Counted as unearned income.

NOTE          Compensation payments made to a veteran, or the veteran’s spouse or child are not based on need.  Compensation payments made to the parents of a veteran based on a service-connected death are based on need.

Excluded as income to the veteran.

Excluded as income to the veteran and the dependent when paid directly to the veteran who is NOT living with the dependent.

Counted as unearned income to the dependent when paid:

·         Directly to the veteran for a dependent who resides in the home with the veteran; or

·         By a separate check to the dependent (an apportionment)

NOTE          When the customer is the dependent, the customer must ask that the VA pay the benefit directly to him or her. 

Excluded.

Counted as unearned income. 

NOTE          Most VA pension payments are based on need, except for VA pension payments due to a Medal of Honor or a special act of Congress.

Excluded.

Excluded.

Excluded.

Excluded as income to the veteran.

Counted as unearned income to the caregiver.

An allowance paid to veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses who are in regular need of the aid and attendance of another person or who are housebound.  Increases in VA benefits for aid and attendance or housebound allowances are included in the pension or compensation payment.

Payments made on the basis of a combination of service and an age of 65 or over, a non service-connected disability or death.

The VA may reduce the VA benefit to a maximum of $90.00 per month for veterans or surviving spouses of veterans who meet all three of the following criteria:

·         Resides in a certified nursing facility other than the Arizona State Veteran Home;

·         Is receiving ALTCS; and

·         Has no spouse or dependents.

A lump sum allowance is paid in August of each year to a veteran with a service-connected disability who uses a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, including a wheelchair.  The clothing allowance is intended to help pay the increased cost of clothing due to the wear and tear caused by the appliances.

A VA payment to a veteran or a veteran’s surviving spouse that is increased because of a dependent.  Pensions, compensation, and educational benefits can all be increased for dependents.

·         An augmented benefit, which includes a portion for the dependent, is issued as part of the veteran’s or surviving spouse’s payment.

·         Payment of the dependent’s portion by a separate check directly to the dependent is an apportionment.

The VA considers unusual medical expenses when determining some needs-based pension and compensation payments.  

Unusual medical expenses may result in a lump sum payment, an increase in the ongoing VA pension or compensation payment, or both.

Payments made to a  family member for providing caregiver services to a veteran who has:

·         Been medically discharged from service;

·         A serious injury that was aggravated in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001;

·         Need of personal care because of the inability to perform one or more activities of daily living; and

·         Been Enrolled in VA Health Services

42 USC 1382a(2)(B)

20 CFR 416.1103(b)(1)

20 CFR 416.1121(a)

42 CFR 435.603

42 CFR 457.10, 300, 301 and 315