Are You an Honorably Discharged Veteran?

Do You Qualify for a Little Known Health Care Benefit of Up to $1,949 per Month, Tax Free?

For many veterans in Massachusetts, the rising cost of assited living or home health care can be staggering.

Most VA pensions are only for veterans who were actually wounded or disabled while they were serving in the armed forces.

BUT...

Millions of wartime veterans and their spouses may be eligible for special monthly pension benefits solely because they are over 65 years of age and are homebound, in assisted/supportive living, or in a nursing home.

Those veterans and/or their survivors only need to prove that their medical expenses exceed certain income and asset limitations.  The maximum benefit available can provide significant help in paying for long term care costs.

An elder law attorney can assist you and your family by explaining many difficult-to-understand things about long-term care.  Qualification for a veteran benefit is only one of several concerns that must be considered.  As you struggle to provide dignified long-term care for a wartime veteran and/or their spouse, we can help you understand the options.  We are your advocates and we want to help you stretch your hard earned money further.  VA benefits are only one part of the puzzle.  We will hold your hand and guide you every step of the way as we consider all of you and your family's resources.

You may need guidance to make sense of the following:

1. Estate plan documents such as powers of attorney, wills and trusts.
2. Analysis of any income tax, estate tax or gift tax issues
3. Care options available in the local community for both the veteran and spouse
4. A review of VA, Medicare and Medicaid as they apply to your circumstances
5. A review of your personal, financial and family resources
6. Analysis of financial suitability of any asset (preservation)
7. Analysis of both positives and negatives of all planning options
8. A calculation of the actual dollar benefit and/or cost of any helpful idea that is discussed
9. Possible submission of the VA claim form

Once a veteran has expressed that he or she wants to file a specific claim for VA benefits, an attorney who prepares the claim must do so on a free (pro bono) basis (see point 9 above) or refer you to the Veterans Administration or a Veterans Service Organization which will prepare your claim for free.

Click here to view a copy of the VA general counsel letter regarding legal fees.  The attorney may charge his/her usual and customary fees (no up-charges or extras) for legal work that is listed about as points 1 through 8 after consultation.