Residences Senior Living qualifies for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance benefit based on the level of care provided in our Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. Both locations are state-licensed and offer 24/7 on-site nursing availability, ensuring residents receive ongoing monitoring, medical support, and assistance with daily living needs.
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit if they meet certain military service, medical, and financial criteria. Eligibility generally requires wartime service with an honorable discharge, at least 90 days of active duty with one day during a recognized wartime period, and a demonstrated need for assistance with daily activities or medical care.
Families are encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs directly at 800-827-1000 with questions. The VA can provide guidance and direct you through the application process. These services are free when completed through the VA. While there are also private, paid services that assist with preparing applications, they do charge a fee and are optional.
Once approved, VA Aid and Attendance benefits are retroactive. This means the applicant must already be living in a senior living community or receiving qualifying care in order to receive benefits. After approval, the VA issues retroactive payments directly to the veteran or surviving spouse to help cover eligible care costs already incurred.
If VA benefits are needed to make a move to Residences Senior Living possible, there are options to consider. Families often provide short-term financial support while waiting for approval. In some cases, veterans and families also utilize a short-term “bridge loan” to cover care costs until retroactive benefits are received. Aid & Attendance payments are paid directly to the veteran or surviving spouse, who is responsible for paying care providers.
2026 Changes for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Aid & Attendance benefit rates are reviewed annually and adjusted based on the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Updated rates take effect December 1 each year and remain in place through November 30 of the following year.
Recent changes for 2026 include updates to financial thresholds and maximum benefit amounts (outlined on our flyer), as well as important clarification regarding asset transfer rules, which directly impact seniors considering assisted living.
The VA has increased the net worth “bright-line” limit—which includes countable assets plus annual income—to $163,699 through November 30, 2026. This higher threshold allows more seniors to qualify for benefits while still preserving some personal savings.
Additional financial considerations include:
• A 36-month look-back period for asset transfers made below fair market value
• Asset transfers intended to qualify for benefits may result in a penalty period during which benefits are delayed
• A primary residence and one vehicle are generally excluded when calculating net worth
Unreimbursed Medical Expenses (UME) play a critical role in determining eligibility for assisted living residents. A significant portion of assisted living expenses—including room, board, and care services—may be deducted from total income. As a result, even applicants with higher gross income often still qualify once care costs are factored in.
Applicants whose care costs exceed 5% of the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) may use those expenses to further reduce countable income.
The most detailed and up-to-date charts—including military pension information, Aid & Attendance rates, and dependent scenarios—are available on VA.gov.
The bottom line: contact the VA early, ask questions, and seek help calculating financial eligibility. Involving family members and financial advisors can also uncover options and strategies you may not have previously considered
