Social Security Benefits Count as Income for VA Aid Attendance, but Deductions Can Alter Eligibility
Social Security benefits are generally considered income when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates eligibility for VA Pension with Aid & Attendance. However, receiving Social Security does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The VA's calculation for pension purposes is more nuanced than simply totaling deposits. It involves subtracting qualifying unreimbursed medical and care expenses from a household's annual income. These expenses can include costs for home care, assisted living, memory care, health insurance premiums, and prescriptions. The VA compares this adjusted income with the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), which varies based on individual circumstances such as marital status, dependents, and medical qualifications. Applicants should provide comprehensive documentation, including Social Security benefit verification letters, pension statements, and detailed records of medical and care expenses, rather than relying solely on bank statements, as Medicare premiums and other de...
