Introduction: How Assisted Living Supports Veterans
As veterans age or experience disabilities related to their service, many find that living independently becomes increasingly difficult. Assisted living communities provide a valuable option for veterans who need help with daily activities—such as bathing, dressing, managing medications, and preparing meals—while still maintaining a sense of independence and dignity. These facilities are designed to promote safety, comfort, and social engagement, offering a home-like environment with trained staff available around the clock.
For veterans, assisted living isn’t just about personal care—it’s about continuing to live with purpose and community. Many facilities offer specialized programs and activities that honor military service, connect residents with fellow veterans, and provide access to healthcare and support services tailored to their unique needs.
While assisted living facilities are typically not operated or directly paid for by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA offers several benefits and programs that can help eligible veterans and their families cover the cost of care. These include pension enhancements such as Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound allowances, as well as access to Veteran Directed Care and State Veterans Homes. Understanding how these benefits work—and who qualifies for them—is an important first step toward finding affordable, high-quality care.
Assisted living can make a meaningful difference for veterans by reducing isolation, improving safety, and ensuring access to the medical and personal support they deserve. The following sections will explain the types of VA benefits available, who is eligible, and how to apply for assistance with the cost of assisted living.
Overview of VA Programs That Help Pay for Assisted Living
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs that can help eligible veterans and their families cover the costs of assisted living or similar long-term care. While the VA does not directly pay for room and board in assisted living communities, it provides financial benefits and health care support that can be applied toward these expenses.
1. VA Pension with Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
Veterans who receive a VA Pension may qualify for increased monthly payments through the Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits. These benefits are designed for veterans who need assistance with daily activities or are largely confined to their homes due to disability.
- Aid and Attendance provides additional funds for veterans who require help with activities such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications.
- Housebound benefits support veterans whose disabilities restrict them to their homes.
These benefits can be used to help pay for care services provided in an assisted living facility. Learn more: VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
2. Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program
The Veteran Directed Care program gives eligible veterans a flexible budget to purchase personal care services, hire caregivers of their choosing (including some family members), and remain in community-based settings such as assisted living. This program is especially useful for veterans who want more control over their care arrangements. Learn more: Veteran Directed Care
3. State Veterans Homes and Community Living Centers
Many states operate State Veterans Homes, which provide affordable long-term care, nursing home care, and in some cases, assisted living services for veterans. These homes are state-managed but receive partial federal funding and oversight from the VA.
In addition, the VA operates Community Living Centers (CLCs) that offer short-term or long-term residential care to veterans who qualify for VA health services. Learn more: VA Long-Term Care Services
4. Other Long-Term Care Services Through VA Health Care
Through the VA Health Care system, veterans may access home and community-based services such as skilled nursing, respite care, and adult day health care. These services can complement assisted living by covering specific medical or support needs, though they generally do not pay for housing costs. Learn more: VA Coverage for Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care
Together, these programs form the foundation of VA support for veterans in assisted living. The next section will take a closer look at Aid and Attendance benefits—the most commonly used financial assistance option for veterans seeking help with daily care costs.
Here’s the next section — written in the same clear, factual, VA.gov-style voice and supported by authoritative government sources.
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is one of the most valuable financial supports available to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily living activities. It provides an increased monthly payment added to a veteran’s or survivor’s regular VA Pension, helping cover personal care expenses — including those incurred in assisted living communities.
What the Aid and Attendance Benefit Covers
The A&A benefit can be used to pay for a wide range of care-related costs, such as:
- Personal assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medication
- Services provided in assisted living or similar residential care facilities
- In-home caregivers or nurse aides
- Medical-related expenses not covered by other VA health benefits
While the VA does not directly pay assisted living facilities, recipients can use their A&A funds toward the cost of room, board, and care if they are receiving personal assistance services. Learn more: Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Aid and Attendance, veterans must first be eligible for a VA Pension. Once pension eligibility is established, a veteran or surviving spouse must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Requires the aid of another person to perform daily activities such as bathing, feeding, or dressing
- Is bedridden due to illness
- Is a patient in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity
- Has corrected eyesight of 5/200 or less in both eyes, or a visual field reduced to 5 degrees or less
Applicants must also meet financial requirements based on income and net worth limits set by the VA. More details: VA Pension Eligibility
Financial and Service Requirements
The amount of Aid and Attendance payment depends on a veteran’s family income, dependents, and care needs. The VA reviews total household income, subtracting unreimbursed medical and care-related expenses to determine the countable income used for benefit calculations.
Veterans who qualify for A&A typically receive a significant increase in their monthly pension payment, which can substantially offset assisted living costs. See the most current income and net worth limits here: VA Pension Rates
How to Apply for Aid and Attendance
There are several ways to apply:
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By Mail – Submit a completed application (VA Form 21-2680) along with medical evidence from a physician describing daily care needs.
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In Person – Bring the form and supporting documentation to your local VA regional office.
- Find your nearest office: Find a VA Regional Office
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With Assistance – Work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent to ensure your application is complete and properly submitted.
- Locate accredited representatives: Accredited VA Representatives
The VA’s processing time for A&A applications varies depending on workload and completeness of documentation. Veterans are encouraged to submit as much supporting medical and financial information as possible to avoid delays.
What's Not Covered
The A&A benefit does not cover:
- Full room and board in non-medical facilities (it supplements personal care costs)
- Services that are not medically or functionally necessary
- Costs already reimbursed by another federal benefit
The Aid and Attendance benefit is often the most direct and flexible way for veterans to help pay for assisted living services. It ensures that those who have served the nation can access the personal care and support they need to live safely and comfortably.
Next, we’ll look at the Housebound Allowance, another VA pension supplement designed for veterans who are largely confined to their homes due to disability.
Here’s the next section, written in the same clear, factual, VA.gov-style tone, with official government links for verification and further reading.
VA Housebound Allowance
The Housebound Allowance is another financial supplement available to veterans and surviving spouses who qualify for a VA Pension and are largely confined to their homes because of a permanent disability. Like the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit, the Housebound allowance is an add-on to the standard VA Pension—not a separate payment. It is intended to help veterans who are unable to leave their residence regularly due to their health conditions, whether they live independently, with family, or in an assisted living facility.
Purpose of the Housebound Allowance
The Housebound allowance is designed for veterans whose disabilities restrict them to their immediate surroundings for the majority of the day. This could include veterans who:
- Require continuous supervision or assistance but may not need daily personal care from another person
- Live in a setting where mobility is limited due to illness or injury
- Cannot leave their home (or assisted living residence) without substantial effort or medical risk
The additional monthly payment can help cover costs such as personal care, transportation assistance, or other services that make living safely at home or in an assisted environment possible.
Learn more: VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Housebound benefit, a veteran must:
- Be eligible for a VA Pension (based on wartime service, income, and net worth); and
- Have a permanent disability that causes them to be substantially confined to their home or residence, including an assisted living community.
Unlike Aid and Attendance, the Housebound benefit is not available to veterans who already receive A&A payments—you may receive only one of these enhanced pension benefits at a time. See more details: VA Pension Eligibility
How the Benefit Works
Veterans who qualify for the Housebound allowance receive an increase to their standard monthly pension payment. The exact amount depends on factors such as marital status, number of dependents, and total household income.
Housebound benefits can be used for any necessary living expenses, including care-related costs or supportive services within assisted living facilities. See the current payment rates here: Veterans Pension Rates
How to Apply
To apply for the Housebound benefit, veterans must submit medical documentation that verifies the extent of their disability and its impact on their ability to leave the home. Applications can be completed in the following ways:
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By Mail: Submit VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) to your nearest VA regional office.
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In Person: Visit your local VA regional office for in-person assistance.
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With Assistance: Contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help preparing your claim and gathering necessary medical evidence.
Important Notes
- Veterans cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits simultaneously—only the higher of the two may be paid.
- These benefits are not automatic; veterans must apply and provide documentation supporting their eligibility.
- The Housebound allowance is not limited to traditional homes—veterans living in assisted living facilities can qualify if they meet the medical and confinement requirements.
The Housebound allowance provides essential financial support for veterans who can no longer leave their homes regularly. For those whose disabilities make even limited travel or social engagement difficult, this benefit helps ensure access to necessary care and comfort while preserving independence and quality of life.
The next section will explain the VA Basic Pension and Increased Pensions for Care Needs, outlining how these foundational benefits interact with Aid and Attendance and Housebound allowances.
Here’s the next section, written in a clear, factual, VA.gov-inspired tone with official .gov links for reference.
VA Basic Pension and Increased Pensions for Care Needs
The VA Basic Pension is a needs-based benefit that provides monthly financial support to wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. It is the foundation upon which additional benefits—such as Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound allowances—are built. Veterans must first qualify for the Basic Pension before becoming eligible for these enhanced payments.
What Is the VA Basic Pension?
The VA Basic Pension, also called the Veterans Pension, is a tax-free monthly payment available to wartime veterans who are age 65 or older, or who have a permanent and total disability. The goal of this program is to ensure that low-income veterans receive the financial assistance they need to live safely and comfortably in their later years.
This benefit can help cover:
- Housing and living expenses, including assisted living costs
- Medical and personal care services
- Transportation or in-home care support
Learn more about the pension program: Veterans Pension Program
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Basic Pension, veterans must meet three main types of eligibility criteria: service, income, and net worth.
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Service Requirements
- Must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period as defined by the VA.
- For veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months of continuous service or the full period called for active duty is generally required.
- Must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Learn more: Pension Eligibility Details
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Income and Net Worth Limits
- The VA sets maximum annual pension rates (MAPRs) based on household size, dependents, and care needs.
- Veterans’ total income—including retirement, Social Security, and other benefits—is reduced by unreimbursed medical expenses to determine countable income.
- Veterans with income and assets below the established thresholds may qualify for monthly payments.
- See current rates: Veterans Pension Rates
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Age or Disability Criteria
- Must be 65 years or older, permanently disabled, or a patient in a nursing home due to long-term illness or incapacity.
Increased Pensions for Care Needs
Once a veteran qualifies for the Basic Pension, they may be eligible for higher monthly payments if they meet certain care-related conditions:
- Aid and Attendance (A&A): For veterans who need regular help with daily living tasks or are in assisted living.
- Housebound Allowance: For veterans who have significant disabilities that confine them to their homes or care facilities.
These enhanced pensions are add-ons to the Basic Pension and cannot be received simultaneously. The VA automatically pays the higher of the two benefits if a veteran qualifies for both.
More details: Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
How to Apply for the Basic Pension
Veterans or their surviving spouses can apply in several ways:
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Online: Submit an application through VA.gov Pension Application.
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By Mail: Complete and mail VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension) to the nearest VA regional office.
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In Person or With Help: Apply with the assistance of an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent.
Here’s the next section — written in the same informative, VA.gov-style tone, with official government links for accuracy and credibility.
Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program
The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program gives eligible veterans the ability to receive long-term care services in their own homes or community settings—such as assisted living—while maintaining control over how their care is delivered. Unlike traditional VA health services, which are managed directly by VA providers, this program empowers veterans to manage their own care budgets, choose their caregivers, and design a plan that best meets their daily living needs.
Purpose of the VDC Program
The VDC program is intended for veterans who require personal care assistance but wish to remain as independent as possible. It helps veterans avoid institutional care by offering a flexible alternative to nursing homes or extended hospital stays.
Through this program, veterans can:
- Hire caregivers of their choosing, including certain family members or friends
- Purchase goods and services that help them live safely at home or in community-based housing
- Manage their care budget with the help of a counselor or support agency
Learn more: Veteran Directed Care Program
How the Program Works
Veterans enrolled in the VDC program receive a monthly budget determined by the VA based on their care needs and service plan. The veteran, often with the help of a designated financial management service (FMS) provider, uses this budget to pay for approved care services, supplies, and supports.
Covered services may include:
- Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting)
- Homemaker services (meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry)
- Transportation for medical or community activities
- Adaptive equipment or home modifications to support mobility and safety
Each veteran works with a VA care coordinator to create an individualized plan that balances independence, safety, and health outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Veteran Directed Care program, veterans must:
- Be enrolled in VA health care;
- Have a clinical need for personal care services, as determined by their VA health care team; and
- Be capable (independently or with support) of managing a care plan and budget.
The program is available through participating VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and is not yet offered in all regions. Veterans can contact their local VA facility to confirm availability. Find your nearest VA location: VA Facility Locator
Using VDC Funds in Assisted Living
While VDC is most often used by veterans living at home, it can also support veterans residing in community-based or assisted living settings. The funds may cover services provided by the facility (such as personal care or transportation) or supplemental assistance arranged by the veteran.
Because the program gives veterans direct control over their care spending, it’s particularly helpful for those who want to customize their care within assisted living communities or combine VA assistance with private resources.
How to Apply
- Contact Your Local VA Medical Center: Ask for the Veteran Directed Care program coordinator or a member of the Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) team.
- Assessment: A VA clinician will review your medical and personal care needs to determine if the program is suitable.
- Enrollment and Planning: Once approved, you’ll work with a counselor to set a budget, choose providers, and finalize your service plan.
Learn more about the application and participation process: VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Services
Here’s the next section, written in the same clear, informative VA.gov-style tone, with authoritative government links for credibility.
State Veterans Homes and Community Living Centers
For veterans who need long-term residential care, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partners with states and local communities to offer a variety of facility-based options. These include State Veterans Homes (SVHs) and Community Living Centers (CLCs)—both of which provide high-quality care for eligible veterans who require ongoing medical attention, assistance with daily activities, or a supportive living environment.
These facilities are designed to honor veterans’ service while providing compassionate care that meets their health and personal needs.
State Veterans Homes (SVHs)
State Veterans Homes are owned and operated by individual states but are inspected and partially funded by the VA. They provide long-term care, skilled nursing, and in some locations, assisted living or adult day health programs.
Key features include:
- Affordable Care: Costs are generally lower than comparable private facilities because states subsidize care with federal funding.
- Range of Services: Many homes offer nursing care, rehabilitation, memory care, and in some cases, assisted living.
- Eligibility: Generally, veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet state-specific residency or service requirements. Some homes also accept spouses or Gold Star parents.
- Cost Sharing: Veterans may be required to contribute to their care costs based on income or disability rating, but daily per diem payments from the VA reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
To find a facility near you, visit: List of State Veterans Homes (VA Geriatrics and Extended Care)
Community Living Centers (CLCs)
Community Living Centers are VA-operated nursing home care units located within or near VA Medical Centers. These centers are designed to provide both short-term and long-term care to veterans who need a higher level of medical support or rehabilitation services.
Services offered may include:
- 24-hour skilled nursing and medical care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Palliative and hospice care
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Social and recreational programs designed for veterans
Unlike traditional nursing homes, CLCs emphasize a home-like atmosphere where veterans are encouraged to maintain independence and participate in meaningful daily activities.
Learn more: VA Community Living Centers
Eligibility and Admission
Eligibility for both State Veterans Homes and Community Living Centers depends on several factors:
- Veteran status (discharge other than dishonorable)
- Enrollment in VA health care
- Medical and functional need for long-term or skilled care services
- Availability of space at the desired facility
Admission decisions may also consider a veteran’s service-connected disability rating and overall health condition.
Learn more about eligibility: VA Long-Term Care Eligibility
Costs and Payment Options
The cost of care varies depending on the type of facility, level of care, and the veteran’s eligibility category.
- State Veterans Homes: Veterans typically pay a daily rate, but the VA provides a per diem payment to help offset costs.
- Community Living Centers: Depending on eligibility and service connection, the VA may cover the full cost of care for certain veterans. Others may be responsible for partial payments or copayments.
More information on payment responsibilities can be found here: Paying for Long-Term Care (VA Geriatrics and Extended Care)
Here’s the next section, written in a clear, structured, and VA.gov-style tone with authoritative .gov sources for reference.
Eligibility Requirements for Assisted Living Benefits
To qualify for VA programs that help pay for assisted living or related long-term care services, veterans must meet specific service, financial, and medical requirements. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of benefit—such as VA Pension, Aid and Attendance (A&A), Housebound allowance, or Veteran Directed Care (VDC)—but they share several common standards.
Understanding these requirements helps veterans and their families identify which programs they may qualify for and what documentation is needed to apply.
1. Service Requirements
Most VA financial assistance programs for assisted living are available only to wartime veterans who served under qualifying conditions.
To be eligible for a VA Pension (the foundation for A&A and Housebound benefits), a veteran must:
- Have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period, as defined by the VA;
- Have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; and
- For veterans who entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally have served at least 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty.
Learn more: VA Pension Eligibility
The VA recognizes the following wartime periods for pension purposes:
- World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Era: November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975 (for veterans who served in Vietnam); August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (for all others)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – through a date yet to be set by law or Presidential proclamation
2. Age and Disability Requirements
Veterans must meet age or disability conditions to qualify for pension-based benefits:
- Be 65 years of age or older, or
- Be permanently and totally disabled, or
- Be a patient in a nursing home due to disability, or
- Be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
These conditions apply to both the Basic Pension and enhanced benefits such as Aid and Attendance or Housebound.
More details: VA Pension Information
3. Financial Eligibility (Income and Net Worth)
VA pension benefits are needs-based, meaning eligibility is determined by a veteran’s income and net worth.
The VA calculates countable income by including most sources of household income—such as Social Security, retirement, and investment income—and subtracting unreimbursed medical expenses and certain care-related costs. The result is compared to the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), which varies based on marital status, dependents, and care needs.
- Veterans must have income and assets below the VA’s established limit.
- The net worth limit (including savings, investments, and real estate other than a primary residence) is updated annually.
- If a veteran’s countable income is below the MAPR, they may qualify for monthly payments to supplement living and care expenses.
See current thresholds: Veterans Pension Rates
4. Medical and Functional Need
For Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, veterans must also meet specific medical or functional requirements, such as:
- Needing help from another person to perform daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications)
- Being largely confined to their home or assisted living community due to disability
- Being bedridden or living in a nursing home due to illness or incapacity
These needs must be verified through medical documentation, often using VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). Form download: VA Form 21-2680 (PDF)
5. Enrollment in VA Health Care (for Care-Based Programs)
For programs like Veteran Directed Care (VDC) or access to Community Living Centers, veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system and have a clinical assessment confirming their need for supportive or personal care services. Learn more: VA Health Care Enrollment
6. Surviving Spouses and Dependents
Surviving spouses of eligible wartime veterans may also qualify for similar benefits through the VA Survivors Pension and Aid and Attendance for Survivors. The same income, net worth, and medical need criteria generally apply. More information: Survivors Pension and Aid & Attendance
Summary
Eligibility for VA-assisted living benefits depends on a combination of military service, financial need, and care requirements. Veterans who meet these standards may receive financial assistance that helps pay for personal care, health services, or living expenses in assisted living communities.
Because the application process can be complex, the VA encourages veterans and families to work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for personalized guidance. Find a representative: Accredited VA Representatives
Here’s the next section, written in the same clear, factual VA.gov-style voice, with verified links to official government sources for accuracy.
How Much Does the VA Pay for Assisted Living?
The amount the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays toward assisted living depends on several factors — including the veteran’s eligibility for specific benefits, income level, marital status, dependents, and care needs. While the VA does not directly cover the full cost of assisted living room and board, veterans may receive monthly financial assistance or care services through programs such as the VA Pension, Aid and Attendance (A&A), Housebound allowance, and Veteran Directed Care (VDC).
Understanding how these benefits interact helps veterans and families plan for the real cost of assisted living.
1. Average Cost of Assisted Living and VA Contribution
According to national estimates, assisted living costs in the United States typically range between $4,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on location and level of care. The VA’s contribution varies based on the veteran’s approved benefits, but it can cover a significant portion of these costs, especially when combined with personal income or savings.
For example, veterans who qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits receive an increased monthly pension payment, which can be used freely to pay for assisted living services.
See official VA pension rates: Veterans Pension Rates (MAPR Tables)
2. Typical Payment Amounts
As of 2025, approximate maximum monthly benefit amounts for eligible veterans under the Aid and Attendance program are as follows: (These are rounded estimates based on VA’s published MAPR tables.)
| Category | Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) | Approx. Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single Veteran (A&A) | ~$31,700 | ~$2,640 |
| Married Veteran (A&A) | ~$39,400 | ~$3,280 |
| Surviving Spouse (A&A) | ~$20,100 | ~$1,675 |
| Housebound Veteran (Single) | ~$22,600 | ~$1,880 |
| Housebound Veteran (Married) | ~$28,800 | ~$2,400 |
Note: These figures represent the upper limit of potential payments for eligible veterans with little or no countable income. Actual benefits may be lower depending on income, assets, and deductible medical expenses. Reference: VA Veterans Pension Rates
3. Factors That Affect Benefit Amounts
The exact amount a veteran receives depends on multiple criteria:
- Income and Net Worth: The VA subtracts unreimbursed medical and care-related expenses from total household income to determine “countable income.”
- Care Needs: Veterans who require more intensive personal care or supervision (such as in assisted living) may qualify for higher payments through Aid and Attendance.
- Marital Status and Dependents: Veterans with spouses or dependent children receive higher MAPR limits.
- Type of Benefit: Aid and Attendance provides the largest increase, followed by Housebound.
These factors are recalculated annually by the VA to reflect cost-of-living adjustments.
4. Using Benefits to Pay for Assisted Living
Veterans can use their pension and allowance payments to pay for:
- Monthly assisted living fees (room, board, and personal care)
- In-home caregivers or nursing aides
- Medical and medication expenses not covered by insurance
- Transportation or mobility-related costs
Funds are paid directly to the veteran (or surviving spouse), giving them flexibility in how the money is used to meet their personal care needs.
Learn more: Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
Here’s the next section — written in the same professional, clear VA.gov-style tone, with official government links and practical guidance for readers.
How to Apply for VA Assisted Living Benefits
Applying for VA benefits to help pay for assisted living can seem complex, but the process becomes much easier when you understand which programs to apply for and what documentation is required. The VA offers multiple options for submitting applications, both online and in person, and provides accredited representatives to assist veterans and families every step of the way.
1. Determine Which Benefits You Qualify For
The first step is to identify which programs apply to your situation.
Most veterans seeking help with assisted living costs will apply for one or more of the following:
- VA Pension (for income-based assistance)
- Aid and Attendance (A&A) (for veterans who need help with daily activities)
- Housebound Allowance (for veterans confined to their homes due to disability)
- Veteran Directed Care (VDC) (for those wanting to manage their own care budget)
Learn more about each program here:
2. Gather Required Documentation
Before applying, collect all necessary records to verify eligibility. These typically include:
- Military discharge papers (DD214) showing active duty and wartime service
- Proof of income and net worth, including Social Security, pensions, and assets
- Medical evidence from a doctor describing care needs (use VA Form 21-2680)
- Receipts or statements for unreimbursed medical and care expenses
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) and birth certificates for dependents
Forms and instructions can be found at: VA Forms Directory
3. Complete the Appropriate VA Forms
Depending on the benefit you’re seeking, complete the correct application form:
| Benefit | Form | Link | | | - | - | | Veterans Pension | VA Form 21P-527EZ – Application for Veterans Pension | Download PDF | | Survivors Pension (spouses or dependents) | VA Form 21P-534EZ – Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits | Download PDF | | Aid and Attendance / Housebound Add-On | VA Form 21-2680 – Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance | Download PDF |
Include all supporting evidence with your application to avoid delays.
4. Submit Your Application
You can submit your completed application in one of the following ways:
Online
Apply digitally through the VA Pension Application Portal. This is the fastest and most secure method for submitting forms and tracking claim status.
By Mail
Mail your application and documentation to your local VA Pension Management Center (PMC). Addresses are listed here: Where to Send Pension Claims
In Person
Bring your completed forms to your nearest VA regional office. Staff can answer questions and verify your documents. Find a location: VA Regional Office Locator
With Professional Help
Veterans and families can get free assistance from accredited professionals who are authorized to help with claims. Find help here: Accredited VA Representatives
5. Track Your Application Status
After submission, veterans can track their claim status online through the VA.gov account dashboard. You’ll be able to see processing updates, request additional documentation if needed, and view decision letters once your claim is complete. Access your account: Check Your VA Claim Status
Processing times vary depending on the type of benefit and completeness of your application. Most pension and Aid and Attendance claims take several months to review, but submitting thorough documentation up front can shorten wait times.
Getting the Support You Deserve
Navigating the world of assisted living and VA benefits can feel overwhelming, but the resources available to veterans today make it possible to receive compassionate, affordable care while preserving independence and dignity. Whether through Aid and Attendance, Housebound, Veteran Directed Care, or residence in a State Veterans Home, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides multiple pathways to help veterans live safely and comfortably as their needs change.
By understanding eligibility requirements, gathering documentation early, and seeking help from accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) or local VA offices, veterans and their families can access the support they’ve earned through service. Assisted living isn’t just about receiving care—it’s about continuing to live with purpose, community, and respect. For more information or to begin an application, visit VA.gov or contact your nearest VA Regional Office today.
