Veterans benefits for assisted living can provide crucial support, yet for many veterans and their families understanding the resources and supportive benefits can feel overwhelming. 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.
This guide shares practical information about the benefits that can help cover long-term care costs, including those also specifically available to spouses.
Why Assisted Living Can be a Vital Option for Veterans and Their Families
Assisted living provides valuable benefits for veterans and their spouses, including:
- Daily living support: Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, mobility, medication management, and meal preparation.
- Social connection: A community where veterans can share experiences, camaraderie, and structured activities in a safe, supportive environment.
- Continuity of care: On-site nursing and assisted living services designed to adapt as needs change.
- Financial clarity: Access to VA and other programs that can help offset the cost of care.
Five Key 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.
Assisted Living Benefits for Spouses of Veterans
Many benefits extend to surviving spouses, and in some cases, to spouses who co-manage care with a veteran. The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit can be paid to eligible veterans and their spouses who require daily care, including spouses living with the veteran in an assisted living setting.
If a veteran passes away, surviving spouses may be eligible for the Survivor’s Pension, which can help sustain living costs, including long-term care arrangements.
When couples consider assisted living, it’s essential to document caregiving needs, medical histories, and financial resources for both partners. Working with Sunny Vista’s care team, a VA benefits advisor, and a financial planner can help create a cohesive spousal care plan that protects both spouses’ well-being.
How Should I Begin Exploring Veterans Benefits?
- Start early. Benefits applications can often take time. Begin conversations with your VA regional office and a VA benefits advisor as soon as you start exploring your options.
- Gather documentation. Vital records (DD-214), service-connected disability documentation, financial information, income statements, and medical documentation of daily care needs.
- Seek professional guidance. A VA representative and a qualified elder law or financial planner can provide tailored guidance, help with forms, and ensure you maximize eligible benefits.
- Visit and compare. If possible, visit various communities to see how assisted living communities align with the veteran’s needs and the needs of their spouse. Discuss care plans, veteran-friendly programs, and pricing.
- Sunny Vista: A Veteran-Friendly Community
We understand the unique needs of veterans and their families. Our staff is trained to recognize service-related experiences and to provide care that respects dignity, autonomy, and the rich life veterans have led.
Sunny Vista: A Veteran-Friendly Community
We understand the unique needs of veterans and their families. Our staff is trained to recognize service-related experiences and to provide care that respects dignity, autonomy, and the rich life veterans have led.
Residents who share military backgrounds often form strong connections, creating a supportive, respectful, and engaging community.
Sunny Vista provides specialized support, collaborating with veterans and their families to coordinate VA benefits, service documentation, and care plans that align with individual goals and budgets.
Further, we’re committed to transparent pricing and helping families understand what is covered by VA benefits, what may require co-payments, and how to maximize eligible subsidies.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one is a veteran or veteran’s spouse considering assisted living, our team can help you navigate benefits, applications, and care planning.
For more information about financing all levels of senior living, including veteran-specific programs, contact Sunny Vista today. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor, VA representative, and/or our staff at Sunny Vista to review eligibility, share the latest benefit details, and discuss how assisted living at Sunny Vista can fit your needs and budget.
For more information about financing all levels of senior living, contact us today.
