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VA Aid & Attendance Pension

We Serve You Because You Served Us!

Surviving Spouse APSCNP

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews four factors when determining eligibility. We begin with the Veterans military service and the spouses most recent marriage.

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Which Of The Following Best Describes The Veterans/Spouse's Marital Status:(Required)
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Military Service And Marriage - Questions Pertain To Your Most Recent Spouse

1) Did the Veteran serve at least 1 day of active duty during any of the following wartime periods?(Required)
Based on the information provided, we believe they will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA due to the wartime service requirement. To confirm call 800-827-1000 and speak to the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
2) Did the Veteran serve a minimum of 90 days of active duty and receive an honorable, general or medical discharge?(Required)
Based on the information provided, we believe they will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA due to the wartime service requirement. To confirm call 800-827-1000 and speak to the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
3) Did the marriage to the Veteran end in death?(Required)
3A) Did the Surviving Spouse remarry after the wartime Veteran passed away?(Required)
3B) Did all subsequent marriages start and end between January 1, 1971 and November 1, 1990?(Required)
Based on the information provided, we believe they will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA due to the subsequent marriage. To confirm call 800-827-1000 and speak to the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
Please continue, The VA still considers you the Surviving Spouse of a wartime Veteran.
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3C) Did the marriage to the Veteran end due to divorce?(Required)
Based on the information provided, we believe they will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA due to marriage requirements. The Surviving Spouse must have been married to the Veteran at the time of their death. The marriage must have lasted 365 days or had a child together. To confirm call 800-827-1000 and speak to the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
Please contact us at 800-676-7145 to further discuss the situation.
Based on the information provided, we believe they will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA due to marriage requirements. The Surviving Spouse must have been married to the Veteran at the time of their death. Also, the marriage must have lasted 365 days or resulted in a child together. To confirm call 800-827-1000 and speak to the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
4) Is the Surviving Spouse receiving any income from the VA? This does not include career military pension.(Required)
The Surviving Spouse appears to be receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). It is possible to increase the monthly income by $356 by adding the Aid and Attendance allowance. The 2 forms and instructions will be emailed at the end of this questionnaire at no cost. Continue to the next question.
Check the bank statement to confirm the payment amount. If it is not $1,437 or $1,742, contact the VA at 800-827-1000 and ask what benefit is being paid and if Aid and Attendance can be added. If it is $1,437 or $1,742 come back and complete the questionnaire.
The Surviving Spouse appears to be receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) with the Aid and Attendance allowance. Continuing with the questionnaire will not increase the monthly income. If you want to confirm this, contact the VA at 800-827-1000 and ask what benefit is being paid and if Aid and Attendance can be added.
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The next area the VA will examine is your health and living situation.

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Health And Medical

5) Does the Surviving Spouse require assistance with Activities of Daily Living or require a Protected Environment?(Required)
5A) Has the Surviving Spouse been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, legally blind OR do they require regular supervision due to physical or cognitive disabilities? If not now, might they in the near future?(Required)
Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit due to lack of medical or care needs. In order to be eligible for the benefit the applicant must require a protected environment, assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or have a physical/cognitive disability. If you believe the Surviving Spouse WILL NEED care in the near future change Question 5 to Yes. If not, they currently are too healthy to awarded the benefit. Should care needs increase in the future they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.
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What Care Are You Receiving

6) Which of the following best describes the Surviving Spouse’s current living situation?(Required)
6A) Does the independent living facility have healthcare professionals available 24 hours per day?(Required)
6B) Does the Surviving Spouse pay for home care from an agency, friend or family member?(Required)
Based on the information provided, we believe the Surviving Spouse may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit because the campus also has an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. To better meet the eligible criteria we recommend they hire a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member a few hours per week to care for Activities of Daily Living.
Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit due to lack of unreimbursed medical expenses. In order to be eligible they must be paying out of pocket for care expenses (assisted living, home care, independent living with home care, adult day or nursing home). To better meet the eligible criteria we recommend they hire a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member a few hours per week to care for Activities of Daily Living. If you believe the Surviving Spouse WILL pay for home care in the near future, change Question 6A to Yes. If not, they are currently paying too little for medical expenses to be awarded the benefit. Should their care expenses increase in the future they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.
6C) Does the Surviving Spouse pay for home care from an agency, friend or family member? If not now, will they in the near future?(Required)
Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit due to lack of unreimbursed medical expenses. In order to be eligible for the benefit they must be paying out of pocket for care expenses (assisted living, home care, independent living with home care, adult day or nursing home). To meet the eligibility criteria you can pay either a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member for assistance with Activities of Daily Living. If you believe the Surviving Spouse WILL pay for home care in the near future, change Question 6C to Yes. If not, their unreimbursed medical expenses are too low to be awarded the benefit. Should their care expenses increase in the future they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.

The VA will then review your monthly income and care expenses.

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Income and Expenses

8) Does the Surviving Spouse have Long Term Care Insurance?(Required)
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(7+8A)-9=
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7 - [(9 - 8A) - VA Number] = 0 or Less= full benefit amount
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1 or More=Full benefit amount - B B: 1 or More=Full benefit amount - B= X
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Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will only qualify for a partial Aid and Attendance benefit due to higher monthly income than monthly care expenses. In order to be eligible for the full benefit their monthly medical expense needs to exceed monthly income. Many Surviving Spouses are not paying for all the care they need or plan to increase care in the future. If you believe the Veteran/Spouse’s care costs WILL INCREASE in the near future change Question 7 to a greater amount. If not, they only receive a partial benefit. Should their medical expenses rise they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month.
Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit due to the monthly income versus care expense criteria. In order to be eligible for the benefit monthly medical expenses need to be higher. Many Spouses are not paying for the care they need or plan to increase care in the future. If you believe their care costs WILL increase in the near future change Question 7 to a greater amount. If not, they currently are not spending enough on care to be awarded the benefit. Should medical expenses rise they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.
Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit due to the monthly income versus care expense criteria. In order to be eligible for the benefit monthly medical expenses need to be higher. Many Spouses are not paying for the care they need or plan to increase care in the future. If you believe their care costs WILL increase in the near future change Question 7 to a greater amount. If not, they currently are not spending enough on care to be awarded the benefit. Should medical expenses rise they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.
Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.

Finally, the VA will consider your assets. Most families are eligible or can become eligible.

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Assets

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11) Did the Surviving Spouse gift or transfer any assets, other than the primary residence, to a family member, friend or irrevocable trust in the last 36 months?(Required)
12) Did the Surviving Spouse purchase a monthly income annuity/immediate annuity in the last 36 months?(Required)
13) Has the Surviving Spouse prepaid their funeral and burial expenses?(Required)
14) Does the Surviving Spouse own a home?(Required)
14B) Do they anticipate selling the property in the near future?(Required)
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Since liquid assets plus the value of home total more than $138,489 advice from a VA Accredited Attorney is recommended prior to submitting the application.
14D) Can the land beyond 2 acres be subdivided?(Required)
VA regulations consider any land over 2 acres as an asset unless local zoning prohibits subdivision of the property. If the additional acreage cannot be sold separately, documentation will need to be provided with the application.
15) Does the Surviving Spouse own any other real estate?(Required)
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Based on the information provided, it appears the Surviving Spouse will not qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit because their liquid assets are greater than $138,489. With proper estate planning that follows VA regulations, it is possible to lower assets to meet the eligibility criteria. After assets are correctly positioned they could be eligible for up to $1,318 a month. We suggest you continue with the remainder of the questionnaire to learn about planning for the future.
Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.
Aid  and Attendance

Results

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How would you like to proceed? (Check all that apply)
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Popup Submit True
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$0
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Which Of The Following Best Describes The Veterans/Spouse's Marital Status:(Required)
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When the following issue(s) is resolved, the Veteran/Spouse could receive up to per month through the VA’s Aid and Attendance pension benefit.
The Surviving Spouse has a lack of medical or care needs. In order to meet the eligibility requirements for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the applicant must require a protected environment because of a physical/cognitive disability or require assistance with multiple activities of daily living (ADLs). Should care needs increase in the future, they could be eligible.
The Surviving Spouse is unlikely to qualify for the benefit due to a lack of unreimbursed medical expenses. In order to better meet the eligibility requirements, they should pay out of pocket for care expenses (assisted living, home care, independent living with home care or a protected environment, adult day or nursing home). The Surviving Spouse could pay either a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member for assistance with multiple activities of daily living or a protected environment.
The Surviving Spouse is unlikely to qualify for the benefit due to a lack of unreimbursed medical expenses. In order to better meet the eligibility requirements, they should pay out of pocket for care expenses (assisted living, home care, independent living with home care or a protected environment, adult day or nursing home). The Surviving Spouse could pay either a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member for assistance with multiple activities of daily living or a protected environment.
The Surviving Spouse should meet the VA’s care level criteria if the independent facility will sign documentation stating they offer a protected environment and that the health campus has care providers staffed 24/7.
The Veteran/Spouse is unlikely to qualify for the benefit due to low monthly care expenses relative to monthly income. In order to better meet the eligibility requirements, monthly care expenses must increase. Many families are not paying for all the care they need. An option for these families is to pay a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member for assistance with activities of daily living or a protected environment. If they increase their monthly care expenses by they could qualify for the benefit of .
The Veteran/Spouse is unlikely to qualify for the benefit due to low unreimbursed medical expenses. If monthly care expenses are increased by they would better meet the eligibility requirements necessary to qualify for Aid and Attendance pension.
The liquid assets currently exceed the VA’s net worth limit of $138,489. With proper estate or legal planning that follows VA regulations, it is possible to lower assets to meet the eligibility criteria and become eligible for Aid and Attendance pension.
The liquid assets plus the value of the home total more than $138,489. Advice from a VA Accredited elder law attorney is recommended prior to submitting the application.
The Veteran/Spouse is unlikely to qualify for the benefit due to low monthly care expenses relative to monthly income. In order to better meet the eligibility requirements, monthly care expenses must increase. Many families are not paying for all the care they need. An option for these families is to pay a home care agency, friend, or non-spousal family member for assistance with activities of daily living or a protected environment. If they increase their monthly care expenses by they could qualify for the benefit of $1,318.
Based on the information provided, the Surviving Spouse is likely eligible for an additional $356/month in Aid and Attendance benefits.

Click submit to receive an email with the required forms and instructions.
Based on the information provided, the Surviving Spouse is likely eligible for an additional $356/month in Aid and Attendance benefits.

Click submit to receive an email with the required forms and instructions.
The answers provided to the medical questions do not indicate the need for Aid and Attendance. In order to meet the VA’s criteria, the spouse must require a protected environment because of a physical/cognitive disability or require assistance with multiple activities of daily living (ADLs).

When such care is needed, benefits will increase by $356/month. Submit your information below to receive an email with the required forms and instructions.
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The Veteran/Spouse should meet the VA’s care level criteria if the independent facility will sign documentation that states they offer a protected environment and that the health campus has care providers staffed 24/7.
The liquid assets plus the value of the home total more than $138,489. Advice from a VA Accredited Attorney is recommended prior to submitting the application.
Here is a summary of the information you provided and the impact on benefits eligibility.
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Suggested Resources

Resources
Based on the information you provided, here are some valuable resources that can help. You are under no obligation to utilize any of these services.
Here are some valuable resources that may help. You are under no obligation to utilize any of these services.
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According to the answers in the questionnaire, pre-planning would be a good tool to utilize to ensure care is paid for throughout the spouses life. This planning typically helps for Medicaid planning purposes. To learn more, speak with a financial services professional who specializes in planning for VA and Medicaid benefits.
Benefit Planning Strategies Regular
According to the answers in the questionnaire, pre-planning would be a good tool to utilize to ensure care is paid for throughout the spouses life. This planning typically helps for Medicaid planning purposes. To learn more, speak with a financial services professional who specializes in planning for VA and Medicaid benefits.
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384 Pre-Planning Strategies when 4A > 1750
The Surviving Spouse is already receiving a monetary benefit from the VA, we believe completing the Aid and Attendance form will raise their monthly payment by $336.
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386 Get the Aid and Attendance benefit increase
Based on the information you provided, the Surviving Spouse does not have enough liquid assets to pay for care over the next six months. We recommend speaking to an expert whose company has helped thousands of families in the same situation obtain the money necessary to help pay for care.
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Temporary Care Financing Regular
The Surviving Spouse has not prepaid their final expenses. In addition to funeral cost which range from $2,500 for a simple cremation to $20,000 or more (burial, flowers, a meal and other expenses), most people pass away owing thousands for final medical bills, assisted living costs, credit cards, cell phone and other outstanding bills. For this reason a final expense policy is invaluable, otherwise loved ones can be left to pay these bills. We recommend speaking with an expert in these policies.
Prepaid Burial Expenses Regular
The Surviving Spouse anticipates selling their property {input_191} in the next year. We have a network of over 1,000 real estate experts that specialize in working to sell senior’s home that they have typically lived in for decades. This often includes cleaning out, repairs, updates and staging.
Senior Real Estate Expert Regular
The Surviving Spouse anticipates selling their property {input_191} in the next year. We have a network of over 1,000 real estate experts that specialize in working to sell senior’s home that they have typically lived in for decades. This often includes cleaning out, repairs, updates and staging.
Home Proceeds Protection Regular
Current medical care expenses are not high enough to meet the VA’s eligibility criteria. That said, we recommend speaking to a financial services professional who specializes in pre-planning for VA and Medicaid benefits. This will help ensure that when care expenses increase, net worth does not prevent eligibility. Pre-planning is much easier than crisis planning.
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365 requirement pre-planning strategies from a financial services professional
Current medical care expenses are not high enough to meet the VA’s eligibility criteria. If care is needed, an option is to pay a home care agency, a non-spousal family member or friend to create eligibility. Given the current asset level, you would also benefit by working with a financial services professional who specializes in planning for VA and Medicaid benefits.
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367 more about care expense pre-planning strategies
Current medical care expenses are not yet high enough to meet the VA’s eligibility criteria. That said, we recommend speaking to a financial services professional who specializes in pre-planning for VA and Medicaid benefits. This will help ensure that when care expenses increase, net worth does not prevent eligibility. Pre-planning is much easier than at need crisis planning.
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369 care expense pre-planning strategies when 10 > 200000
Currently assets exceed the VA’s net worth limit. Fortunately, by taking certain steps most families can become eligible to apply either immediately or after a waiting period. This planning typically helps for Medicaid planning purposes as well. To learn more, speak with a financial services professional who specializes in planning for VA and Medicaid benefits.
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372 Benefit Planning Strategies
Based on the information you provided, the Surviving Spouse does not have enough liquid assets to pay for care over the next six months. We recommend speaking to an expert whose company has helped thousands of families in the same situation obtain the money necessary to help pay for care.
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374 Temporary Financing for Care Expenses
The Veteran/Spouse has not prepaid final expenses. In addition to the funeral cost, which can range from $2,500 to $20,000 (burial, flowers, a meal and other expenses), many people pass away owing thousands for final medical bills, assisted living costs, credit cards, cell phone and other outstanding bills. A final expense policy is invaluable so that loved ones aren’t left to pay these bills. We recommend speaking with an expert in these policies.
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376 Final Expense Policies
The Surviving Spouse anticipates selling their property {input_191} in the next year. We have a network of over 1,000 real estate experts that specialize in working to sell senior’s home that they have typically lived in for decades. This often includes cleaning out, repairs, updates and staging.
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378 Senior Real Estate Expert
Some families prefer to discuss their circumstances with an elder law attorney Accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. We can help you schedule a FREE consultation with an attorney. If you retain an attorney for any services, there are fees associated with his/her assistance. If you would like to be connected with a VA Accredited attorney click the box below.
VA Accredited Attorney Regular
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Long Term Care Insurance Expert Regular
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Pre-planning Strategies Regular
Prepaid Burial Expenses DIC
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Temporary Care Financing DIC
Home Proceeds Protection DIC
Senior Real Estate Expert DIC
VA Accredited Attorney DIC
Long Term Care Insurance Expert DIC
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Click submit for an email of your benefits eligibility report and to be connected with the resources you selected above.
Click submit to receive an email with your information and to be connected with the resources you selected above.
Submission Not Qualify
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If the following issues are resolved, they will likely meet the VA's eligibility requirements.

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Based on the information you provided, the Veteran/Spouse appears to meet the eligibility criteria established by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and should apply for $0 monthly from the VA.

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Military Service and Marriage

The Veteran meets the service requirements.

The surviving spouse is currently receiving {input_60} monthly from the VA. Please call 1-844-698-2311 (Department of Veterans Affairs) to confirm the type of benefit they are receiving. If it is the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit, inform them that you would like to increase your payment to include the Aid and Attendance benefit and they will send you appropriate paperwork. If it is not DIC, ask the VA representative if you are able to qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits along with the existing pension. If it is possible, they will send the forms or come back and use AidandAttendance.com to apply.

Health and Medical

The Veteran/Spouse meets the health/medical requirement.

The Veteran/Spouse requires assistance with activities of daily living or they require a protected environment with regular supervision due to physical or cognitive disorders now or in the near future.
There has been a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, or they are legally blind.

The Veteran/Spouse does not meets the health/medical requirement.

The Veteran/Spouse does not require assistance with two activities of daily living and they do not require a protected environment.
Currently the Veteran/Spouse healthcare needs do not appear to meet the VA’s criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit. If in the future their health care requirements change, come back and complete this questionnaire again. If you believe the medical conditions will qualify, you are welcome to apply for the benefit.

What Care Are They Receiving

The Veteran/Spouse's care/assistance will count as a medical expense.

The Veteran/Spouse's care/assistance will not count as a medical expense.

You reported that the Veteran/Spouse currently lives .
The Veteran/Spouse currently receives home care.
Current medical care expenses are not high enough to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit. If care expenses are low because needed care is being put off, we recommend arranging for paid care from a home care agency, non-spousal family member or friend. If in the future their care expenses increase, come back and complete the questionnaire again to assess potential benefits.
The independent living facility staffs a health care professionals 24 hours a day. The healthcare campus should meet the VA’s requirements. Even so, we strongly suggest that they pay for home care from either a home care agency, non-spousal family member or friend to better meet the VA’s eligibility criteria.
The Veteran/Spouse current medical expenses do not meet the VA’s criteria to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit at this time. An option they can pursue is to pay either a non-spousal family member, friend, or home care agency to meet the eligibility criteria. If in the future their care expenses change, come back and complete the questionnaire so they can check their eligibility status.

Income

The Veteran/Spouse meets the income requirement.

The Veteran/Spouse does not meets the income requirement.

You reported that the Veteran/Spouse current monthly gross income is {format_114}, and their monthly expenses are {format_178}.
Additionally, long term care insurance pays {format_119} a month.
Their monthly surplus is $0

Assets

The Veteran/Spouse meets the asset requirement.

The Veteran/Spouse does not meet the asset requirement.

You reported that the current total liquid assets are {format_181}.
The Veteran/Spouse gifted or transferred away {format_246}.
The remaining annuity value is {format_255}.
The Veteran/Spouse has already prepaid their funeral.
The Veteran/Spouse owns their primary residence and it sits on {input_188} acres of land.
The Veteran/Spouse anticipates selling the property in the near future. The home is worth {format_191}.
Since the land is over 2 acres and can not be subdivided, the VA will not consider it an asset. Additional documentation will need to be provided with the application to prove this.
The value of the property exceeding 2 acres is worth {format_422}.
The Veteran/Spouse owns other real estate and it is worth {format_261}.
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Only the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility and benefit amounts. This website is ​NOT​ a​ part of the VA, a service organization or any government agency.
Thank you for completing our comprehensive questionnaire. If you enter the information above and click submit below you will receive an email with your report along with steps on how to move forward.
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