Many caregivers and older adults are concerned about senior living and long-term care costs. These expenses can consume a large portion of a senior’s monthly income, even for those who believed they had saved enough. How individuals pay for senior care depends on their financial situation and the types of services they need. Seniors and their families often rely on a combination of funding sources, such as personal savings, pensions or retirement accounts, social security, investment income, or proceeds from selling a home.
Each year, our nation celebrates our veterans with numerous observances to keep their service and sacrifice top of mind. But beyond remembrance, the United States is committed to supporting veterans, especially as they age and require care. For the more than 10 million war veterans living in the U.S., and their spouses, a little-known Veterans Affairs benefit called Aid and Attendance can significantly offset the cost of home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.
With many military bases located in Colorado, it’s no surprise that veterans choose to retire on the western slope of Colorado, and as they age, many have successfully accessed this valuable benefit.
Aid and Attendance Benefit Details
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to the regular VA pension for eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities due to disability, illness, or age.
The benefit extends to veterans of the Iraq Gulf War, the Korean and Vietnam wars, World War II, and even members of the American Merchant Marines who served during the 1940s. The benefit often extends to surviving spouses as well.
Monthly benefit amounts vary from approximately $1,500 for a surviving spouse needing care to about $2,800 for a veteran and spouse who require assistance. These funds can greatly help defray the cost of assisted living, which can range from $3,500 to $10,000 a month, depending on location and type of community, according to assistedliving.org.
The supplemental funding of the Aid and Attendance benefit helps cover the cost of assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. It can be used for care provided at home, assisted living communities, or skilled nursing facilities.
Veterans or their families can apply for Aid and Attendance by completing VA Form 21-2680, providing the required medical documentation showing a need for assistance, and submitting this to the VA Pension Management Center. Applications can be submitted online through the VA website, in person at a VA office, or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer.
Several residents at Crossroads of Delta, including veterans and their spouses, have taken advantage of this important benefit.
If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit – just like several of our proud veteran residents who have served our nation – talk to our team at Crossroads at Delta. They can answer questions and help guide you. To contact the Crossroads at Delta team, call 970-874-1421 or visit crossroadsdelta.com.
DISCLAIMER: Crossroads at Delta cannot determine eligibility for veterans’ benefits; only the Veterans Administration can determine applicant eligibility.
