Would Mom be eligible for the housebound pension?

You might also check with the Agency on Aging in your area and see if she qualifies for any assistance. Some agencies have a Caregiver Program so be sure to ask about that.

Housebound means she does not go out to social events, lunch dates or even go to church. It means she does not drive, does not go for groceries or to pick up prescriptions. She depends on others for any kind of transport, including MD visits or treatments.

Yes she would be housebound and what is that if I may ask.

And...if you are the caregiver, with a caregiver contract, you can sign the form. My CNA's never had to sign a form though.

The other thing is that her assets can be put in a certain type of trust and they will not be counted against her net worth. I'm not sure about the trust, but a friend set one up for her father with the help of someone who does that kind of thing for veterans. The VA referred him to her. You may get help filling out the paper work too.

And, they don't count the home as an asset! If your mom can't drive and needs help in getting groceries, preparing her food & her regular hygiene, the she should qualify. We filled out the paper work and we needed to have a caregiver sign a form that the caregiver was working for her so that she could get it. You may have to hire someone before you can actually get the benefit. Our caregiver cost is more than the VA maximum payment, so all Mother gets is what the VA allows, but that's $1100 + per month which really helps out when paying someone to come in.

The only way to find out, is to actually apply. Generally the veteran has to have been active duty, honorable d/c, and assets under 80k. Application process start to finish took over a year in our family, but they did award some retroactive benefit.

Your mother may be eligible for VA Aid & Attendance if her resources are limited and the MD certifies that she needs in home care. Go up to the Money and Legal tab and click on Veterans Assistance for information.