for a sick spouse, several requirements must be met:

Basic Requirements

• The veteran must be over age 65
• The veteran must be healthy
• The spouse must need care or assistance
• Must meet financial eligibility requirements

Financial Eligibility Testing

Most importantly, the VA will determine whether the family meets VA eligibility requirements based on:

• Asset test – Review of the family’s total assets
• Income and medical expense test – Analysis of income versus medical care costs

VA Improved Pension eligibility is more likely in lower income families where the husband has military history, the wife is sick, they’re over age 65, and they’re paying for care.

Who Is Most Likely to Qualify?

The VA Improved Pension program typically works best for families with:

• Lower income levels
• A veteran with military service history
• A sick spouse requiring care
• Both spouses over age 65
• Current medical expenses for care

Key Takeaway

Even when a veteran is healthy, VA benefits may still be available to help with a sick spouse’s care needs through the VA Improved Pension program. The key is meeting the age, military service, and financial eligibility requirements.

Don’t assume you’re ineligible for VA benefits just because the veteran is healthy – the program is designed to help veteran families when either the veteran or the spouse needs care.

Get Professional Guidance

Navigating VA benefits can be complex, and eligibility requirements are specific. Put your mind at ease and make an appointment to meet with the Berg Bryant Elder Law Group in Jacksonville, Florida today to explore your family’s options.

This information is provided by Attorney Kellen Bryant. For personalized guidance about VA benefits and eligibility for your specific situation, consult with a qualified VA benefits attorney.

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