As the number of aging veterans grows nationwide, so does the need for senior care. The financial aspects can be the biggest challenge for them and their families, and they may feel their only options are assisted living or a nursing home.

Many older adults who served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War aren’t aware they may be eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits.

These valuable benefits help them age in place in a comfortable, familiar environment—their own home. And, in some instances, these benefits may include respite care to give the spouse who tends to be the primary caregiver, a break. 

At Visiting Angels Gilroy®, our compassionate caregivers are blessed to serve those who served our country. Learn more about the benefits your loved one may be eligible for and the personalized, non-medical in-home senior care services we offer. 

Who Qualifies For Veterans Benefits for Elderly Care?

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care services. Veterans may qualify for in-home personal care for seniors or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:

• Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable.
• Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.
• Service-connected disability: Veterans may qualify if they have a service-connected disability rated by the VA as 70% or more disabling, or they have a 60% disability rating with an additional rating of 40% or more for a separate condition. 
• Non-Service-connected disability: For veterans without a service-connected disability, they may still qualify if they have a combined disability rating of 70% or more and are considered permanently and totally disabled. This rating is determined by the VA evaluation of the veteran’s condition. 
• Need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Veterans must require assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and transferring. The need for assistance is usually assessed by a VA healthcare professional.
• Homebound status: Veterans who are substantially confined to their homes due to a disability or illness may qualify for home care benefits. Homebound status is determined by a VA healthcare professional. 

U.S. military veterans may also qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs. Here’s how each program works.

What Is Aid and Attendance?

The VA's Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments for qualified veterans and survivors to help with daily living activities. In most cases, the benefits are paid directly to the veteran through their monthly VA pension.

How Does a Veteran Qualify for Aid and Attendance?

Veterans who receive a VA pension may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they need help with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. The veteran’s income must be below a certain threshold set by the VA. The veteran’s countable assets, excluding primary resident and personal belongings, must be below a certain limit set by the VA. The asset limits can vary based on factors such as the veteran’s age, financial situation and the cost of living in the area where he/she resides. We recommend contacting your local Veterans Affairs office for more information. 

Can the Spouse of a Veteran Get Aid and Attendance?

Yes, as long as qualification and income criteria are met, and you need help with daily activities. We recommend contacting your local Veterans Affairs for more information.

How Much Is Aid and Attendance in 2024?

These figures represent the maximum benefit amounts for 2024. The amount you'll receive varies based on your household and your income. 

• Surviving spouse: $1,478 monthly, or $17,743 annually.
• Single veteran: $2,300 monthly, or $27,609 annually.
• Veteran and spouse: $2,727 monthly, or $32,729 annually.

 

What Can Aid and Attendance Money Be Used For?

Your loved one's benefits can be used for a variety of in-home senior care services, including:

• Senior home care
• Personal care
• Alzheimer's care
• Dementia care
• Transitional care
• Palliative care
• End-of-life care
• Fall prevention

What Is the Difference Between Aid and Attendance and Housebound?

Veterans may qualify for “Housebound” benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. Note: You can't receive Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time. 

How Do I Get Aid and Attendance and Attendance Approval?

Families can apply for personal care benefits by completing the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the VA: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329. To apply online, go to https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and ask to speak to a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can assist veterans with their applications and answer questions about the program.

You must provide identification and documentation of your loved one’s veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents. Your VA service coordinator can provide more information about the documents you must provide with your application.

The best time to apply for home care benefits through the VA is before your loved one needs to use them. Application processing times can be lengthy, and the application should be started as soon as possible to avoid paying out of pocket for in-home care while you wait for approval.

Community Care Network benefits

Veterans who qualify for Community Care Network benefits may be eligible for assistance with home health care costs. Qualified veterans will be assigned to a service care coordinator, who will determine how many hours per week the veteran requires care and will help the family connect with caregivers in their area. Community Care Network benefits are paid directly to partner organizations.

Visiting Angels Gilroy is proud to be a Choice Provider for Veterans Affairs. Our caregivers undergo special training to assist veterans suffering from PTSD and anxiety disorders. 

We're also involved in events in the community that help veterans, including PGA Hope, which offers free adaptive golf lessons through a seven-week program specially designed for veterans. The program helps residents from Morgan Hill and surrounding communities connect with other veterans, enjoy the outdoors and engage in a fun, social and safe environment.  

Request a Free, In-Home Consultation from Visiting Angels Today

Visiting Angels is committed to supporting all older adults who want to age in place. We would be honored to assist those who have served our country. Professional caregivers assist with personal care tasks, including grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.

Calling our office at 408-846-2988 to discuss your need(s) is highly recommended. At that time, we could also guide you through the application process. After the initial conversation and you wish to work with Visiting Angels, it is important that you let the VA know you would like to work with our team. Once you are approved - an introductory visit and assessment will be scheduled and soon after, the start of service can occur! 

During the consultation, you can also discuss whether your loved one qualifies for veterans’ benefits and how to apply.

Get in touch with our team today by calling 408-846-2988 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or emailing dorie@visitingangels.com to discuss how our team can benefit your loved one today! We look forward to hearing from you.