For many veterans with disabilities, being homebound dramatically impacts their quality of life. The VA Housebound Allowance provides financial assistance to veterans confined to their homes due to a disability. Ahead, we explore allowance details, including eligibility criteria and the VA housebound benefits amount.
The VA Housebound Allowance is an additional benefit given to veterans or surviving spouses who qualify for Veterans Pension and are substantially homebound because of a permanent disability. This allowance is part of the Special Monthly Pension (SMP) program and is meant to help disabled veterans or survivors who are unable to leave their homes except for medical appointments or other essential activities.
The Housebound Allowance differs from the Aid and Attendance benefit. While both provide additional monthly payments, A&A is for disabled veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, or eating.
The Housebound Allowance, on the other hand, is specifically for housebound veterans who are substantially confined to their homes or a care facility. This subsidy provides additional benefits for veterans who cannot leave their homes quickly.
Benefits can cover costs associated with doctor appointments and other medical necessities. Disabled veterans who qualify are sometimes eligible for additional benefits.
The Housebound Allowance can impact other VA benefits. For example, if your loved one's disability rating changes, it could affect the amount of the Housebound Allowance received.
Those eligible for both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits must choose one or the other.
To be eligible for the Housebound Allowance, veterans must already be receiving a Veterans Pension and meet specific disability criteria. For example, they must have a single permanent disability rated 100% disabling and be substantially confined to their home, or have a 100% disability rating along with another disability rated at 60% or more.
To qualify for the VA Housebound Allowance, your loved one must meet the following measures:
Monthly compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities are decided based on their medical ratings, also known as disability rating, which reflects the severity of their condition. The VA uses a percentage-based scale (0% to 100%) to determine how much a veteran is compensated, with higher percentages corresponding to greater disability and higher payments.
Some veterans may receive special monthly compensation for particularly severe disabilities (such as loss of a limb or blindness), even if their disability rating is less than 100%.
Veterans with multiple disabilities receive a combined rating rather than simply adding up each rating. The VA uses a formula to combine them, accounting for how each disability affects the overall health and capacity of the veteran.
For example, if a veteran has a 50% rating for one condition and a 30% rating for another, their combined rating would not simply be 80%, but slightly less due to how the VA calculates the combined rating.
The amount of the Housebound Allowance depends on service-related disabilities and the number of dependents housebound veterans have. Generally, the benefit amount is less than the Aid and Attendance benefit.
To determine the exact amount of the Housebound Allowance, the VA looks at the following factors:
Those with complicated medical circumstances and larger families typically receive higher benefits. If your family member needs assistance with feeding, dressing, or bathing, they may be eligible for more benefits.
Here are three specific examples to illustrate how these factors can influence monetary allowances:
An aging man with a single 100% disabling service-connected disability and no dependent child might receive a base benefit. This level of payment, though modest, is a fair recognition of the challenges faced by those with more extensive physical disabilities or an additional child, and it appreciates your efforts as a caregiver.
A recently discharged lieutenant with multiple 100% disabling service-connected conditions and one dependent would likely receive a higher Housebound Allowance. The additional disability ratings and the presence of a child under age increase the overall benefit for veterans.
A care recipient with a single 100% disabling service-connected disability and three dependents would receive an even higher Housebound Allowance. The presence of multiple dependents significantly increases the benefit amount, as the VA recognizes the additional financial burden of supporting a larger family.
These are just examples; the extra income depends on individual circumstances. Caregivers should contact the VA to determine specific eligibility and the amount of the Housebound Allowance they may receive.
Family caregivers can apply for their care recipients to improve their quality of life and ease monetary burdens. Collect medical records, annual income paperwork, and other necessary papers to complete the claim. Follow these four steps for quicker results:
Contact your local VA regional office or a veteran's service organization to start the application process. They can help guide you and provide support as you apply for the assistance you need. Carefully complete the application to increase the chances of receiving support.
If you or your care recipient meets the eligibility standards for the VA Housebound Allowance, take action and apply for this valuable benefit.
