There are very few veterans assisted living communities in California. But…there is still good news.
If you have been in the military or have been married to someone in the military, you may be entitled to a veterans pension that could help pay for care.
And this little know pension may help pay for care in your own home, or in any licensed assisted living.
This veterans pension is called Aid & Attendance. It’s part of the VA’s Disability and Death Pension programs. It’s also called the Veterans Improved Pension.
In 2021, the VA Aid & Attendance benefit may pay up to:
- Married Veteran: $2,295/month
- Single Veteran: $1,936/month
- Surviving Spouse: $1,244/month
The 2021 asset limit is $138,489 plus a primary residence. (The home must be protected in a Veterans asset protection trust.)
Qualifications for Aid & Attendance to Pay For Assisted Living
To qualify:
*You must be a veteran of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines, or Navy.
*You must be 65 years of age or older.
*You must have been in active duty military service for 90 consecutive days, during which at least one day of that service was during a period of conflict.
*You do not need to have been in combat, and your need for care does not have to be service related. But you can’t have been dishonorably discharged.
*You must need the help or care of another person to assist you with functions of everyday living, be bedridden, be in a nursing facility long term, or have limited vision.
*Care can be in your home or in a care facility, and can be provided by a licensed professional or by a family member.
*Financial criteria to determine eligibility is not a set amount. Instead, the amount of the pension will be based upon the amount a veteran, or their spouse, is able to pay versus how much that care actually costs.
How Do I Apply For VA Assistance?
There are only two approaches to applying to receive VA Aid & Attendance…to apply on your own or to get professional help.
A good place to start is at the San Diego’s veteran’s affairs office.
And the page to apply is here.
If you don’t find the help you need here, and/or if you have assets that may disqualify you from receiving the benefit, you may want to get help from a accredited VA Aid & Attendance specialist.
These professionals will most often be attorneys, claims agents or veteran service organization representatives. Many accredited agents are in the legal and financial fields. Be sure you fully understand the nature of the service being performed for you in conjunction with the application (if any).
Also be sure you fully understand and accept any fee required in connection with this service. There are legal requirements regarding fees charged to assist with an Aid & Attendance application.
Please contact Elder Answers if you have questions about the VA Aid & Attendance pension, or if you’re looking for an assisted living facility of any kind. We can help with that.
Is there a San Diego Veterans Assisted Living Facility?
Veterans assisted living homes are limited in California. The only one in San Diego County is in Chula Vista.
(But remember, Aid & Attendance can help pay for ANY licensed assisted living facility.)
Also, the VA does not manage the state veterans homes, so the National Association of State Veterans Homes provides oversight of the facility.
State veteran homes are all surveyed annually to make sure they meet VA standards. The Chula Vista facility provides assisted living care and skilled nursing care.
The VA may help pay for necessary support services in your loved one’s home. Ask your local VA office or VA physician for more details.
