In general, you can use a variety of methods to have assets under an acceptable level for VA qualification. Use of a trust is just one method commonly used. For VA qualification you have to look at two things: 1) Income-your income must be under what they call the Maximum Annual Pension Rate. So if your husband is in need of “Regular Aid and Attendance,” then you are potentially entitled to the Maximum Annual Pension Rate of $1,842 per month. But in order to qualify, your income must be less than $1,842 per month. However, it’s important to remember that the VA allows you to subtract all Unreimbursed Medical Expenses from your gross income. Typically, a family facing Alzheimer’s has very high expenses and can easily qualify on the income side once they subtract Unreimbursed Medical Expenses. 2) Assets-Assets for a married couple must be about $80,000 or less not including a home. That’s where planning and use of trusts and other documents can come into play.

It’s very important to note that while the VA does not have strict rules about how, where or to whom you transfer income or assets to qualify for VA, Medicaid has very strict rules. Many people facing Alzheimer’s will go on to need Medicaid paid nursing home care. The main message is: if you are going to try and qualify for a VA Pension, you must do so in a way that does not prevent you from receiving Medicaid down the line.