If you or your loved one served in the military, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the cost of assisted living. VA benefits for assisted living are often underutilized, especially by veterans who are unaware of the full range of support available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Whether you are planning ahead or looking into care options for yourself or your spouse, understanding which VA programs are available and how to apply can make a meaningful difference.
This guide outlines the types of veterans benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, who qualifies, how much is covered, and where to begin the application process.
Can VA benefits pay for assisted living?
Yes, VA benefits can help pay for assisted living services for qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. While the Department of Veterans Affairs does not cover assisted living in the same way it covers medical treatment at VA hospitals or clinics, several programs offer financial support that can be used to offset the cost of non-medical care.
These benefits are especially relevant for veterans who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications, which are core services often included in assisted living.
The most common VA benefits used for assisted living include:
- VA pension
- VA Aid and Attendance
- VA surviving spouse benefits
Each benefit has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and coverage details.
Paying for assisted living with a VA pension
A VA pension is a monthly benefit paid to wartime veterans with financial need and limited income. This benefit is not service connected, meaning it does not require the veteran’s disability or condition to be caused by their military service.
Veterans who qualify for VA pension may use the funds however they choose, including to help cover the cost of assisted living.
Basic eligibility includes:
- Minimum of 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period
- Age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled
- Meet income and net worth limits set by the VA
- Discharge other than dishonorable
Veterans who meet these criteria can apply through the VA or with help from a veterans service officer (VSO). The benefit amount depends on income and dependents, but the maximum annual pension rate increases if the veteran qualifies for Aid and Attendance.
Aid and Attendance benefits
Aid and Attendance is an enhanced pension benefit for veterans who require help with daily living tasks or have specific medical needs. This program can significantly increase the amount of financial assistance available for assisted living.
To qualify, a veteran must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, toileting
- Be bedridden due to illness
- Reside in a nursing home due to cognitive decline or physical limitations
- Have severe vision limitations
Aid and Attendance is not a stand-alone benefit. It is added to the veteran’s monthly pension amount and can also be applied for by surviving spouses of veterans.
Veterans can apply by submitting VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and supporting documentation from a physician. In most cases, this benefit is used to help pay for services offered by an assisted living community, including assistance with personal care and supervision.
How much will the VA pay for assisted living?
The amount of financial assistance available depends on the specific benefit and the veteran’s individual circumstances. As of 2025, the maximum annual Aid and Attendance pension rates for veterans are:
- Veterans with no dependents: up to $28,300
- Veterans with at least one dependent or child: up to $33,548
- Two veterans who are married to each other: up to $44,886
These figures are adjusted annually and represent the maximum total that can be used to offset senior care costs, including assisted living services. The actual amount received may be lower based on income and unreimbursed medical expenses.
While the VA does not pay communities directly, these funds can be used to reimburse families for qualifying care expenses or to help cover monthly fees at an assisted living community.
To learn more about other financial strategies, visit our guide on how to pay for senior care.
Who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living?
Eligibility for VA benefits for assisted living depends on several factors, including military service history, income, medical needs, and marital status.
Who is eligible for VA Pension benefits?
You may qualify for VA Pension benefits if you meet certain financial, service, and age or disability requirements.
To be eligible, all of the following must apply:
- You did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- Your annual household income and net worth fall within limits set by Congress. Net worth includes assets such as savings and investments, not including your home, car, or everyday household items, minus any debts. If you are married, your spouse’s financial information is included as well.
In addition, one of the following service conditions must be met:
- You began active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days, including at least one day during a wartime period
- You enlisted after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full length of your active-duty orders, with at least one day during wartime
- You were an officer who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, without previously completing at least 24 months of prior active service
And finally, at least one of the following must be true about your current situation:
- You are 65 years of age or older
- You have a permanent and total disability
- You are receiving long-term care in a nursing home due to a disability
- You receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What expenses do VA benefits cover?
VA benefits like pension and Aid and Attendance are flexible. While they do not pay directly for room and board in assisted living, they can be used to help cover many common care-related expenses, including:
- Assistance with bathing, grooming, and personal care
- Medication reminders or administration
- Meal preparation or dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Mobility support and safety supervision
- Social activities and structured programs, which are especially helpful in dementia care
These are core services in most assisted living communities and are often part of what veterans need to maintain quality of life as they age.
VA benefits for dementia care
Memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive challenges often make it harder for aging veterans to remain independent without support. For those living with dementia, assisted living communities that offer memory care can provide daily structure, supervision, and activities that help maintain dignity and quality of life.
The good news is that VA benefits can help cover the cost of dementia care, especially if the veteran or their surviving spouse meets eligibility for Aid and Attendance.
While the VA does not directly fund memory care in a community setting, Aid and Attendance benefits can be used to help pay for:
- Personal care assistance, including bathing, grooming, dressing
- Medication reminders or administration
- Supervision to prevent wandering or confusion
- Structured routines that reduce stress and anxiety
- Cognitive stimulation activities designed for memory support
These types of services are commonly included in memory care programs within assisted living communities.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, applying for Aid and Attendance can be a valuable step in easing financial strain and ensuring your family member has access to the compassionate, specialized care they need.
Do veterans benefits extend to spouses?
Yes. Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for many of the same benefits, including VA pension and Aid and Attendance. These benefits can be used to help pay for assisted living when a surviving spouse begins to need help with daily tasks or memory care support.
There are also situations where both a veteran and their spouse may need care at the same time. VA benefits for couples may be adjusted accordingly, though eligibility rules and limits still apply.
Are you eligible for a Survivors Pension as a surviving spouse?
You may qualify for a VA Survivors Pension if your spouse was a qualifying veteran and you have not remarried since their passing.
To be eligible, all of the following must apply:
- You have not remarried after the veteran’s death
- The veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- The veteran’s military service meets at least one of the following criteria:
One of these service conditions must be met:
- The veteran began active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served a minimum of 90 days, including at least one day during an eligible wartime period
- The veteran began active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months, or the full length of their active-duty orders (with some exceptions), with at least one day during a wartime period
- The veteran served as an officer, entered active duty after October 16, 1981, and had not previously completed 24 months of active service
You must also meet a financial requirement:
Your household income and net worth must fall within the limits established by Congress. Net worth includes savings, investments, and other assets, excluding your primary residence, vehicle, and most household belongings, after subtracting any outstanding debts.
To learn more about these options, visit our resource on assisted living for veterans and their spouses
How to apply for VA benefits for assisted living
Applying for VA benefits can feel complex, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help. Here is how to get started:
Veterans deserve support at every stage of life
If you or your loved one served our country, you may be entitled to support that can help make senior care more affordable and accessible. Whether you are planning for general care needs or looking specifically into dementia care, VA benefits for assisted living can provide meaningful financial relief.
Support is available. And the sooner you begin the process, the sooner you and your family can make confident decisions about what comes next. Call The Arbors and The Ivy today at 860.698.8613 to speak with a knowledgeable team member or complete our online form to schedule a visit at one of our communities.