In the light of the large number of elderly low-income persons who are affected by the hurricanes and at the urging of the federal House Committee on Veteran's Affairs, we are posting this information about the VA's pension program, which operates something like a Medicaid spend-down, butwith an $80,000 asset limit. All money is counted unless excluded. Exclusions include, public and private welfare (including SSI and TANF) and casualty assistance. Deductions from income include out of pocket medical expenses above an annual amount. There is not disability requirement for persons over age 65 unless they are seeking additional benefits due to housebound, blindness or the need for aid and attendance.