Many veterans in South Carolina are eligible for benefits they have not claimed, often because they are unaware of what is available.
South Carolina is home to one of the nation’s largest veteran populations. Many of these veterans are now facing the challenges of aging without receiving the benefits they have earned.
Several factors contribute to this issue. Some veterans are unaware of available benefits, while others mistakenly believe they do not qualify due to not serving in combat, lacking a service-connected disability, having too many assets, or being discouraged by a complex application process. In some cases, misinformation from friends or family leads them to assume they are ineligible.
Much of this information is inaccurate. For seniors and their families, understanding available benefits can significantly reduce the financial burden of home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses.
This guide provides a practical overview of the most relevant benefits for aging veterans and their families in South Carolina, along with key planning tips. It does not cover every benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Pension: The Benefit Most Aging Veterans Do Not Know About
Most people associate VA benefits with disability compensation, a monthly payment for service-related injuries or conditions. While important, it is not the only financial assistance available, and for many older veterans, it may not be the most relevant.
VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans who meet age or disability requirements and have income and assets below set limits. It is not linked to service-related injuries. Veterans do not need to have been wounded, served in combat, or have a service-related condition. They must have served during a qualifying war period, received a discharge other than dishonorable, and meet financial criteria.
Many older veterans, particularly those from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, are eligible for VA Pension but have never applied.
The basic pension provides a monthly payment that raises a veteran's income to a level set annually by Congress. For those with limited income and modest assets, this serves as a valuable supplement.
An additional benefit is available to older veterans that supplements the basic pension.
Aid and Attendance: The Benefit That Can Pay for Care
Aid and Attendance is an enhanced pension benefit for veterans and, in some cases, their surviving spouses who require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, managing medications, and mobility. It helps cover services provided by home care aides, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
A veteran who qualifies for VA Pension and requires this level of assistance may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance, which can substantially increase the monthly benefit. While amounts vary, this benefit can add hundreds of dollars each month, directly supporting care expenses.
A surviving spouse may also qualify for a reduced Aid and Attendance benefit, even after the veteran's passing. This benefit is often overlooked, so it is important to check eligibility if a widow or widower is struggling with care costs.
These benefits can have a significant impact. Veterans in assisted living and surviving spouses needing care may miss out on substantial monthly support simply because they were not informed about applying.
Who Qualifies: The Basic Requirements
For VA Pension and Aid and Attendance eligibility, a veteran generally needs to meet the following criteria.
Service requirements: The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, including at least one day during a qualifying wartime period. For most older veterans in South Carolina, these periods include World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Service in a combat zone is not required, only service during the wartime period. Discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable.
Age or disability: Veterans aged 65 or older are automatically considered permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes, regardless of health status. Younger veterans may qualify if they have a VA disability rating.
Income: VA Pension is needs-based, but the income calculation is often more favorable than expected. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including assisted living, nursing home care, and home health aides, can be deducted. Veterans whose gross income appears too high may still qualify after accounting for care costs.
Assets: VA Pension eligibility includes a net worth limit, which the VA adjusts annually. Exceeding this limit can disqualify applicants, making careful planning essential, especially when coordinating with Medicaid planning.
The Interaction Between VA Benefits and Medicaid
At this stage, planning becomes complex, making it especially important to consult an experienced elder law attorney.
Both VA benefits and Medicaid are available to eligible veterans, but their rules differ and may conflict if not coordinated. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period and penalizes asset transfers, while VA Pension has a net worth limit but no similar look-back period.
Transferring assets to qualify for VA benefits can unintentionally trigger a Medicaid penalty period if nursing home care is needed later. Conversely, Medicaid planning strategies may not align with VA eligibility rules and could affect a veteran's access to benefits.
These programs should be planned together. Focusing on one without considering the other can create costly problems. If working with a financial planner or attorney on Medicaid planning, ensure they also understand VA benefits, or seek someone who does.
VA Health Care: A Separate and Often Underused Benefit
VA health care is a separate benefit from VA Pension and is not needs-based in the same way. Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for VA health care, which provides access to VA medical centers and outpatient clinics across the country.
In South Carolina, VA health care facilities are located in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, with community-based outpatient clinics in additional locations across the state. For veterans who have not enrolled, enrollment is generally open to most veterans who served on active duty.
VA health care includes primary care, specialty care, mental health services, prescription medications, and more. For older veterans with chronic conditions, the cost savings compared to private insurance can be substantial.
Many veterans are unaware they can use both VA health care and Medicare. These programs work together, allowing veterans to receive VA care for some services and use Medicare providers for others.
South Carolina-Specific Benefits for Veterans
In addition to federal VA benefits, South Carolina provides several valuable state-level benefits for veterans.
Property tax exemptions: South Carolina exempts property taxes on the primary home for veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating. This exemption provides significant financial relief for those on fixed incomes.
Income tax exemption: South Carolina does not tax military retirement pay, so veterans receiving retirement income from military service are exempt from state income tax on those payments.
The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs: The state maintains a network of Veterans Service Officers who assist veterans and their families with benefit claims, appeals, and navigating the VA system at no cost. County Veterans Affairs offices throughout the state are a good starting point for those unsure where to begin.
State veterans nursing homes: South Carolina operates veterans nursing homes that provide long-term care for eligible veterans, often at lower costs than private facilities. Eligibility and availability vary, and these homes are separate from the VA medical system. They are a valuable option for families considering long-term care.
The Application Process and Why It Helps to Have Guidance
Applying for VA benefits, especially Aid and Attendance, can be complex. The paperwork and documentation requirements are specific, and incomplete or incorrect applications may result in delays, denials, or reduced benefits.
A Veterans Service Officer can assist with the application process at no cost. Accredited VA attorneys or claims agents can help with complex cases or appeals. Families should be cautious with financial advisors who use VA benefit planning to sell financial products, especially annuities, as these may not always serve the veteran's best interests and could cause future issues.
If someone recommends financial products as part of VA benefit planning, ensure you understand their compensation and confirm the products are in your family's best interest, regardless of VA benefits.
Starting the Conversation
For veterans and their families in South Carolina, the first step is to determine what benefits may be available. Many families mistakenly assume no benefits exist.
A veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period, is 65 or older, has limited income after care costs, and needs help with daily activities may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to offset care expenses. A surviving spouse in similar circumstances may also be eligible.
The only way to know is to check. Leaving benefits unclaimed while paying out of pocket for care can result in significant financial loss.
If you have a family member who served and is now facing the costs of aging, start this conversation as soon as possible. Do not wait; take action now.
If you are in need of assistance, the attorneys at Collins Family & Elder Law Group can help.
