How to Pay for Senior Living With Veteran Benefits September 13, 2024 Retired military veterans make up a sizable portion of the senior population in the United States, and yet information to help them navigate their VA benefits is often hard to come by. Seeing as many of our country’s respectable veterans face chronic physical ailments, you are likely well aware that the costs associated with senior care can add up. What you might not know, however, is that the federal government may cover some of these related costs. Allow us to walk you through the details below. Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Millions of American veterans live in the U.S., many of whom are at or above retirement age. The federal government created the Office of Veterans Affairs to thank these men and women for their service and provide them with much needed resources upon their transition back to private life. As a part of this, the VA offers benefits to military veterans. For the most part, these services must be obtained at a VA facility — but what about long-term senior care? As it turns out, senior veterans may be eligible to receive an additional monetary allowance for senior living on top of their existing VA pension benefits. A veteran’s surviving spouse may also qualify for these funds. Two major VA programs make this possible. Aid and Attendance Aid and Attendance is a tax-free VA benefit that about 25 percent of veterans are eligible to receive. It provides qualified veterans extra monthly money that is added to their existing monthly VA pension. You may be entitled to the Aid and Attendance benefit if you are a veteran (or surviving spouse) who is over 65, receives a VA pension, and meets at least one of the following criteria: • You require the help of another person for basic daily activities like eating, bathing, dressing, or grooming• You have an illness or condition that confines you to your bed for most of the day• You must live in an assisted care home due to mental or physical disability• You have significant eyesight limitations, even when you wear corrective eyewear or lenses The money you receive from the Aid and Attendance benefit can be used towards an assisted living community, a private nursing home, or for in-home care services. Housebound Allowance Like Aid and Attendance, this benefit is available for veterans over 65 who receive a monthly VA pension. As its name implies, to qualify for the Housebound Allowance, you must spend the majority of your time inside your home as a result of a permanent disability. Collecting the Housebound Allowance precludes you from collecting the Aid and Attendance benefit, and vice versa. Long-term Care Benefits and Services The VA also offers a variety of long-term care benefits for disabled military veterans who qualify, including: • Short- and long-term nursing home placement• 24/7 medical care• Physical therapy• Pain management• Caregivers to help with daily tasks Many of these services are available in any setting. This means you can retire to the senior living community of your choice while still receiving long-term services paid for by your VA benefits. Application Process Applying for VA benefits, including Aid and Attendance or the Housebound Allowance, can be a complex process. To help streamline the application, here are the steps to follow: Gather Necessary Documentation: Before starting your application, gather all necessary documentation. This includes proof of military service (such as your DD-214 form), medical records that support your need for assistance, and financial documents such as income statements. Complete the Correct Form: The form to apply for Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance is VA Form 21-2680, “Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance.” You can download it here. Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the form and gathered your supporting documents, you can submit your application to the VA. This can be done by mailing it to your nearest Pension Management Center (PMC). You can find the addresses of the PMC for your state here. Work With a Veterans Service Officer (VSO): A VSO can help ensure that your application is complete and accurate. They provide free assistance and can guide you through the process, reducing the chances of delays. You can locate a VSO near you by using the VA’s online directory. Check Application Status: Once submitted, you can check the status of your VA benefits application online through your VA account or by contacting your local Veterans Affairs office. Visit the VA’s claim status page for more information. If you or a family member is an American veteran in search of a new place to call home, we’d like to thank you for your service by helping you find the perfect senior living community for your needs. Contact The Sancerre senior living communities by calling 855-220-7477 or filling out our simple online form.
