Veteran FAQ

As of October 18, 2018, the answer is “no” unless the Applicant’s resources were below the resource limit of $163,699 as of January 1, 2026. Transfers made prior to three years before application are not penalized. Since the home (if less than 2 acres) is generally not a countable resource, the transfer of a home is not penalized. If the applicant (called the claimant) sells their home, eligibility could be lost so often certain trusts are established to prevent loss of eligibility. Transfers within three years of the application are penalized unless the claimant was below the resource limit when the transfer was made. The 3-year look-back period (i.e., to trusts or just making a gift) became effective on October 18, 2018. Tax issues, changes in the VA rules and potential need in the future for Medicaid (since often more is saved for long-term care through the use of Medicaid especially if the applicant is likely to be in a nursing home within 5 years) should also be considered.

Yes, assuming the surviving spouse was not divorced from the Veteran (who served during wartime) at the time of the Veteran’s death and did not remarry.

Single Veteran – $2,424.42 (as of January 1, 2026); married Veteran with one dependent – $2,874.00 (as of January 1, 2026); surviving spouse of Veteran – $1,558.08 (as of January 1, 2026); VA Pension that is Aid & Attendance – $971.00 (as of January 1, 2026) and VA Pension that is Aid & Attendance for surviving spouse – $583.17 (as of January 1, 2026).