The good news is that many veterans from the U.S. military — including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard — are eligible for in-home supportive care benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA).
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care. Veterans may qualify for personal home care or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:
U.S. military veterans may qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits or Community Care Network programs.
Aid and Attendance Benefits
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.
Veterans may qualify for “Housebound” benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. In most cases, benefits are paid directly to the veteran and added to their monthly pension.
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.
To apply for personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration, complete the 10-10EZ form and send it to the VA. Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and speak with a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can help with the application 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 necessary documentation.
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 sooner you start, the more you can avoid paying out-of-pocket for services while you await approval.
Visiting Angels is committed to supporting all older adults who want to age in place — including those who have served our country. Our professional caregivers provide veterans with much-needed in-home assistance such as:
Scheduling a free home care consultation with Visiting Angels is the first step toward connecting your loved one with the care they need. During the consultation, you can discuss whether they qualify for veterans’ benefits and how to apply.
Contact your Visiting Angels local home care office today to learn whether they accept Community Care Network Benefits for veterans or work with the Aid and Attendance Program.