VA Pension Eligibility Rules Changing on Oct. 18

Under current law, the benefit of Veterans’ pension is available to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans whether they have made gifts of their assets or not (if they meet other eligibility criteria).  This will change on Oct. 18.  Beginning on October 18, gifts made within the last three years will affect a veteran’s ability to be immediately eligible for the VA pension benefit.  This means that any gifts made by a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran before October 18 will not be subject to the new asset transfer (or gifting) rules.  If you know of a veteran who is need of long-term care, now is the time to investigate his or her ability to qualify for the VA pension benefit before the new rules go into effect.  The attorneys at Shepherd Elder Law Group are accredited attorneys with the Veterans Administration and are very knowledgeable and experienced in the area of veterans’ benefits.  Please let us know if we can help.