An estimated 18 million military veterans live in the United States, representing about 6% of the population. Almost 50% are over the age of 65. VA benefits for senior veterans include various assistance programs, such as health care, disability compensation, VA pensions, and VA nursing home care.
Health care
Veterans who served in the military on active duty and received an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge may be eligible for VA health care, which includes medical benefits like:
- Health exams
- Education
- Immunizations
- Medical treatment
- Surgery
- Kidney dialysis
- Acute care
- Palliative care
- Hospice care
Other services include:
- Home-based primary care for veterans requiring health services at home.
- Adult day health care for veterans needing assistance with daily living activities.
To be approved for VA health care, individuals must have completed active military duty with any discharge status except dishonorable. There is also specific service requirements based on their enlistment or entry date. Additionally, members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty may also be eligible for VA health care.
The 2022 PACT Act has expanded VA health care benefits to veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other chemical and toxic substances, as well as veterans of the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11. This expansion includes the addition of 20 presumptive conditions and toxic exposure screening for every veteran enrolled in the system.
It’s important to note that a presumptive condition is a health condition that the VA automatically assumes was caused by military service.
Upon enrolling in the VA health care system, veterans will be assigned to one of eight priority groups based on their military service, disability status, income, and Medicaid eligibility.
Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits online, by phone, or by mail.
Disability Compensation
Disability Compensation is a tax-exempt monthly stipend administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for qualifying veterans. This form of compensation is accessible to individuals who incurred illness or injury during military service or whose service aggravated a preexisting condition.
When a veteran’s disability is directly attributable to their military service, it is designated as a service-connected disability. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, the VA may extend benefits to surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of disabled veterans.
The application process for Disability Compensation entails a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess the impact of the veteran’s condition on their daily life and work capacity. This evaluation is a critical phase in the process, as it serves as the foundation for the veteran’s disability rating, which subsequently determines the level of compensation for which they qualify.
Some of the ways you can apply for VA Disability Compensation include working with an accredited VA representative or submitting your claim by mail.
VA Pension Benefits
The VA offers a basic monthly pension, referred to as Veterans Pension, to veterans who served during wartime and are 65 years old or older and who meet specific income and net worth criteria. Surviving spouses can receive a similar benefit known as a Survivor’s Pension.
If you are housebound or need the regular assistance of another person, you may qualify for additional benefits like Aid and Attendance.
Aid and Attendance
Aid and Attendance is a monthly monetary compensation program designed for veterans and spouses who require regular assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. This financial support can help offset the costs of home care, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and adult daycare. Importantly, the Aid and Attendance benefit is tax-free and does not require repayment.
Aid and Attendance benefit is available to veterans who served during wartime and are aged 65 or older; however, a veteran’s surviving spouse can qualify at any age provided they were married to the veteran for at least a year and were married at the time of the veteran’s passing without remarrying.
Veterans under 65 can receive the benefit if they have a permanent and total disability, are patients in a nursing home for long-term care due to a disability or receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
Monthly VA Pension with Aid & Attendance Amounts:
Surviving Spouse $1,478 Monthly / $17,743 Annually
Single Veteran $2,300 Monthly / $27,609 Annually
Married Veteran $2,727 Monthly / $32,729 Annually
Two Vets Married $3,649 Monthly / $43,791 Annually
With Aid and Attendance, you can hire your own home caregiver, with the flexibility to choose a family member (except the veteran’s spouse), friend, or professional caregiver. This caregiver does not need to have any specific certification or license, and they also don’t have to live with the veteran. You can also choose your own assisted living or skilled nursing facility.
Aid and Attendance can help a veteran or spouse stay at home longer or move to an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility where they can get the care that they need.
To find our more information about Aid and Attendance, contact one of our benefit consultants at (877) 427-8065
VA Nursing Facility Care
Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes are known as Community Living Centers, and there are 100’s of them located across the United States. These centers provide short-term care for most veterans, but some veterans may live in these facilities permanently. Additionally, the VA contracts with community nursing homes to provide care for veterans, and there are also State Veterans homes operated by state governments.
To be eligible for a VA nursing home, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health care system, have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge, and the VA will also consider the veteran’s service-connected disability status and income. If the veteran does not have a service-connected disability, admission to the facility may be possible if there is an available bed, though criteria can vary by state.
