House OKs bill for disabled veterans

WASHINGTON – The House on Monday approved a bill that would make it easier for low-income disabled veterans to qualify for government housing assistance.

The bill that passed by voice vote would exclude a special “aid and attendance” pension from being counted as income when veterans apply for housing subsidies.

Low-income veterans who require assisted-living care can collect up to $8,600 annually from the pension. But that funding also moves them into higher income brackets that reduce their eligibility for federal assistance such as Section 8 rental housing.

Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., the bill sponsor, said the pension is intended specifically to help disabled veterans defray the cost of hiring a home aide for medical care, and shouldn’t be counted against their need for shelter.

“It’s not discretionary income. It’s not for groceries, transportation, utilities or anything else,” Heck said. “These low-income veterans struggle daily to keep the lights on, put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.”

The formula change would help about 2,000 veterans, according to Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo.

The House has passed the bill twice before but it has not been taken up by the Senate.