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How Do You Qualify for Veterans’ Assisted Living Benefits?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
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Gene Altaffer has a Masters in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and has worked in many avenues along the continuum of long-term care, assisting thousands of clients and their families since 1995. He also sold long-term care insurance from numerous carriers while also assisting families with retirement planning. Gene helps seniors navigate their Medicare plans, ensuring they understand their benefits and options.
You qualify for veterans’ assisted living benefits through the Aid and Attendance program if a doctor certifies that you need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and toileting. You must also have health insurance through the Veterans Administration and live either at a VA assisted living center or a VA-approved independent or state facility.
How do you apply for veterans’ assisted living benefits?
You apply for veterans’ assisted living benefits by visiting the VA regional office in your area. You’ll need to bring a completed copy of VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). In addition, bring a certified statement from your physician detailing the help you need with daily activities, information about your routine and medical records describing why you need assistance.
If you don’t want to go in person, mail your paperwork to the Pension Management Center in your state.
What other benefits does the VA offer senior service members?
The VA offers a range of benefits to senior service members. Veterans, spouses and survivors qualify for programs that pay for higher education, pension payments and disability compensation. The VA website allows veterans to apply for various benefits and check their application status online. The agency also offers advice about how to pay for long-term care and access community resources and life insurance programs.