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| Quick Answer: There isn’t one single VA “home care benefit.” The two most common programs are VA Aid and Attendance, an increased monthly pension for qualifying veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities, and VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide care, for veterans enrolled in VA health care who meet clinical criteria. Eligibility differs for each, so the best first step is to gather your documents and talk to an accredited Veterans Service Officer. |
If you have a veteran family member and are considering home care, explore the home care benefits available to them.
Old age makes daily life more difficult, and when your loved ones have specific aid benefits available, you should not let the opportunity pass.
This blog discusses veteran home care benefits in detail. Whether you are exploring veterans care options for yourself, a family member, or a friend, this blog will help.
There isn’t one single VA “home care benefit.” Instead, multiple programs are available for veterans, their spouses, and families.
Two common options are:
Because eligibility and coverage differ, families should determine which program suits their needs.
VA Aid and Attendance home care benefits are additional monthly payments available to certain veterans and survivors who already qualify for a VA pension.
VA has specific eligibility requirements, and the person should need assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Eligibility can also apply in certain cases involving significant vision limitations, nursing home residence due to disability, or being largely confined to bed because of illness.
Importantly, Aid and Attendance is not automatically available to every veteran who needs home care. Veterans must satisfy the underlying pension requirements as well as the additional Aid and Attendance criteria.
The financial benefit can help pay for care-related expenses.
This program is designed for veterans who need assistance with personal care and activities of daily living. Only organizations that contract with the VA can provide care services.
Depending on assessed needs and local availability, caregivers help with:
The caregiving schedule can include daily assistance or a few times a week. This program also has different eligibility requirements than VA Aid.
Eligibility varies by benefit.
For the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program, veterans need to be enrolled in VA health care, meet clinical criteria, qualify for community care, and have the service available locally.
For Aid and Attendance, the veteran must qualify for VA pension and meet additional requirements related to their need for assistance or qualifying medical circumstances.
A military service record doesn’t automatically make someone eligible for veterans benefits.
Consult a VA social worker or accredited Veterans Service Officer to help determine which programs apply in your case.
Expert insight
“The paperwork is where most families stall, not the eligibility itself. I tell people to start by gathering the basics, service record, income, assets, medical expenses, and then sit down with a Veterans Service Officer before filling out anything. A little preparation up front saves months of back and forth later.”
Lydia Gibson, who leads ComForCare South Jersey with over 20 years of clinical experience
The answer depends upon which benefit you are applying for.
Aid and Attendance is connected to VA pension benefits. A veteran who isn’t already receiving a pension needs to apply for a pension as part of the process.
Use VA Form 21P-527EZ to apply for Veterans Pension. If seeking Aid and Attendance, one should also submit VA Form 21-2680, which provides information about the need for regular assistance or housebound status.
You must have the following information:
Providing complete and accurate information helps speed up the process.
The veteran must enroll in VA health care first to access health care and home-based services. Enrollment uses VA Form 10-10EZ.
Once enrolled, a veteran can speak with their VA healthcare team or social worker about home and community-based services. The VA assesses the individual’s clinical needs to determine the right assistance.
You don’t have to navigate the process alone.
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs operates Veterans Service Offices throughout the state, including offices serving South Jersey counties. Accredited Veterans Service Officers can help veterans and their families understand federal and state programs and navigate benefit applications.
Veterans can also work with a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization when filing claims.
Professional caregivers provide support with activities such as personal care, grooming, mobility, meal preparation, and other tasks, depending on the program and individual care plan.
Home care can also benefit family caregivers. When a spouse or adult child has been handling most caregiving responsibilities, additional assistance provides needed respite and makes the overall care arrangement more sustainable.
Remember that VA-authorized benefits are based on needs and program rules, not merely eligibility or veteran status. Based on those needs, VA approves a set number of caregiving hours.
If you or a loved one is a veteran and exploring veteran home care benefits, the first step is to gather your documents and information. For additional assistance, you can consult a Veterans Service Officer. Remember, only a VA-contracted care agency can provide veteran care services.
ComForCare Home Care in South Jersey is a member of the VA Community Care Network. We work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to deliver eligible veterans the care they earned. You can read more about our veterans home care services.
“Excellence support from the office and clinical staff. The caregivers were outstanding. Dependable, on time, very caring. The fees are reasonable, and the service is excellent. Certainly angels sent from HEAVEN!”
— Peggy Perkins-Fricks, via Google Reviews
Call us at (856) 238-1491 or contact us for more information about our in-home veteran care services.
Does the VA pay for home care for veterans?
Yes, eligible veterans can receive certain VA-funded in-home care services or financial benefits that can help with care expenses.
What is VA Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is an additional VA pension benefit for eligible veterans and survivors who need help with everyday activities.
How do I apply for VA home care benefits?
Contact the veteran’s VA healthcare team or a VA-accredited representative to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
Can VA benefits pay for a private caregiver?
It depends on the specific VA benefit and provider. Veterans should confirm coverage with the VA before arranging private home care.
What can in-home care help veterans with?
Depending on eligibility, services may include bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, meals, and other daily activities.
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