Key Benefits Available for North Carolina Seniors

As elder law attorneys, one of the most important things we do is help seniors understand and access the benefits available to them. If you’re a senior in North Carolina, there are a few key programs that could provide meaningful financial relief and support – but only if you know they exist and how to qualify. Let’s break down three of the biggest benefits you should know about: the Homestead Exemption, V.A. Benefits, and Long-Term Care Medicaid. 

If you’re a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for Veterans Administration (V.A.) benefits – even if the veteran did not serve in a combat zone. 

To qualify, the veteran must have:

• Served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period. 
• Been honorably discharged. 

If those criteria are met and the individual’s medical expenses exceed their income, they may be eligible for monthly financial assistance – sometimes up to $3,500 per month – to help pay for care, including in-home assistance or facility-based care. 

Surviving spouses may be available for a similar benefit, typically around half the amount a veteran would receive. However, the veteran must have qualified for the benefit while living. 

Additionally, if the veteran had a service-related disability, even more support may be available. 

Many people mistakenly believe they’ll never qualify for Medicaid because they have “too much” income or too many assets. But Long-Term Care Medicaid – which covers skilled nursing care – operates under different rules than the standard Medicaid programs. 

Skilled nursing care can easily cost $10,000 t0 $15,000 per month, which can quickly deplete savings. The good news? With the right planning, even middle- and upper-middle-class individuals can often qualify for this benefit. 

There are legal strategies that allow individuals to protect their assets while still becoming eligible for Long-Term Care Medicaid. This can be a game-changer for families trying to navigate the high costs of long-term care without losing everything they’ve worked for.