If you or a loved one is a U.S. military veteran or the spouse of a military veteran in need of senior care, you may qualify for additional financial assistance beyond the basic pension. This assistance, known as Veterans Aid and Attendance, offers supplementary funds to individuals requiring long-term care but facing difficulties covering the full costs independently. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this program aims to support veterans in accessing necessary care services.

Does VA Aid & Attendance Cover Assisted Living?

Veterans who have served in a war and surviving spouses aged 65 and older may be eligible for this tax-free benefit. The Aid and Attendance program is specifically designed to provide financial aid for long-term care expenses, catering to those requiring assistance with daily activities. Veterans seeking assistance with the expenses of an assisted living facility must have completed a minimum of 90 days of honorable service for their country.

What is the VA Special Monthly Compensation?

The monthly rates for 2024 are as follows:

• $2,300 for a single veteran
• $2,727 for a married veteran with a spouse
• $1,478 for the surviving spouse of a veteran

Qualifying for the Basic VA Monthly Pension

To be eligible for Aid and Attendance, veterans or surviving spouses must first meet the requirements for the basic VA pension. These eligibility criteria include:

• An honorable discharge
• Age 65 or older (or permanent disability)
• Minimum service requirements (at least 90 days of active duty, with one day during active wartime)
• Monthly income and assets below the limits set by the VA (net worth not exceeding $129,094, as of December 1, 2019)

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs provides more detailed information to determine eligibility.

Medical Requirements for VA Aid & Attendance Pension

Additionally, to qualify for Aid and Attendance, applicants must meet one of the following medical requirements:

• Require assistance from another person for everyday tasks like bathing and dressing
• Reside in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity related to a disability
• Be bedridden
• Have specific eyesight limitations

It’s important to anticipate a slow VA approval process. Gathering necessary documents may be time-consuming, and the approval process itself can take several months. However, approved benefits are retroactive upon eligibility confirmation. For assistance with understanding VA benefits and how they can offset senior living expenses, call Jennifer Carter, the founder of Star Light Senior Advisors by calling 508-314-2161.