Veterans benefits for assisted living can provide crucial support, yet many veterans and their families remain unware of these valuable resources. As our aging veteran population grapples with challenges, specifically the difficulties in performing daily living activities due to military-related injuries, the importance of assisted living services becomes starkly evident. However, financial considerations may deter some veterans from seeking care.
Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) extends veteran benefits to alleviate this financial burden. While some benefits are well-known, others, such as Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, remain lesser-known assets.
If you or a loved one is a veteran considering assisted living, it’s essential to explore all available resources. Here’s an overview of some of the benefits:
Five Veteran Benefit Options
1. Veterans’ Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is one of the most valuable programs available to veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses to help cover the costs of assisted living. This benefit provides a monthly stipend in addition to a VA pension to those who qualify, allowing them to pay for long-term care services, including assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and medication management. Read here about the current VA Aid and Attendance benefits.
2. Basic Pension Benefit
For wartime veterans who do not meet the stringent health requirements for the Aid and Attendance benefit but still face financial challenges, the Basic Pension program can be an option. VA basic pensions are designed for veterans over the age of 65. Since the VA classifies any veteran of this age as “disabled,” no physician statement is needed to file. Veterans with limited income may qualify for this program, which provides monthly payments to help with living expenses, including care in an assisted living community.
Surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify for the Survivor’s Pension, offering similar financial support.
3. Veterans Directed Care
Veterans Directed Care, sometimes referred to as the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS) program, allows veterans to receive a flexible budget to pay for care services. Veterans can choose how to spend the funds based on their individual needs, which can include paying for services in an assisted living community.
This program gives veterans more control over their care and support services, allowing them to customize care plans and select preferred caregivers.
4. TRICARE and CHAMPVA Benefits
Veterans who qualify for TRICARE for Life (TFL) or Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) may receive coverage for some health-related services while in an assisted living community. While these programs do not typically cover room and board, they can cover medical care, treatments, and medications. Learn more about pricing for assisted living at the Retreat at Sunny Vista.
TRICARE for Life is available to retired veterans and works alongside Medicare. CHAMPVA provides healthcare coverage to dependents and survivors of veterans who suffered service-connected disabilities.
5. Veteran Service Organizations
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), can assist veterans in navigating benefit programs and understanding eligibility. These organizations often provide free services to help with applications for Aid and Attendance, pensions, and other VA benefits. Ask for a Benefits Advisor available through the VA to help with finding and securing the right benefits for your specific situation.
While sifting through the options and information can be daunting, there is help available and the financial and other benefits can be life altering for some veterans. Many assisted living communities, including Sunny Vista, have specialized veteran programs and understand the unique needs of veterans and their families. Veterans benefit from the strong sense of camaraderie and shared experience with fellow residents who have served in the military, fostering a close-knit community and emotional support.
If you or a loved one is a veteran considering assisted living, it’s important to take advantage of the many resources and benefits available. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor, VA representative, and/or our staff at Sunny Vista to help you maximize these options. For more information about financing all levels of senior living , contact us today.