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Medical & Money Eligibility for VA LTC Home Care & Aid & Attendance

Confirm your medical and money eligibility — this information is best brought to your VA PCP. VA home health care requires enrollment in VA Health Care and a clinical assessment showing a need for skilled nursing, physical therapy, or help with activities of daily living. Veterans must meet minimum duty requirements, and services are based on assessed needs and local availability.

Health Care Eligibility

Medical Eligibility: Activities of Daily Living

To qualify for programs like Homemaker and Home Health Aide, a veteran generally needs help with at least three (3) ADLs. Care is available to all enrolled veterans who meet clinical criteria; copays may apply based on your service-connected status. VA home health care is primarily based on clinical need, not your rating or income.

Bathing

Washing the body, getting in and out of the tub or shower, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Dressing

Selecting clothing and putting it on or taking it off, including fasteners and buttons.

Eating

Bringing food to the mouth and feeding oneself.

Toileting

Getting to and from the toilet, managing clothing, and maintaining proper hygiene.

Transferring / Mobility

Moving safely from one surface or position to another, such as from a bed to a chair.

Incontinence

Managing bladder and bowel functions and any associated supplies.

In addition to basic ADLs, the VA also assesses Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) — such as meal preparation, light housework, and medication management — to determine the level of home care required.

Aid & Attendance Pension: Asset Limits

You need limited assets, and you need to prove it with bank or financial statements, so keep all your receipts.

Cash Assets

Checking, savings, investments, life insurance, and other financial assets must be under $163,000. Home care through your VA PCP is still possible, but Aid & Attendance has an asset cap.

Physical Assets

One house and one car are allowed. If you own property larger than 2 acres, the portion over 2 acres may be sold to recoup care costs.

What You Need to Prove

Every program follows a different path, but with most things financial, you need to prove everything.

Spending Down Your Assets

VA LTC has a 3-year lookback, so anything given away in the last 3 years is recoupable. Pay off debt, and pay Fair Market Value for any products or services.

It is also helpful to consider all your mortgage options during this season, since your home is likely your most valuable asset.

Tools to Help You Spend Down

Funeral Expense Trust (FET)

For everyone getting on LTC Medicaid.

Medicaid-Compliant Annuity (MCA)

If you are moving into an LTC home.

Top 5 MCA Strategies

For financial professionals.

VA LTC Home Care Sign-Up Process

Ask a VSO to Help You

Every county has a VSO who helps veterans get set up on benefits. Use them, they are pretty nice folks.

Request Home Care from Your PCP/PACT Team

All VA-funded LTC home care is initiated by your VA PCP. Your Social Worker often helps get this going.

Hours Sent to Case Managers

The PACT team sends approved hours to regional Case Managers, who validate eligibility and set up VHA care.

Case Manager Assigns Your Provider

Your CM gives approved hours to your provider, who does an in-home assessment. Your CM selects one if you have no preference.

Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC)

For veterans with complex medical needs who have difficulty traveling to a clinic.

Veteran Resources

Caregiver Resources

Have Questions About Your Eligibility?

Reach out and someone will help you understand your medical and financial eligibility for VA long-term care.