Changes to Veterans Pension with Aid & Attendance 2019

New Veterans Administration rules regarding VA Pension with Aid & Attendance went into effect October 18, 2018.

A total net worth limit of $127,061 is now in place in order to be eligible for Aid & Attendance.  This limit excludes the value of the claimants primary residence (and lot up to 2 acres), as well as the value of  personal vehicles and personal effects. This net worth figure is the same for all Veterans regardless of their age. 

Total net worth includes all countable assets + (annual gross income - net unreimbursed medical expenses UME)

A claimant may decrease assets by spending down on products or services at a fair market value.

The VA will utilize a 36 month look back period on the claimant's assets and can penalize a claimant for up to 5 years of ineligibility for asset transfers and gifting including purchasing annuities and creating trusts. Transfers made prior to October 18, 2018 are grandfathered in and do not count towards the look back period.

Trust and annuities will be counted towards net worth within the penalty period if the claimant relinquishes their ability to liquidate the asset for their own benefit.

If you have questions on these changes or any other eligibility issues, contact the Senior Veterans Care Network and speak with a VA Accredited Agent today. 985-231-0470

Helping Veterans and their with VA Benefits for Elderly Care

Helping Veterans with VA Benefits

Being a VA Accredited Claims Agent has giving me the opportunity to do what I love - helping our Military Veterans.  What a privilege it is to help my senior veterans, surviving spouses and family members to understand what benefits are available to them. For example, the financial assistance from the VA Aid & Attendance Pension can help our Senior Veterans with the cost of an assisted living facility or in home care. The VA claims process can be overwhelming and waiting on the phone to speak to the VA pension management center is very frustrating.  I take pride in giving the best service available and giving you a quick response -"no delay" status update on your claims.  If you have any questions regarding Veterans Benefits I will be happy to help.  

Tech Safety Tips for Seniors

When it comes to technology, it’s good to be cautious, but it’s better to be educated. If you’re a senior looking to become more tech-savvy, congratulations! Technology can keep you more connected to your loved ones, up-to-date on current events, and it can even give you access to medical records and important files. Still, a healthy amount of caution for technology is necessary, which is why this guide walks you through safety tips for:

• Computers
• The Internet
• Smartphones
• Emails
• Scams
• Private information

Basic Safety for Computers

Even though more and more people are using smartphones and tablets for online browsing, many seniors find comfort in the familiarity of a computer. Often, the screens are easier to see and read, and the bigger keyboard is easier for those who suffer from arthritis.

• Security Software: Keep your computer safe and secure by installing security software, and keep it up-to-date. Most types of security software have an auto-update feature, but you’ll likely need to enable it. This ensures you always have the latest version and the best protection.
• Password Protected: Enable a password on your computer so that no one else can use it without authorization.

The Internet

The internet is unimaginably big and filled with wonderful, amazing information that you can get at the click of a button. However, there is a dark side to the internet. Be mindful of these suggestions to keep you safe while surfing the internet from any device:

• Social Media Privacy: Take care in what you post on social media sites like Facebook. Before you begin posting, be sure to thoroughly read about the social media provider’s privacy settings.
• Downloading Software: Avoid downloading software from a brand that you are unfamiliar with or that is free. While some are safe, many come with spyware that can slow or even crash your computer.
• Online Harassment: Cyberbullying isn’t just a teenage epidemic. Seniors are susceptible, too. Be sure you know how to report abuse on the network or forum. Try not to fan the flames with any kind of response.

Safer Smartphones

Chances are, you have a computer right in your pocket — an iPhone or Android smartphone. Sure, you may use it to call your son every once in awhile, but most people use their smartphones for surfing the web, checking social media, sending emails and text messaging. With so much to say and do on a smartphone, you want to be sure everything is locked up tightly — including the apps you use. Here are a few tips for a safer smartphone:

• Screen Lock + Password: Use a screen lock to allow entry to your phone. Your phone might use a passcode, a fingerprint or face recognition as security.
• Trusted Wi-Fi Networks: Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks. Hackers can easily tap into free Wi-Fi, so be sure that when using public networks, the connection is one you know and trust.
• Automatic Lock: Make sure your device locks itself automatically, so if you accidentally leave it on the bus or at the doctor’s office, no one can access your information, even if you didn’t intentionally lock it.
• Illegitimate Calls: Beware of calls from people claiming to be a government entity and requesting payment information or stating you owe money.

Safely Staying in Touch through Email

Email is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family that you don’t see every day. You don’t have to wait several days for a letter to arrive in the mail, and most email service providers are free, which saves you the cost of postage. However, emails can also come with some safety concerns that seniors especially want to be on the lookout for:

• Attachments: Don’t open attachments from addresses you don’t recognize. Attachments can transmit viruses to your computer the moment you open them. Sometimes, these viruses are clever and appear to come from people you may know. If you even slightly suspect an attachment is off, don’t open it before talking to the sender.
• Sender: Never trust any email that asks you to give the sender personal or account information. Remember, no bank or respectable financial company will ever ask for any personal information via email.
• Be realistic — someone you don’t know doesn’t actually want to give you money. Don’t trust an email from anyone you don’t know who is trying to help you make money. Do not send them any personal information, like your birth date, Social Security number or banking information.

Emails are one of the main ways that scammers try to take advantage of seniors and other internet users. You can limit their impact by being aware and cautious of how online scams work.

Keeping an Eye Out for Scams

It’s sad but true — technology is riddled with scams, from emails asking for banking info to phone calls looking for your medical information. Unfortunately, seniors are often the target of scams, which is why you need to be twice as prepared and cautious. When using technology, avoid scams by:

• Releasing personal information: Never entering your information into a site that looks similar to your bank or credit card company, but with a different website address. Rather than clicking on a link in an email, use Google or another search engine to find the real one.
• Clickable text: Being cautious about clickable text warning you against fraud. Just because a sender warns you to be careful doesn’t mean they are legitimate. Remember, anyone can falsely claim to be offering you a safe and secure link.
• Strange requests for help: Avoiding helping someone you don’t know. You have a big heart, and when someone reaches out for money or help, you might be inclined to offer it. Be cautious. As much as you may want to respond, the odds are that it’s a scam.
• Links: Never clicking on a link from an email and entering in private information to the site it directs you to, even if the webpage looks and feels secure. This is a scam called phishing, and it gives hackers access to your username and password — along with whatever you’re trying to protect.

Scams are pervasive, but it can get easier to recognize them if you have a cautious eye. Protecting your information is key to keeping scammers at bay.

Protecting Private Information

From your date of birth to the PIN for your bank account, there are many reasons to use personal information online. You can file your taxes, pay bills, purchase gifts and even review recent health test results. However, the more that’s out there, the more you have to protect. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Passwords: Create unique and strong passwords that include upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters whenever possible. Never reveal your password to anyone online, and be certain that reputable companies will never ask you to.
• Personal Identification Requests: Be extra cautious when anyone asks you to provide your date of birth, Social Security number or bank account information.
• Double check accounts: Monitor your bank accounts regularly so you can catch unusual activity right away.
• Only shop using reputable sites: Avoid online shopping at retailers that are not established or haven’t been

If you’re still unsure of your tech-savvy skills, sign up for a computer class at your local library, senior center or college. Technology can be a huge benefit to your quality of life, like letting you stay in touch with loved ones or communicating with medical professionals with ease, but you must handle it with care. When in doubt, always stop what you’re doing and ask someone you trust for their opinion.

For more on caring for seniors visit the Senior Veterans Care Network blog!

Tips for Seniors Who Are Considering Downsizing

In the past when you were looking for a home to move into, you were probably looking for a specific number of bedrooms or whether or not it was located near a good school district. Not every day do people choose their dream home based on whether or not it’s senior-friendly. Everyone ages, and some times that means that their home is no longer a viable space for them to live in. Many older adults are faced with the predicament of having to downsize, often into an assisted living community if their family isn’t close by. Luckily, downsizing isn’t something to fear and can be a great financial and practical decision for many people. We’ve put together some downsizing tips for seniors.

Find out what the best environment is for your situation

We mentioned this briefly, but many older adults have the option of moving near their family. Talk to your children about what they think is the best way to approach this situation. Some may suggest moving into a townhouse or condo nearby, some may believe an assisted living community is the way to go, and others may suggest that you move in with them. Moving in with elderly parents can either be a positive or a negative experience, so make sure you have a clear conversation regarding expectations and boundaries for both parties.

If moving in with or near family isn’t an option, an assisted living community may be one of your best options. Not only will you have staff around to offer a helping hand, but you’ll also have a community of individuals to keep you company. 

Hire a real estate agent

One of the first steps towards successfully downsizing is to sell your current home. Depending on where you live, too, you can make a pretty good sum of money off of the home’s sale since the cost of housing, especially in larger cities, has been on the rise. By hiring a top realtor, you’re almost guaranteed to sell your home for the best price. Additionally, they’ll take a lot of the stress off of your back by taking care of showings, contracts, and closing.

Acknowledge your emotions

Most likely, the hardest part of downsizing isn’t the act of moving itself, but rather having to say farewell to a home where you built many memories. Moving is emotional, and it’s important to acknowledge your feelings rather than ignore them. Our suggestion is to try and carry over as many resemblances as possible from the old space to the new one including pictures, curtains, and even candles. Think of your home as the things that make it up, not the walls that surround you! 

If your a veteran, uncover your benefits

United States Veterans are offered a good amount of benefits in regards to housing and assisted living. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Aid and Attendance Program was established to provide care and assistance to aging veterans. Finding out whether or not you’re eligible for benefits can sometimes be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to look in the first place. The Senior Veterans Care Network exists to help senior veterans both discover and take advantage of the help they deserve. Discover your benefits and get in contact with us today!

Illinois Wartime Veterans

According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, as of 2016 there were: 

506,935 Wartime Veterans living in the state of Illinois, including: 

33,580 WWII Veterans

62,785 Korean Conflict Veterans

226,063 Vietnam Era Veterans. 

Many of these Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible to receive VA pension with Aid and Attendance to help with the cost of senior care, either in their own home or in an assisted living facility.  To found out if you or a loved one qualifies for this VA Benefit, call 985-231-0470 to speak with a VA Accredited representative.

Or find care options in your area:

Chicago, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Aurora, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Rockford, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Joliet, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Naperville, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Springfield, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Peoria, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Orland Park, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Elmhurst, IL Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit, HomeCare, Assisted Living

Veterans Assisted Living Simplified

Senior Veterans Care Network

While life has its changes, the transition from an independent lifestyle to Assisted Living does not always come naturally. It's a choice that can only be made with the proper support, advice, and information. Before you and your family make the final move to an Assisted Living facility, read over these five essential tips...

1. Visit assisted living communities. 

The best way to judge whether senior housing is the right choice, is with a first-hand look. Find different facilities in your area and arrange visits to get a feel for their atmospheres and accommodations. 

2. Ease in with temporary living. 

Some assisted living facilities allow residents to move in on a temporary basis-a great opportunity for seniors who are unsure of whether the change is right for them. You or your loved one will receive all of the benefits of a regular residency with the ability to return home at the end of your stay. 

3. Build a social circle. 

A great aspect of an assisted living community is the level of interaction it promotes among residents. Seniors are able to visit each other's apartments, attend facility-organized events such as dances, and even create their own hobby clubs and groups. Try to visit one or more of these events while touring so that you or your loved one can meet residents who share similar interests. 

4. Research amenities. 

The services provided by an assisted living facility can vary from residence to residence. Take stock of your or your loved one's needs and find the community that best fulfills them. While some seniors may only need help with laundry and cooking others may require additional help in the form of transportation, housekeeping, and assistance with administering medication. 

                      

Before you begin packing, make time for sorting through personal effects. While most items will likely stay with you, your loved one, or your family, don't be in a rush to throw away the rest.

77th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy.”

77th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy.”

Dec. 7, 2018, marks the 77th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, a Sunday, Japanese bombers flew across Oahu, Hawaii, and began their assault. Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The barrage lasted just two hours, but it was devastating: The Japanese managed to destroy nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight enormous battleships, and more than 300 airplanes. More than 2,000 Americans soldiers and sailors died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded

After the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a speech before Congress, calling Dec. 7 a “date which will live in infamy.” The U.S. declared war against Japan.

The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan; Congress approved his declaration with just one dissenting vote. Three days later, Japanese allies Germany and Italy also declared war on the United States, and again Congress reciprocated. More than two years into the conflict, America had finally joined World War II.

Today the Senior Veterans Care Network honors the almost 3600 Americans killed or wounded at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Exercises for Disabled Veterans

Hundreds of thousands of veterans have been wounded in the 14-year war against terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these veterans, approximately 50,000 have severe injuries that limit mobility. In regards to programs that benefit veterans, exercises like the following can be extremely helpful for disabled men and women.

Physical Activity

Exercise helps disabled veterans to work through their issues with varying methods and levels of physical activity. For those who have suffered traumatic physical and mental injuries, exercise can improve their mood, outlook, and overall life experience while also relieving anxieties.

The Initial Steps

The first few attempts at exercise can be uncertain—a hesitancy to try something that once was routine. Just making an effort, however, often brings levels of success that increase confidence, interaction with others, and the desire to accomplish more. During the rehabilitation process, disabled veterans can learn how to exercise at their assisted living facility, if they live in one, or by using the equipment at a community health club.

Exercising in Water

For those unable to be mobile for extended periods of time or with otherwise severely limited mobility, water activities can be invaluable. Simply moving one’s limbs in the water can alleviate aches in the muscles and joints and perhaps even lead to walking in water. Swimming is an all-around body toner and cardiovascular exercise that increases endurance.

Value of Stretching

Whether disabled veterans have limited mobility or are confined to a wheelchair, stretching can be a beneficial source of exercise. Arm and leg rotations help strengthen weakened muscles, and slowly rotating the torso can ease back pain.

About Yoga

Yoga can be challenging, but it's possible when supervised by trained professionals. However, a disabled person should never attempt any yoga exercises without full knowledge of the risks involved. Always ask a primary care physician to recommend which exercises are safe and beneficial for specific needs and capabilities.

Machines for Amputees

Exercise machines that allow independent movement are extremely helpful to an amputee. So, too, are aerodynamic leg-and-hand machines and stationary cycles with straps that keep artificial limbs in place.

In conclusion, disabled veterans should begin to slowly, gradually increase their tolerance for activity, and continue to exercise daily, if only for a half hour or so. Then stick to it. The rewards are worth pursuing.

The Veterans Pension or VA Aid & Attendance Benefit

The Veterans Pension or VA Aid & Attendance Benefit

Many Veterans and their families are unaware of VA Benefits that are available to help pay for Senior Care. The Veterans Pension or VA Aid & Attendance Benefit is available to wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses – World War II, Korean War, Vietnam and Persian Gulf War era. The benefit ranges up to $1209/month for a surviving spouse, $1881/month for a single Veteran, and $2230/month for married Veterans to help pay or offset long-term care costs either in home, at an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. The Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit can even be used to pay a child to provide care at home.

The reason for using "aid and attendance" to refer to Pension is that many veterans or their single surviving spouses can become eligible if they have a regular need for the aid or attendance of a caregiver or if they are housebound. Evidence of this need for care must be certified by VA as a "rating." With a rating, certain veterans or their surviving spouses can now qualify for Pension. Pension is also available to low income veteran households without a rating, but at a reduced monthly amount.

Eligibility Rules for Pension

To receive Pension, a Veteran must have served on active duty, at least 90 days, with at least one day during a period of war. The Veteran must be discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Single surviving spouses of such Veterans are also eligible. If younger than 65, the Veteran must be totally disabled. If age 65 and older, there is no requirement for disability. There is no disability requirement for a single surviving spouse.

The Veteran household cannot have income -- adjusted for unreimbursed medical expenses -- exceeding the Maximum Annual Pension Rate -- MAPR -- for that Veteran's Pension income category. If the adjusted income exceeds MAPR, there is no benefit. If adjusted income is less than the MAPR, the veteran receives a Pension income that is equal to the difference between MAPR and the household income adjusted for unreimbursed medical expenses. The Pension income is calculated, based on 12 months of future household income, but paid monthly.

For 2019, the claimant must have less than $127,061 in assets excluding a primary residence, vehicles, and personal effects.

Eligible Periods of War

World War II: December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946

Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955

Vietnam Era: The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases.

Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law

Robert Bostic

VA Accredited Claims Agent

To find out if you qualify for this VA benefit call 985-231-0470 and speak with a VA Accredited Agent.

Steps to Finding the Best Senior Care Facility

Many seniors reach a point in their lives where they simply can’t manage all their daily tasks alone. When that day comes, for most families the best move is to help them find a quality senior living facility where they can make a new home.

You want your loved one to be happy, and many seniors are resistant to the idea of leaving their home behind for assisted or senior living at first. If you take time to find the right facility, the transition will be much easier and your loved one’s chances at long-term happiness will be greater.

To make the right decision, you should take a few steps that can help you hone in on the right senior care facility for your loved one.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

First things first, you need to know what you can afford. Sit down and do the math. How much does your loved one receive each month in social security? Do they have a pension or VA benefits or long-term care insurance?  How much do they currently have in their retirement accounts? If necessary (and feasible for you), how much can you and other loved ones contribute?

2. Research Your Options

Be sure to check out websites that include the following information:

• Pictures of the common areas, grounds, rooms / floorplans and more

• What amenities are included 

• What current and past residents have to say about their experience / testimonials

• What’s available in your price range

• What specialized services / activities are offered

3. Tour the Facility

Your research will help you narrow down your options, but you shouldn’t make a decision based on internet research alone. The only way to really get a feel for a facility and ensure it’s the right choice for your loved one is to go visit it together.