Key Takeaways:
- Many Tennessee veterans and their spouses are missing out on state and federal benefits to which they’re eligible.
- Available programs include VA healthcare, Aid & Attendance, and burial benefits.
- Surviving spouses may also be eligible for monthly income assistance and long-term care support.
- Understanding eligibility rules can be tricky; professional guidance makes a difference.
- Planning can help protect your home, assets, and future care options.
You Served, Now Make Sure You’re Covered
Roughly 400,000 U.S. military veterans representing about 7% of the state’s population live in Tennessee. Many of them miss out on the numerous service-related benefits available to them due to a lack of awareness or confusion about their eligibility. For example, some veterans don’t realize that they may be eligible for disability compensation because they believe combat experience is required. Or consider that many elderly Tennessee veterans may not be aware that they may qualify for financial support to help cover the costs of assisted living, home care, or nursing home care.
The bottom line is that, based on their service to the country, veterans and their families may qualify for numerous potential benefits, yet don’t always take advantage of them. To ensure they don’t miss out on Tennessee veterans’ benefits, those who have served in the military should seek guidance from professionals who specialize in helping them discover and claim benefits. Elder Law of Nashville includes such guidance as part of its Life Care Planning services. Read on to learn more about Tennessee veterans’ benefits, eligibility requirements, and how Elder Law of Nashville can help you secure the benefits that you’ve earned through your dedicated service.
The Benefits Many Veterans Miss in Tennessee
With so many different Tennessee veterans’ benefits and varied eligibility requirements, it’s little wonder that some get lost in the shuffle. This holds especially true for elderly veterans who may not have had any need to pursue any benefit options until recently. It also applies to surviving spouses of veterans, who may be unaware that they qualify. Here are three Tennessee veterans’ benefits that many older veterans and their spouses miss:
- VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension—provides eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily living activities with financial support to help cover assisted living, home care, or nursing home costs.
- Burial Benefits—provides dignified burial services for any veteran and eligible family members in one of the state’s five veterans’ cemeteries.
- Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes—six facilities in the state provide long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation to honorably discharged veterans and, in some cases, their spouses and surviving spouses.
Who Qualifies? It’s Not Always Clear
As with many governmental programs, eligibility requirements are not always clear-cut, as different departments manage the numerous Tennessee veterans programs. Most programs require an honorable discharge, and eligibility may be contingent upon wartime service, varying degrees of service-related disability, or meeting need-based financial requirements. Spousal and surviving spouse eligibility also varies widely among the programs.
VA Aid & Attendance—A Lifeline for Long-Term Care
VA Aid & Attendance is one of the most valuable benefits an elderly veteran should consider, and one in which Elder Law of Nashville specializes. The benefit is a supplement paid to those already receiving a Veterans Administration pension to help them and their spouses cover the costs of at-home, assisted living, or nursing home care. In some cases, Elder Law of Nashville determined that an elderly client was eligible for the pension and A&A supplement, yet had never applied for them. The basic pension requirements require at least 90 days of consecutive active duty service, including at least one full day during a time of war, though service in a war zone is not required. If this requirement is met, the veteran must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 65 or older with no or limited income.
- Have a permanent and total disability.
- Receive supplemental security income.
- Receive Social Security disability insurance.
- Reside in a nursing home.
To receive the A&A supplemental benefit, eligible veterans and surviving spouses must meet at least one of the following clinical requirements:
- Be bedridden, except for necessary medical treatments.
- Have a severe visual impairment.
- Reside in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity.
- Requires help with some daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom.
Financial requirements for A&A eligibility limit an applicant’s net worth to $123,600, excluding their residence, automobile, and personal possessions. The VA also has an upper limit on monthly countable income, minus expenses, which can limit how much of the A&A supplement a veteran may be eligible for.
How Legal Planning Can Unlock More Support
Elder Law of Nashville has helped numerous elderly veterans and their families access the support they are entitled to for their military service. Older veterans who plan to seek Tennessee veterans benefits should coordinate their efforts as part of their broader life care planning. With proper life care planning, senior veterans and their spouses can maximize support from veterans’ programs, Medicaid, and other government benefits, while also coordinating these benefits with estate planning. By working with Elder Law of Nashville before health care and other elderly care needs become urgent, our firm can help senior veterans:
- Structure assets to maximize government benefits.
- Avoid disqualification from Medicaid or other support.
- Determine eligibility and complete necessary applications.
- Ensure spousal and/or surviving spouse support.
- Help coordinate care in the home, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes.
Don’t Leave Benefits on the Table—Turn To Elder Law of Nashville
At Elder Law of Nashville, we’re proud to help veterans and their families across Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee access the benefits they’ve earned. To learn how we can help you secure Tennessee veterans’ benefits and incorporate them into your life care planning, schedule a consultation with us today.
FAQ: Tennessee Veterans Benefits
What veterans’ benefits are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee veterans may be eligible for VA Aid & Attendance, healthcare, property tax relief, burial benefits, and other benefits, depending on their service history and financial need.
Who is eligible for Aid & Attendance in Tennessee?
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify if they require help with daily tasks and meet income and asset requirements.
Can I get both VA benefits and Medicaid?
Yes, but it requires careful planning to avoid eligibility issues. An elder law attorney can help coordinate these programs.
How do I apply for veterans’ benefits in the state of Tennessee?
You can apply through the VA or work with a qualified elder law attorney who understands how to structure your application and avoid delays.
What if I’ve already been denied benefits?
Don’t give up. Many denials are due to paperwork issues or misunderstandings. An attorney can help appeal or restructure your plan to reapply successfully.