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The VA does not directly pay for assisted living nor offer its own assisted living residences. However, there are other ways veterans can receive assistance from the VA to pay for assisted living. For example, veterans can pay for assisted living by using the Aid and Attendance benefit. This pension benefit is provided to veterans who need help with daily activities and can be used for assisted living rent and care services.

There is no doubt that assisted living can be expensive but many veterans may be eligible for help and assistance through a benefit called Aid and Attendance.

What is Aid and Attendance?

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a monthly pension available to veterans or their spouses who need assistance with activities of daily living (like bathing, dressing, cooking, or cleaning).

Aid and Attendance is the highest level of the VA’s Improved Pension, which consists of 3-tiers. The Veteran does not have to be in a facility to be eligible for any of the benefit levels. Care can be provided in the home by either outside agencies or family members. This benefit is available even if the Veteran doesn’t need care, but his or her spouse does.

What’s the difference between VA Pension and VA Compensation?

VA Compensation is payment for a service-connected disability. VA Improved Pension is an old-age benefit, and there is no requirement of a service-connected disability.

Do I need to hire a caregiver to become eligible for the pension?

In order to receive the VA pension, claimants must show that they require assistance with several activities of daily living. The VA application has a section for caregivers to give statements regarding how they provide assistance to the veteran or surviving spouse. However, many people do not realize that even if they do not live in a nursing home or assisted living facility, go to adult day care, or have professional caregivers coming into the home, they may still have caregivers – the friends and family that help them on a daily basis. An experienced professional who is accredited with the VA can help veterans and surviving spouses determine if their friends and family provide enough services to be caregivers or if there are other unreimbursed medical expenses.

Please contact us for more information on the Aid and Attendance benefit