Veterans have earned benefits that can meaningfully offset the cost of senior living, but many never use them simply because no one told them they were available. At Americare, we want that to change. Whether you are a veteran doing your own planning or a family member helping a parent navigate the next step, knowing what the VA offers is worth your time.
The VA offers several programs that can help cover long-term care costs. Here is how each one works.
Aid and Attendance
This pension benefit helps wartime veterans who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible. The benefit is tax-free and paid monthly. For 2026, maximum monthly amounts are:
- Single veteran: up to $2,424
- Married veteran: up to $2,874
- Surviving spouse: up to $1,558
These funds can be applied toward assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing costs.
VA Community Nursing Home Program
The VA contracts with private skilled nursing facilities in many communities, allowing eligible veterans to receive care close to home. Eligibility is based on clinical need and service-connected disability status. Priority is given to veterans with a service-connected rating of 70 percent or higher or those requiring skilled care for a service-connected condition.
VA-Paid Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Veterans enrolled in VA health care may have access to skilled nursing services paid by the VA even in community settings, depending on their eligibility tier and clinical need. This applies whether or not the facility holds a direct VA contract.
Who Qualifies for VA Financial Assistance
Aid and Attendance eligibility has a few core requirements. The veteran must meet all of the following:
- At least 90 days of active duty with one day during a recognized wartime period (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War or Gulf War era)
- Discharge other than dishonorable
- A clinical need for help with daily activities
- Net worth at or below $163,699 for 2026, with primary residence and vehicle excluded
Surviving spouses may qualify even if the veteran never received VA pension benefits during their lifetime.
How VA Benefits Apply to Each Level of Care
Aid and Attendance benefits can be applied directly toward monthly costs in assisted living and memory care. For veterans in skilled nursing and rehabilitation, VA contracted program funding may cover a larger portion of care costs. The right mix depends on the veteran’s eligibility tier, level of need and the type of community. A VA-accredited benefits counselor or social worker at your local VA medical center can help clarify what applies to your situation.
Getting Started With a VA Benefits Claim
The application process takes some preparation.
For Aid and Attendance, you will need:
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- A physician’s statement documenting the need for care
- Financial records
- Completed VA forms
Applications filed without complete documentation are frequently delayed or denied, so it pays to get organized before you start.
You do not have to do this alone. VA-accredited claims agents, Veterans Service Organizations such as the VFW or American Legion and elder law attorneys can all help. One important note: benefits are not retroactive. They begin from the application date, so starting early matters.
Since 1981, Americare has been family-led and locally operated, serving veterans and their families across five states. Explore our communities to find a location near you, and reach out whenever you are ready to talk. We are happy to help you find the right fit.