Veterans Benefits Updates for 2023

If you are a war Veteran receiving a pension, you might be eligible for some extra cash in your wallet this year. The South Florida Veterans Benefits Attorneys at The Siegel Law Group, P.A., is here to answer all your questions about your eligibility for Veterans Benefits.

Veteran Pension Rates Updates for 2023

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) pension rates are increasing 2023 by 8.7%. V.A. pensions include the Veteran’s and Survivor’s Pensions and the Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowances benefit. The VA pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans of a certain age, with specific disabilities, who have a net worth within limits set by Congress.

Those eligible for a V.A. Pension must meet the following requirements:

• You were not dishonorably discharged.
• Your family net worth, including income, meets set limits. To be eligible for a V.A. Pension, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, a Veteran’s net worth must be under $150,538.

Additionally, one of the following requirements must be met:

• Your active duty began before September 8, 1980, and you served 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during wartime.
• Your active duty as an enlisted person started after September 7, 1980, and you served at least 24 months or your ordered active duty time with at least one day during wartime.
• You were an officer who started active duty after October 16, 1981 and hadn’t previously served for at least 24 months.

And lastly, one of the following statements must be true to qualify:

• You are 65 years or older.
• You have a permanent or total disability.
• You are a patient in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
• You are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact the South Florida Veterans Benefits Attorney Barry Siegel to discuss your options.

Do you have questions about veterans benefits updates for 2023?

What Is The Aid and Attendance Benefit and Housebound Allowance?

Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits are tax-free benefits provided to qualified Veterans in need of long-term care. Veterans receiving pensions from V.A. who also require help to perform daily activities or are housebound for most of the day due to illness are eligible. Patients in a long-term care facility; and those with limited eyesight also qualify. Qualified Veterans and survivors who receive V.A. Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits collect monthly payments in addition to their regular monthly V.A. pension.

Are All Veterans Automatically Enrolled in The Aid and Attendance Benefit?

Veterans must apply for the Aid and Attendance Benefit; it is not automatic. There are a few ways you can apply:

• Apply in person at a regional V.A. office.
• Send the completed V.A. form (Form 21-2680) to your pension management center (PMC). Your doctor will need to complete an examination and fill out the form. You can also include evidence supporting your claim, such as doctor’s reports and details outlining your illness, injury or disability and how it affects your daily activities.
• A Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-0779) will be necessary if you live in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

What Kind of Increases Will Qualified Veterans See This Year to The Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance Benefit?

The increased 2023 Aid and Attendance Benefit rates are as follows:

• Payment amounts will be based on the difference between countable income and a Congress-set limit called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).
• Countable income refers to how much a Veteran earns, including Social Security income, retirement, investment payments and any dependent income. Countable income can be reduced if you have non-reimbursable medical expenses.
• MAPR equals the maximum amount of pension payable. This considers how many dependents you have if you are married to another Veteran who receives a V.A. pension and your qualifications for Aid and Attendance benefits. This amount is adjusted every year due to cost-of-living increases.

The MAPR for 2023 is as follows:

• A surviving spouse will receive $1,432 per month, which equals $17,184 per year.
• A single Veteran will receive $2,229 per month totaling $26,748 per year.
• A married Veteran will receive $2,641 per month or $31,704 per year.
• Two married Veterans will receive $3,536 per month equaling $42,432 per year.

If you are a war Veteran, you may qualify for the Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowances benefit. Quite often, initial applications for these benefits are denied. It may seem that the income thresholds and allowances are too strict, but you may still be eligible for the benefits you need. Accredited Veterans’ Administration Attorney Barry D. Siegel can help you determine your eligibility and navigate the application process. The Siegel Law Group, P.A., will work to secure V.A. Benefits for you now while also ensuring that you will be eligible for Medicare in the future.

Do you have questions about veterans benefits updates for 2023?

Call THE South Florida Veteran Benefits Attorney – Barry Siegel, to Discuss Veterans Benefits Updates for 2023

Call the office of The Siegel Law Group, P.A., to discuss your eligibility for Veterans Benefits at 561-576-6206 and to schedule your complimentary consultation, or submit our online contact form today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.