Finding the right long-term care is a significant decision, and for those who have served our country, there are specific programs and benefits designed to help. If youâre a veteran or a family member exploring assisted living, this guide will walk you through the key financial assistance programs, housing options, and steps to access the support youâve earned.
Before diving into the benefits, itâs helpful to understand what assisted living is. Unlike a nursing home, which provides round-the-clock skilled medical care, an assisted living facility offers a supportive, residential environment. Itâs designed for individuals who need help with daily activities but do not require intensive medical supervision.
Services typically include:
The goal is to provide a balance of independence and support, enhancing the quality of life in a safe, community-focused setting.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not directly pay for room and board in an assisted living facility. However, it offers several crucial benefits and pensions that can provide thousands of dollars per month to eligible veterans, which can then be used to cover these costs.
This is the most significant and widely used benefit for veterans needing assisted living. Aid and Attendance is a monthly, tax-free payment made in addition to the standard VA Pension. It is specifically for veterans and surviving spouses who need the regular assistance of another person to perform daily activities.
Who is eligible? To qualify, a veteran must first be eligible for the basic VA Pension. This means they must meet certain service, income, and net worth requirements. The key service requirement is having served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one of those days during a wartime period.
On top of the pension requirements, the veteran must also meet at least one of these medical conditions:
Many residents in assisted living facilities meet the criteria for needing help with daily activities, making this a vital benefit to explore. The financial assistance can be substantial and often makes assisted living affordable.
The Housebound benefit is another allowance added to the monthly VA Pension. It is for veterans who are substantially confined to their immediate premises because of a permanent disability. A veteran cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time. The VA will award whichever benefit provides the higher monthly payment. This can be a valuable option for veterans who are largely homebound but may not require the level of hands-on care needed to qualify for Aid and Attendance.
Even without the Aid and Attendance or Housebound add-ons, the basic VA Pension can be used to pay for any expense, including assisted living. Eligibility for the pension is based on a veteranâs income and net worth. Importantly, the VA allows you to deduct certain medical expenses, including the cost of assisted living, from your income when calculating eligibility. This means that even if your income seems too high at first glance, the high cost of care could make you eligible for the pension.
Beyond financial aid, the VA and state governments offer specific residential care options for veterans. These facilities are often more affordable and are staffed by professionals trained to meet the unique needs of former service members.
These are facilities established by individual states to provide long-term care for veterans. While they receive some funding and oversight from the federal VA, they are owned and managed by state governments.
These are VA-run facilities that are often compared to nursing homes. While their primary focus is on skilled nursing, some may offer short-term rehabilitation or special care for veterans who need support but not necessarily hospital-level treatment. They are a good option to consider for veterans with more complex medical needs.
Navigating the VA system can be complex, but you do not have to do it alone. Taking a structured approach and using available resources can make the process much smoother.
The application process can take several months, so it is crucial to start as soon as you identify a need for care.
Can a surviving spouse of a veteran receive these benefits? Yes. Surviving spouses of eligible wartime veterans may also qualify for the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance. They must not have remarried and must meet the same medical and financial criteria as the veteran.
Does Medicare or TRICARE pay for assisted living? Generally, no. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care, which includes room and board in an assisted living facility. It may cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay or certain medical services (like physical therapy) received while in assisted living. TRICARE has similar limitations and does not cover long-term care.
How do I prove my need for âAid and Attendanceâ? Your doctor will need to complete a VA form or provide a detailed statement explaining your condition and why you need daily help with activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management. This medical evidence is a critical part of your application.