Can veterans get help paying for long-term care?

Yes — eligible veterans and their surviving spouses have options beyond private insurance and Medicaid.

• VA long-term care services. The VA provides care through its own nursing homes (community living centers), home-based care, and adult day programs for veterans who qualify by service-connection and need.
• Aid & Attendance (A&A). This is an enhanced monthly pension for wartime veterans (and surviving spouses) who need help with the activities of daily living. Eligibility depends on qualifying wartime service, and on income and net-worth limits — and there is now a three-year look-back on asset transfers.

Applications go through the VA, and a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will help you apply for free — you should never have to pay someone to file a VA benefits claim.

General information only. This is educational and not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules and products vary and change — confirm the specifics with a licensed professional.