For Veterans and their families, planning a move to assisted living often comes with questions about cost and whether military service may provide financial support. VA Aid and Attendance for assisted living may help eligible Veterans and surviving spouses manage some of the cost of care by increasing their monthly VA Pension benefit.
If you or someone you love served in the military, understanding this benefit and where to find help can make one part of planning for assisted living a little easier.
If you’re still wondering whether it’s the right time for more support, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Assisted living can offer help with daily activities while addressing feelings of isolation, loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Guided by the Eden Alternative philosophy, it also focuses on creating an environment where you can feel confident that you or your loved one is safe and thriving.
Veterans Assisted Living Benefits
Veterans assisted living benefits may include VA Pension with Aid and Attendance, a benefit for qualifying wartime Veterans and surviving spouses who need additional help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
This assistance is not a separate pension. Instead, it adds to the monthly VA Pension benefit for people who meet the additional eligibility requirements.
Does the VA Aid and Attendance Pay for Assisted Living?
Yes. Eligible Veterans and surviving spouses may use the additional pension benefit to help cover the cost of assisted living when they meet the eligibility requirements.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you may qualify for the additional benefit if at least one of the following applies:
- You need another person’s help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—routine personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, and using the bathroom.
- You spend much of the day in bed because of illness.
- You have limited eyesight that meets the VA’s eligibility criteria.
- You live in a nursing home because a disability has caused a loss of mental or physical abilities.
Assisted living can provide help with many everyday activities, including bathing and dressing. The need for that help does not have to result from a service-connected disability. VA Pension and disability compensation are separate benefits with different eligibility requirements.
Who May Qualify for Additional Care Benefits?
Eligibility depends on several factors, including military service, age or disability, financial circumstances and the need for help with everyday activities. Un-remarried surviving spouses of wartime Veterans may also qualify.
Because eligibility depends on each person’s circumstances, you don’t have to sort through every requirement on your own. The VA can help determine whether you or your loved one may qualify and what information will be needed to apply.
Basic factors considered by the VA include:
- Military Service: When and how long the Veteran served, including service during a recognized wartime period, and discharge status.
- Age or Disability: The Veteran must meet applicable age or disability requirements for VA Pension.
- Need for Assistance: Help with everyday activities or another condition that meets the requirements for the additional benefit.
- Financial Circumstances: Income and net worth must fall within limits established for VA Pension.
For families considering assisted living, this can be a good conversation to start early, especially when comparing care needs, community costs and available financial resources.
How Much Can VA Aid and Attendance for Assisted Living Help With Costs?
There isn’t a single payment amount that applies to everyone. The amount an eligible person may receive depends on individual circumstances, including income and family situation.
VA pension rates and financial requirements can change over time, so rather than relying on benefit amounts that may become outdated, families can check the VA’s current Veterans Pension rates for the latest information.
Knowing what assistance may be available can help families get a clearer picture of their options as they plan for assisted living.
How Do You Apply for VA Aid and Attendance?
Veterans and surviving spouses can apply online, by mail or in person. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide information about military service, finances, medical needs and the type of help needed with everyday activities.
You don’t have to handle the application process alone. An accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you understand what information you need and assist with a benefits claim at no charge.
How Can Veterans and Families Plan for Assisted Living?
Cost matters when you’re considering assisted living. So does everyday life. The right community should provide the support you need while leaving room for the routines, interests, relationships and choices that make life your own.
Not sure what level of support may be right for you or someone you love? Take our assessment to explore your options and get personalized results to help you better understand your needs.
At Cappella of Pueblo West, our assisted living approach focuses on getting to know each resident and providing the right amount of support for their individual needs. Residents can receive help with activities such as bathing and dressing, medication management, housekeeping and transportation while continuing to make choices about how they spend their days.
Cappella of Pueblo West accepts VA assistance as one of its payment options. Families comparing care costs can also learn more about our senior living pricing and ways to pay for assisted living.
For someone who has spent years taking care of themselves and others, accepting help can take some getting used to. Assisted living doesn’t have to mean giving up the routines, interests or independence that matter to you. The right support can make everyday tasks easier while leaving more time and energy for the people and activities you enjoy.
Where Can Veterans and Families Learn More?
For eligible Veterans and surviving spouses, this additional financial support may help with the cost of assisted living. If you think you or someone you love may qualify, the VA is the best place to confirm current eligibility requirements and benefit information.
If you’re also beginning to explore assisted living in Pueblo West, contact Cappella of Pueblo West to learn more about our community, services and payment options. Our team can answer your questions about living at Cappella and help you explore whether our community is a good fit for you or someone you love.
