Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living: A Lifeline for Aging Heroes

As America’s veteran population ages, many face increasing challenges related to mobility, chronic illness, and cognitive decline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 50% of all U.S. veterans are age 65 or older, and many of them eventually require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications.

However, assisted living services can be expensive averaging over $4,500 per month—creating a barrier for many veterans and their families. Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several benefits that can ease this financial burden. While basic pensions are widely known, lesser-known programs like Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits can significantly contribute toward the cost of care.

Let’s explore how these VA benefits work, who qualifies, and how veterans can access the support they’ve rightfully earned.

1. Can VA Pensions Help Pay for Assisted Living?

Yes! A VA basic pension provides monthly financial support to wartime veterans who meet specific income, service, and disability requirements. While the pension alone may not cover all assisted living costs, it creates a critical financial base that can be expanded with supplemental benefits.

To be eligible for the VA basic pension, a veteran must:

• Have served at least 90 days of active duty, including at least one day during a wartime period (or 24 months if service began after Sept. 7, 1980)
• Be 65 or older, or permanently disabled
• Have limited income and net worth under $150,538 (as of 2023)
• Have been honorably discharged

Veterans can apply:

• Online through VA.gov
• By mail to a Pension Management Center
• In-person at a local VA regional office

2. What Is the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit?

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is an add-on to the basic pension, designed for veterans who require help with daily living tasks or live in care settings like assisted living or nursing homes.

Veterans (or their surviving spouses) must already receive a VA pension and meet one or more of the following:

• Need assistance with ADLs (e.g., dressing, bathing)
• Be bedridden or housebound
• Reside in a care facility due to physical or cognitive impairment
• Have severe visual impairment

For 2023, a veteran with no dependents could receive up to $2,229/month in combined pension and Aid & Attendance benefits, while a veteran with a spouse could receive up to $2,642/month.

• Complete VA Form 21-2680
• Provide a physician’s report verifying care needs
• If in a care facility, also submit VA Form 21-0779

Be prepared: processing may take up to 9 months. Veterans in crisis or facing terminal illness may request expedited processing.

3. What Are Housebound Benefits?

Housebound Benefits are another pension supplement for veterans who are substantially confined to their residence due to a disability. While Aid and Attendance and Housebound cannot be claimed simultaneously, veterans should apply for whichever benefit better matches their situation.

• Must provide medical evidence of housebound status
• Must not be receiving Aid and Attendance
• Must meet the same financial criteria as for A&A
• Must receive a VA pension

4. What Is Covered and What’s Not?

• Assistance with ADLs
• Medical and non-medical personal care
• Supportive equipment and supplies
• Help with medication management

• Basic rent or utilities
• Meals not tied to medical necessity
• Non-health-related transportation

The VA provides cash payments recipients can then apply these funds toward assisted living or in-home care expenses as needed.

5. Veterans Benefits Planners: Your Personal Guide

With multiple options, forms, and eligibility layers, applying for VA benefits can be overwhelming. That’s where Veterans Benefits Planners come in.

What They Do:

• Evaluate eligibility and help choose the best benefit
• Assist with applications, ensuring accuracy
• Help gather medical and military records
• Appeal denied claims, if necessary

These services are free of charge when offered through accredited VA planners. However, elder law attorneys may charge fees for legal representation in appeals.

Honoring Veterans Through Quality Care

Navigating care options as a veteran shouldn't be complicated or discouraging. Thanks to robust programs like the VA Pension, Aid and Attendance, and Housebound Benefits, veterans have a pathway to quality, affordable assisted living support.

Need Help Navigating Senior Care for a Veteran? We’re Here for You!

At Placement Helpers, we honor those who have served by offering expert assistance in finding the right assisted living, memory care, or board and care solution tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re a veteran or a loving family member looking for guidance, we’ll help you make sense of your benefits, connect you with trusted communities, and ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve.

Contact us today!

Let’s turn honor into action because our heroes deserve the best!

Placement Helpers: Compassion. Care. Commitment.

We’re with you every step of the way!

Your partner in elder care solutions.

Willhem Meyenberg

Senior Care Advisor | Placement Helpers

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