Many individuals aged 65 and older are either wartime veterans or married to one, which means they may qualify for benefits that can help offset the cost of senior care. According to A Place For Mom, more than one-third of this demographic falls into this category. Unfortunately, less than 10% of those who qualify have applied for Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. This program can assist with expenses related to in-home care, assisted living communities, board and care, and skilled nursing facilities.

VA benefits for assisted living: 5 things to know

1. What is Aid & Attendance?

According to the Veterans Administration, VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days, including at least one full day during a time of war, and you now need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, you may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of the requirements listed below**.

• You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing.
• You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness.
• You are a patient in a nursing home or senior living community due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
• Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).
• Housebound benefits eligibility**: You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away). However, you can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.

**Requirements are subject to change. Check with your local/county VA Administration Office. In addition to the local VA Administration Office, senior living communities may offer additional resources that understand and can assist with the application process.

2. Are spouses of Veterans eligible for VA benefits for assisted living?

Yes. Surviving spouses must have been married to a Veteran for at least one year. You must have been married to a Veteran at time of death. You must present your Veteran spouse's death certificate.

3. Is assisted living included under Aid & Attendance?

Yes. The VA does not differentiate between a nursing home and assisted living community in their definition of “nursing home” meaning that VA benefits for assisted living are included in Aid & Attendance.

4. What are the 2024 monthly benefits?

According to American Veterans Aid, as a U.S. wartime Veteran or spouse, you can earn up to $3,649 per month tax-free to help you pay for assisted living. Every month, thousands of U.S. wartime heroes (and widows) collect millions of dollars paying for their senior living expenses.

5. How do I apply?

The application and approval process for Aid & Attendance can be frustratingly slow and require a great deal of paperwork. However, a complete and accurate application can be processed much more quickly. Applicants who are age 90 or older may request an expedited review in a cover letter with their application. Because of the lengthy approval process, the first benefit payment includes a lump sum to cover the months that the application was pending.

While we do not assist directly with the process of securing VA benefits for assisted living, we are committed to creating an environment where aging adults thrive. We recommend reaching out to your local VA office for any questions or additional assistance regarding benefits eligibility. Clearwater Living fosters a supportive atmosphere filled with opportunities for growth and engagement. To learn more, contact the community nearest you today!