Veterans Benefits and Assisted Living: An Overview
Providing care to an aging family member is a wonderful expression of love, but if you’re in this position, you may find it taking a physical and emotional toll on you. According to the CDC, more than 53% of caregivers admit their own declining health has impacted their ability to effectively provide care. The cost of hiring caregivers to help at home when you can't be there adds another layer of financial difficulty.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits and administers programs for aging vets, disabled members of the military and surviving spouses. It can lessen the financial burden on service members' families while guaranteeing that their loved ones receive high-quality care in a homelike setting from trained professionals.
In this article, you'll learn about the different VA programs that can pay for assisted living, how much they'll pay and the services they'll receive. You'll also learn how to find assisted living for your loved one in the area of your choosing.
Does The VA Pay for Assisted Living?
As of early 2023, the VA does not directly pay for assisted living, but it can cover some care costs other than room and board. However, this may change in the future, as proposed legislation titled Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act will allow the VA to initiate a pilot program that pays for assisted living. However, the legislation has not yet been signed into law.
Which VA Programs Can Be Used to Pay for Assisted Living?
There are four VA programs that can contribute towards assisted living costs. A description of each is provided below along with how the program can pay some assisted living costs.
Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit is a monthly payment added to the vet's pension to help with assisted living expenses. To qualify, the vet, their spouse or a surviving spouse must get a VA pension. Additionally, they must need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing, or they must be bedbound because of illness or have very limited eyesight.
VA Pension and Survivors Pension
The VA Pension is a tax-free benefit for wartime vets with low incomes who meet the age and/or disability requirements. Recipients can use the monthly pension payments at their discretion, which includes paying assisted living costs.
The VA Survivors Pension makes monthly payments to eligible surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children who satisfy the income and net worth limits established by Congress. As with the VA Pension, the recipient is free to use it to pay assisted living costs.
VA Health Benefits
Vets who receive VA Health Care have access to services designed to help them get and stay healthy. The benefits package available to each vet is unique but may include those that treat illnesses or injuries, reduce the chances of future health issues and enhance the vet's quality of life. Therefore, if the vet's assisted living facility delivers services that satisfy these criteria, VA Health Care may contribute towards the senior's costs.
VA Disability Compensation
VA Disability Compensation is paid to vets with a service-related disability that was incurred during active military service or aggravated by it. Unlike some benefits already mentioned, it's not based on financial need. Recipients receive a tax-free monthly payment that they can use for any purpose, including assisted living expenses.
VA Disability Compensation
VA Disability Compensation is paid to vets with a service-related disability that was incurred during active military service or aggravated by it. Unlike some benefits already mentioned, it's not based on financial need. Recipients receive a tax-free monthly payment that they can use for any purpose, including assisted living expenses.
How Much Does The VA Pay for Assisted Living?
Various criteria determine what a VA will pay for assisted living. For example, a vet who qualifies for disability compensation will be graded from 0% to 100%, with the amount they receive increasing the closer they are to having a 100% disability. The following list covers the maximum amounts that can be paid as of 2023.
- Aid and Attendance Benefit: Aid and Attendance pays up to $2,229 per month to vets without dependent children and up to $2,643 for those with one or more.
- VA Pension and Survivors Pension: The VA Pension pays up to $1,336 per month to vets without dependent children and up to $1,750 for those with one or more. The Survivors Pension pays up to $896 per month to surviving spouses without dependent children and up to $1,173 for those with one or more. For a qualifying surviving child, the amount is up to $228.58 per month.
- VA Health Benefits: We can't provide figures for VA Health System beneficiaries because the care services provided to each are unique.
- VA Disability Compensation: Vets with a 10% disability rating receive $165.92 per month, while those with a 20% rating receive $327.99. Compensation for vets with disability ratings of 30% or more is in the following tables.
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Single Veteran (no dependents) | $508.05 | $731.86 | $1,041.82 | $1,319.65 |
| With Spouse (no dependents) | $568.05 | $811.86 | $1,141.82 | $1,440.65 |
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| Single Veteran (no dependents) | $1,663.06 | $1,933.15 | $2,172.39 | $3,621.95 |
| With Spouse (no dependents) | $1,804.06 | $2,094.15 | $2,353.39 | $3,823.89 |
What Assisted Living Services Does The VA Cover?
Although VA doesn't pay for assisted living, it can cover costs for some services offered within the facilities. These include:
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Physical therapy
- Pain management or comfort care
- Caregiver support services
Vets enrolled in the VA Health System may be eligible to live in a state veterans home or a VA nursing home or community center.
How Do You Apply for Veterans Benefits?
The fastest way to apply is online via the VA Benefits and Health Care website. Alternative options are available for those who prefer other communication methods.
By Mail
Download VA Form 10-10EZ and send a completed copy to: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329
By Phone
Call the VA's toll-free hotline at (877) 222-8387. It's available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
In Person
Download and complete VA Form 10-10EZ and take it to your nearest VA Medical Center or clinic.
With Help from a Trained Professional
You can get help filing your claim from an accredited representative or Veteran Services Officer (VSO). There isn't a charge for standard services, but sometimes they can be made, so ask beforehand. Go to eBenefits to find an accredited representative in your area or search the VA Office of the General Counsel's list to find organizations and individuals recognized by VA.
Get Help Finding Assisted Living for Veterans
Veterans sometimes have specific needs, such as PTSD, so it's important to find an assisted living facility that can handle them with appropriate care. You may also want a facility where veterans make up a notable percentage of residents. Check out SeniorHomes.com, where you'll discover an abundance of assisted living facilities, or call an advisor at 1-800-748-4024 to help you find the ideal community for your loved one.
Need Help? Our Senior Living Consultants are Standing By
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