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Do Veterans Benefits Fully Cover Assisted Living Services?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
No, veterans benefits don’t fully cover assisted living services. Indeed, no VA benefit specifically covers assisted living. Qualifying individuals receive financial help, which they may use for assisted living expenses, but they must also pay toward their monthly fees. Eligibility criteria, covered services and benefit awards vary among programs.
Assisted living costs
The median monthly cost of assisted living in the United States is $4,500. This rate differs widely depending on location, amenities and services. Per the National Council on Aging, fees typically comprise several elements, split into add-on care package fees and base charges — for room and board, communal amenities, social programming. Moreover, as seniors’ needs change, costs increase.
Monthly rates sometimes include utilities, Wi-Fi and TV. Additionally, communities often include scheduled transportation, personal laundry and emergency alert systems in base rates, although they may detail these services as add-ons. Many facilities also have supplemental pay-per-use charges for services such as chartered transportation, salon treatments and excursions.
Veterans benefits and programs for assisted living
No VA benefit specifically covers assisted living. Instead, senior veterans or their spouses who receive VA pensions or survivors’ pensions and need help with everyday activities may qualify for a supplemental payment called Aid and Attendance benefit. It covers support costs but doesn’t pay toward bed or board.
The Veteran Directed Care program operates in some areas, providing financial aid for personal care and help with daily tasks. Qualifying individuals can live in various settings, including assisted living communities. Similarly, the Community Residential Care program is available to eligible seniors in VA-approved assisted living facilities. The program supports those who can’t live alone due to medical or psychiatric issues but don’t require more intensive nursing facility services.
Other ways to pay for assisted living
Veterans must generally use various financial resources to pay for assisted living. Alongside VA pensions and benefits, many individuals use income from state benefits or private pensions. Other options include savings, long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages and help from family.