Senior Care For Veterans: How to Pay for Long-Term Care with VA Benefits

Senior Care For Veterans: How to Pay for Long-Term Care with VA Benefits

Long-term care can be expensive, whether provided at home or in a senior living community. However, if you or your spouse served in the military, you may be eligible for veterans’ benefits that can help reduce the costs of senior living for veterans. This is especially important because research shows that retired military veterans often have a greater need for long-term care than non-veterans.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 8.1 million veterans aged 65 or older in the United States—nearly half of all veterans. Additionally, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that older veterans are more likely to experience chronic conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, COPD, heart disease and cancer, partly due to their military service.

To support aging veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs to help offset the cost of senior care, including assisted living, in-home care and nursing home care. However, only about five percent of eligible veterans take advantage of these benefits.

The reason for this low utilization isn’t entirely clear, but senior living experts suggest that many veterans and their families may not be fully aware of the available benefits—particularly those related to assisted living and nursing home care.

VA benefits can extend veterans’ savings, helping them afford higher-quality care for longer. By understanding what senior care benefits are available, veterans and their families can make informed decisions about senior care options while easing financial burdens.

Key Takeaways

• Overview of VA benefits
• Eligibility requirements
• Benefits that help pay for assisted living for veterans
• Veterans’ nursing home care benefits
• Learn how to apply for VA assistance
• Discover resources and specialists who can help veterans navigate the VA system

An Overview of VA Benefits for Nursing Home Care and Assisted Living for Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits to help cover health care expenses for honorably discharged veterans who have served in the active military, air service, or Navy for at least two continuous years. These include rehabilitation services and long-term care. However, veterans must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for certain senior care benefits.

If you or a loved one is an aging veteran, understanding VA pensions and long-term care benefits is crucial. Veterans receiving a VA pension may also qualify for additional financial assistance to help cover the cost of assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. These benefits can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making senior living more affordable.

You Have Questions. We Have Answers.

Navigating VA benefits can be complex, but knowing what assistance is available and how to apply can make a big difference. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about senior care benefits for veterans, including eligibility requirements, coverage options and how to get help with the application process.

Who Qualifies for VA Benefits for Assisted Living and Senior Care?

Veterans’ benefits provide monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Find out if you’re eligible for VA benefits.

Assisted Living for Veterans: What Benefits Are Available?

While the VA does not directly pay for room and board in assisted living communities, several VA programs can help offset expenses. The key senior care benefits for veterans available in 2025 include VA Pension, VA Health Care Benefits, Aid and Attendance Benefit and Housebound Allowance.

How Much Does the VA Pay to Offset the Cost of Senior Living for Veterans?

1. VA Pension
Provides monthly financial support that can be used for room and board, care services, and other assisted living expenses. In 2025, a single veteran may receive up to $1,413 per month through the basic VA pension.

2. VA Health Care Benefits
This benefit covers medical services, including 24/7 nursing care, physical therapy, pain management, and assistance with daily activities. It does not cover room and board in assisted living communities.

3. Aid and Attendance Benefit
This program offers additional financial assistance for veterans who already qualify for the basic VA pension and require help with daily activities. This tax-free benefit provides additional monthly payments to your VA pension, which can be used to pay for in-home care, an assisted living community, or a private-pay nursing home. The amount of Aid and Attendance benefit increases every year at the same percentage as Social Security.

The 2025 maximum monthly benefit for those qualifying for the Aid and Attendance benefit is:

• Surviving spouse of a veteran: $1,515
• Veteran with no spouse or dependent children: $2,358
• Married couple where the veteran requires care: $2,795
• Veteran is married to a veteran: $3,740
• Veteran is healthy but spouse requires care; veteran qualifies for Income Improvement Pension: $1,851

To qualify for this benefit, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty, and one of those days must have been during a declared war, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. The veteran or surviving spouse must also meet an income requirement. Other criteria include:

• You must be at least 65 years old or 100% disabled before the age of 65
• The widow or widower of a veteran must have been married to them for one year before they passed and not be remarried
• You must have received a general, honorable or medical discharge
• Medical criteria must demonstrate the need for another person’s aid to perform daily living activities such as bathing, dressing or cognitive care.

4. Housebound Allowance
Permanently disabled veterans who are mostly confined to their homes may be eligible for this increased monthly pension. However, you can’t receive both the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance at the same time.

Additional Senior Care Benefits for Veterans

Senior veterans may also have access to other programs that help offset assisted living costs. Home and Community-Based Services, available in some states through Medicaid waivers, can help cover assisted living expenses for eligible veterans. VA Disability, a tax-free benefit for veterans with service-connected disabilities, can also be used to pay for assisted living or other senior care needs. Additionally, in certain cases, the VA may reimburse costs for contracted long-term care at skilled nursing facilities, providing further financial relief for qualifying veterans.

Do VA Benefits Affect Medicare?

No. The benefits are different. Medicare only pays for short-term care at nursing homes for seniors who need rehabilitation or skilled nursing care after an illness or injury that requires hospitalization. It doesn’t cover the cost of home care or expenses related to care at senior living communities.

How Do I Access Benefits that Help Cover Senior Living Costs for Veterans?

To access these benefits, veterans must:

• Be signed up for VA health care and meet eligibility requirements.
• Gather necessary documents including military discharge papers, social security or VA file number, financial information.
• Complete required forms, such as VA Form 21-527EZ for veterans or 21P-534EZ for surviving spouses.
• Submit the application to the VA through the VA website, VA Pension Management Center or in person at the nearest VA regional office.

How Can I Get Help Navigating VA Benefits?

Understanding and applying for VA benefits can be overwhelming, but there are resources available to help veterans and their families maximize their eligible benefits. Here’s how to get started to ensure you receive all the benefits you or a spouse are entitled to:

• Talk to Your Primary Care Doctor – Discuss your current and future health care needs. A VA primary care physician can document the type of care you require, which may be necessary for benefit approval.
• Visit Your Local VA Office – VA staff can answer questions and guide you through the application process.
• Connect with Your State’s Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) – These trained state employees provide free assistance in managing VA cases. Organizations like the American Legion can also act as personal benefits guides.
• Consult a Private Advisor – If seeking outside help, ensure the advisor is VA-accredited by checking the VA’s official database.
• Reach out to Your Local Area Agency on Aging. Many communities partner with experts who specialize in assessing eligibility and securing benefits for veterans.
• Organizations such as Patriot Angels specialize in helping veterans apply for these benefits.

Find Community

If you or a loved one has served our country, we can help you find the right senior living community that’s for you.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

Sources:
SeniorLiving.org
Senior Veterans Service Alliance
Assistedliving.org
U.S. News & World Report