Paying for Care
VA Benefits for Assisted Living
If your loved one is a wartime veteran or the surviving spouse of one, they may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit — up to $2,431/month that can be used to pay for assisted living, memory care, or in-home care. Phoenix has a large veteran population and many facilities experienced with VA benefits.
What Is Aid & Attendance?
Aid & Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced VA pension benefit for wartime veterans (or their surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities. It provides a monthly tax-free payment that can be used for any type of senior care: assisted living, memory care, in-home care, or nursing home.
This benefit is in addition to any other VA disability or pension benefits. It's also not counted as income for ALTCS (Arizona Medicaid) eligibility — meaning you can potentially use both VA benefits AND ALTCS together.
Eligibility Requirements
Military Service Requirements
- •Served at least 90 days of active duty
- •At least 1 day during a wartime period
- •Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Qualifying Wartime Periods
Medical Need
Must meet at least one:
- •Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- •Bedridden or largely confined to home
- •Residing in a nursing home or assisted living
- •Legal blindness or near-blindness
Financial Limits (2026)
| Net worth limit (assets + annual income) | ~$155,356 |
| Primary home | Excluded from net worth |
| One vehicle | Excluded from net worth |
| Medical expenses | Deducted from income |
Assisted living costs are deducted as medical expenses, which can help you qualify even if your income appears too high.
How to Apply
Gather military records
You'll need DD-214 (discharge papers), marriage certificate (for surviving spouses), and death certificate (for survivors). Request records from the National Personnel Records Center if needed.
Collect medical evidence
Doctor's statement of care needs, assisted living facility records, or a letter from a caregiver describing daily assistance required.
Complete financial documentation
Bank statements, investment accounts, income sources (Social Security, pension), and current medical expenses including care costs.
Submit VA Form 21-2680
This is the 'Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid & Attendance' form, completed by a physician.
File the claim
Submit through a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services offers free assistance.
Processing Time: 3-6 Months
VA claims typically take 3-6 months to process. Apply as soon as possible — benefits are retroactive to the date of application, so your loved one will receive back-pay for the processing period.
Phoenix Area VA Resources
Phoenix VA Medical Center
650 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
Free claims assistance — dvs.az.gov
Maricopa County Veterans Service Office
Free benefits counseling — (602) 506-3954
Luke Air Force Base
Active-duty and retiree services
FAQ
Can I use VA benefits AND ALTCS together?
Yes. VA Aid & Attendance is not counted as income for ALTCS eligibility. Many Arizona families use both programs together — ALTCS covers the base assisted living cost, and A&A covers personal expenses and any gaps. This combination can make care essentially free.
My parent wasn't in combat. Do they qualify?
Yes — you do not need combat experience. You need active duty service during a wartime period, but you did not need to deploy overseas or see combat. Many veterans who served stateside during Korea or Vietnam qualify.
Can surviving spouses get Aid & Attendance?
Yes. Surviving spouses of wartime veterans can receive up to $1,318/month if they meet the medical and financial requirements. The veteran must have been eligible at the time of death (or would have been eligible).
Does Aid & Attendance affect my Social Security?
No. VA Aid & Attendance is tax-free and does not count as income for Social Security, tax purposes, or most other benefit programs.
Find VA-Friendly Assisted Living in Phoenix
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