Military-connected individuals may utilize the following VA benefits for assisted living expenses and associated costs:

• VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Assisted living for veterans, veteran spouses, and surviving spouses may be paid for with money from the Aid and Attendance benefit, which is a special rating related to VA and Survivors Pensions. This benefit is a monthly payment added onto an existing VA or Survivors Pension.

•   Even if you don’t qualify for the Aid and Attendance rating, you may be able to qualify for the monthly pension designed for eligible low-income veterans. The money from this benefit can be spent at the discretion of the recipient. It’s important to note that a VA pension is not the same as military retiree pay, which may require 20 years of service under the legacy High-3 system. However, military retiree pay can be another way to pay for assisted living outside of VA benefits.

• Survivors Pension. Similar to the VA Pension, the Survivors Pension offers a tax-free pension to low-income surviving spouses or other dependents. Payments are typically based on financial need, the veteran’s wartime service, and other factors.

• VA disability compensation. This is a monthly tax-free payment made to veterans who became sick or injured during their time in the military or who had an existing condition that was worsened by their military service. This benefit is not based on financial need. Veterans may choose to spend this payment however they choose, including paying for assisted living.

• VA health benefits. Through VA health benefit, sick or disabled veterans may have access to select long-term care services that may be received in an assisted living community. Some of these long-term care services may be covered by the standard health benefits available through VA health care for enrolled veterans. Copays, other fees, and other coverage restrictions may apply.