Every day, we're reminded of the sacrifices veterans and their surviving spouses have made for our country. As veterans grow older, many find themselves facing new questions about care and support, including whether assisted living might be the right next step. If you're in this stage of life, you may be wondering how your VA benefits fit into that picture.
Here's something many families don't realize until they're already deep in conversations about cost: VA benefits can help offset the expense of assisted living. The earlier you start exploring what you qualify for, the more options you'll have, even if you're not ready to make a move just yet.
This article will walk you through available VA benefits, who qualifies for them, and the simple steps you can take to access the resources you've earned. If you're still weighing whether assisted living is the right fit, explore additional guides and resources to help you feel confident in your decision.
In this guide, we'll discuss:
- What Are Veteran Benefits for Assisted Living?
- Who Qualifies for VA Benefits for Assisted Living?
- Where Should I Get Started?
What Are Veteran Benefits for Assisted Living?
Two VA programs most commonly help cover the cost of care: Aid & Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance. It's important to know that veterans can only receive one of these benefits, not both. If you qualify for more than one, the VA will provide whichever amount is higher.
Because monthly rates vary based on income and marital status, visit the VA's official Aid & Attendance and Housebound page for the most accurate, up-to-date figures for your situation.
Aid & Attendance Benefit
Aid & Attendance is extra monthly money added on top of a veteran's existing VA pension. It's not disability pay, so a veteran doesn't need a disability rating to qualify. This benefit is tax-free and intended to help with everyday care needs such as bathing, getting dressed, eating, or managing medications (often referred to as activities of daily living, or ADLs).
Housebound Allowance
Housebound allowance is designed for veterans who, due to a permanent disability, are unable to leave home without assistance. This benefit isn't tied to a specific type of care setting; it can be used whether care happens at home, in assisted living, or in a skilled nursing facility.
Who Qualifies for VA Benefits for Assisted Living?
Eligibility depends on a combination of service history, discharge status, and financial factors, both for veterans and (in some cases) their surviving spouses.
Veteran Benefits Qualifications
For veterans, eligibility generally requires:
- At least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day falling during a wartime period
- A discharge other than dishonorable
- A demonstrated need for care assistance with daily living
- Income and net worth within VA limits (medical expenses can be deducted when calculating this figure)
Because Aid & Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance are both part of the VA Pension, veterans must first qualify for the base pension before they can receive either one.
Veteran Spouse Benefits Qualifications
Spouses and surviving spouses can take a similar path through the Survivors Pension with Aid & Attendance. Generally, the surviving spouse must not have remarried, and the veteran must still meet the wartime service requirement. A service-connected disability rating is not required for either benefit.
Beyond General Benefits Qualifications
Aside from these qualifications, you should know about a few additional steps upfront:
- A separate application is required to demonstrate medical need. This is done through VA Form 21-2680, which your physician can help complete.
- Qualifying for pension can also make you eligible for VA health care, which you can apply for at the same time if you haven't already.
Because these requirements may feel like a lot to untangle on your own, talk with a senior living advisor or benefits specialist who works with veteran families regularly.
Where Should I Get Started?
Once you have a sense of your eligibility, the next step is getting your paperwork in order. Here's what to gather and how to move forward.
1. Start collecting your documents.
You'll want your DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), marriage certificate, and income and expense records. Depending on your situation, you may also need doctor's letters, medical records, or, for surviving spouses, a death certificate. And of course, you'll need VA Form 21-2680, the separate application that demonstrates medical need for Aid & Attendance benefits or a Housebound allowance.
2. Keep the approval timeline in mind.
Benefits are often paid retroactively to your filing date. That means there's value in starting the discovery process early, even before you begin touring communities or making any decisions.
3. Talk to an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or claims agent.
These professionals help veterans and families navigate the application process, often at no cost. They can serve as an invaluable resource through what may otherwise feel like a maze of paperwork.
4. File your application.
You can submit through VA.gov, by mail, or at a regional office. To begin the process for Aid & Attendance benefits or Housebound allowance, specifically, start your application here.
5. Lean on your senior living community, too.
Many communities have walked alongside other veteran families through this exact process, and team members can point you toward helpful local resources.
Curious what daily life actually looks like in an assisted living community? Take a look at life at Cedarhurst® assisted living communities.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone—Cedarhurst is here to answer any questions and support you and your family every step of the way. Thank you for your service, and know that your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
For more information as you begin your search, explore Cedarhurst’s Senior Living Resources, or search by location to find a Cedarhurst assisted living community near you.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or benefits-eligibility advice. Cedarhurst Senior Living is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility for VA benefits, including the Aid & Attendance benefit, depends on individual circumstances and is determined solely by the VA under rules that change over time; nothing in this article guarantees eligibility or any benefit amount. Readers should consult an accredited VA representative, an elder law attorney, or the VA directly (va.gov or 1-800-698-2411) before making decisions based on this information.
