Veterans Long-term Service and Support Benefits

The Veterans Administration (VA) pays for long-term care services for veterans with service-related disabilities. The VA also pays for certain other eligible veterans and other health programs such as nursing home care and at-home care for aging veterans with long-term services and supports needs.

The VA pays for veterans who do not have service-related disabilities but cannot pay for their care. Co-pays may apply depending on the veteran’s income level.

In planning for long-term services and supports, the country’s VA Medical Centers and Healthcare Systems work with Veterans and their survivors, as well as caregivers in a process called Shared Decision-Making (SDM); a collaborative process allowing Veterans and their providers to make health care decisions together, while taking into account the best scientific evidence available coupled with the Veteran’s values and preferences.

The following options are available to support the long-term service and support needs of Veterans and their survivors. Work with your healthcare provider to review availability in your area and any other details needed to access them.

In-home and Community-based Options for Veterans

Programs that help veterans stay in their homes include the following:

• Adult Day Health Care
• Home Based Primary Care
• Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care
• Hospice and Palliative Care
• Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)
• Respite Care
• Skilled Home Health Care
• Telehealth Care
• Veteran-Directed Care (called Veteran-Directed Home Services in Washington State)

Residential Settings:

When staying at home is not possible, several alternatives to a nursing home are available:

• Community Residential Care
• Medical Foster Homes
• Adult Family Homes
• Assisted Living

Nursing Homes:

Some individuals need care only available in a nursing facility. The options include the following:

• Community Nursing Homes
• State Veterans Homes
• Community Living Centers

Pension Supplement Options to Pay for Care:

Aid & Attendance (AA) and Housebound pension allowances increase the pension amount of veterans and survivors eligible and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound.

For more information on Aid & Attendance (AA) and Housebound, including specific eligibility criteria and how to apply, click here.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatric and Extended Care: this website provides information on the full range of long-term services and supports available through the VA as well as decision-making tools and supports.
• Veterans Administration Healthcare Services Locations a map with locations where Veterans can receive healthcare.
• VA Healthcare Systems and Medical Centers Serving Washington State:
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System (American Lake and Seattle, WA)
• Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center (Walla Walla, WA)
• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (Spokane, WA)
• VA Portland Health Care System - Vancouver Campus (Vancouver, WA)
• Veterans Choice Program: You may be able to receive non-VA healthcare rather than waiting for an appointment or traveling to a VA facility.
• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs