Income, for Veterans Administration purposes, is Social Security (SSI and SSD) and retirement pension. (Note: IRAs and investments, including checking and savings, are considered assets for calculation purposes and do not need to be counted here)

In order to receive the entire pension award, the applicant must be spending their income on unreimbursed medical expenses. (On the initial application this does not include co-pays or prescriptions)

The rent in assisted living or independent living with on-site caregivers qualifies to reduce the income to zero.

Please note that when a client still resides at home, their entire income may only go toward unreimbursed medical expenses (this does not include rent or mortgage, utilities, or food) to receive the entire pension. It is possible to receive a portion of the pension and, as care increases, request the pension award be increased as well.