When it comes to honoring those who served our country, ensuring they receive quality care shouldn’t be a financial burden. At Gurwin Healthcare System, we’ve helped countless Long Island families navigate VA benefits to make exceptional care more accessible and affordable. Yet many families don’t realize that significant financial assistance is available. In fact, only about 5% of eligible veterans take advantage of these benefits, representing billions in unused assistance.
Whether your veteran loved one needs our adult day health program, home care services, or assisted living, understanding VA Aid and Attendance benefits can make a meaningful difference in your family’s ability to access the care they deserve.
This article will walk you through everything your family needs to know about VA benefits for senior care on Long Island, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, the application process, and how Gurwin can support you every step of the way.
Understanding VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit provides monthly, tax-free income to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who need assistance with daily living activities. Unlike service-connected disability compensation, this benefit helps veterans regardless of whether their conditions are related to military service.
What makes this benefit particularly valuable for Long Island families is its flexibility. These funds can help cover the costs of various types of care as your loved one’s needs change over time.
Gurwin Services Are Covered by VA Benefits
We accept VA Aid and Attendance benefits that your veteran family member can use for:
Home Care Services
Our award-winning home care allows your loved one to receive professional care in the comfort of their own home. VA benefits can help cover the costs of our skilled nursing services, personal care assistance from certified home health aides, and companion services. Whether your family needs four hours of care per day or 24/7 support, we’re here to help.
Adult Day Care
Our adult day health medical model program provides supervised, engaging environments during business hours. This service offers both care for your veteran loved one and respite for family caregivers.
Assisted Living
Our Long Island assisted living community provides the perfect balance of independence and support for veterans who can manage some daily activities on their own but benefit from assistance and a secure, caring environment. VA Aid and Attendance benefits can help cover the costs of our assisted living services, where your loved one can enjoy their own apartment while receiving personalized care, nutritious meals, engaging activities, and 24-hour support from our compassionate staff.
Memory Care
For veterans with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, our specialized memory care provides a secure environment with specially-trained staff. Our award-winning Immersion Room technology and comprehensive dementia care programs honor your loved one’s service with the dignified, person-centered care they deserve.
Important to note: While VA benefits don’t directly pay for room and board, the monthly pension funds can be used however your family chooses, including for rent, care services, and additional amenities.
2025 VA Aid and Attendance Benefit Amounts
As of December 1, 2024, the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increased the Maximum Annual Pension Rates by 2.5%, providing enhanced financial support for eligible veterans and their families on Long Island.
The maximum monthly VA Aid and Attendance benefits for 2025 are:
- Single Veteran: Up to $2,358 monthly
- Married Veteran (who requires care): Up to $2,795 monthly
- Surviving Spouse: Up to $1,515 monthly
- Veteran with spouse who requires care: Up to $1,851 monthly
These amounts represent the maximum benefit. The actual monthly amount awarded depends on your family’s countable income (including Social Security and other retirement income) minus unreimbursed medical expenses. Our admissions team can help you understand how these benefits might apply to your specific situation.
Who Qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance?
To qualify for VA Aid and Attendance benefits, your loved one must meet three main criteria, what we call the “3 Ms”: Military service, Medical need and Money (financial requirements). Let’s walk through each one together.
Military Service Requirements
Your veteran family member must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period. It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean combat service as the requirement is simply service during wartime, not service in a combat zone.
Recognized wartime periods include:
- World War II: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: November 1, 1955 to May 7, 1975 (for in-country service); August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 (for other locations)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to a future date set by law
Your loved one must also have received an honorable or general discharge.
For Surviving Spouses
If you’re the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may qualify for benefits. The spouse could have married the veteran after their service, and the only marital requirement is that you were either currently married at the time of the veteran’s death, married at least one year before their death, or have not remarried since divorcing.
Medical Need Requirements
Your loved one may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if they need help with daily activities. The need for assistance must be verified by medical evidence using VA Form 21-2680, which your doctor can complete.
Your loved one qualifies if they:
- Need another person to help perform daily activities like bathing, feeding, or dressing
- Have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed due to illness
- Are receiving care in a nursing home due to loss of mental or physical abilities
- Have limited eyesight
Financial Requirements
From December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, the net worth limit to qualify for VA pension benefits, including Aid and Attendance, is $159,240. Your net worth includes countable assets plus annual income.
Important exclusions that the VA does not count:
- Your primary residence
- Personal belongings
- Your vehicle
- Certain life insurance policies
It’s important to understand that medical expenses are deducted from gross income when calculating eligibility. This means even if your loved one has a relatively high income, significant medical expenses, including the cost of care at Gurwin, can lower countable income and potentially make them eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Applying for VA Aid and Attendance benefits can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our admissions team has helped countless families through this journey. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
Before starting your application, collect the following documents. Our team can help you identify what you have and what you still need:
Military records:
- DD-214 or discharge papers showing wartime service
Financial documents:
- Bank statements (typically the last 3 months)
- Investment accounts and retirement account statements
- Property valuations
Income documentation:
- Social Security statements
- Pension statements
- Any other income sources
Medical records:
- Doctor’s statements documenting need for assistance with daily activities
Care expenses:
- Documentation of current or anticipated senior care costs
- In-home care expenses
- Health insurance premiums
Additional documents (if applicable):
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate (for surviving spouses)
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
The Aid and Attendance application consists of two primary forms:
- Form 21P-527EZ for veterans applying to receive the benefit
- Form 21P-534EZ for surviving spouses of veterans
Additionally, you’ll need to complete:
- VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) – your doctor can complete the examination section
- VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information) – if your loved one is in our skilled nursing facilities
Step 3: Submit Your Application
By Mail
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
In Person
You can bring your information to a VA regional office near you. Use the VA Location Finder to find your nearest office.
Step 4: Understanding the Timeline and Planning Ahead
On average, approval takes between 9 to 12 months from the time you file the application. However, if approved, benefits are paid retroactively to your original filing date, meaning you’ll receive back pay for those months of waiting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over our 35+ years of experience helping Long Island families access VA benefits, we’ve seen these common pitfalls.
Submitting an Incomplete Application
Most families searching online will find a simple three-page form requesting a doctor’s attestation, but a complete Aid and Attendance claim actually requires dozens of pages, statements, affidavits, and forms. Make sure to answer all questions, using “N/A” if a question doesn’t apply to your situation.
Listing Past Expenses Instead of Future Estimates
An initial Pension application is based on income estimates, asset estimates, and medical expense estimates beginning the month of application and extending 12 months into the future. The VA wants to know your anticipated expenses going forward, not what you’ve already paid.
Not Including All Household Medical Expenses
Combined household medical expenses are used, not just those of the veteran. If you’re married, include your spouse’s medical costs as well. This could include costs for care or other medical expenses.
Forgetting the Authorization Form
If you’re filing for your loved one and need to oversee the application process, be sure to include VA form 21-0845 (Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party). Without this authorization, the VA cannot discuss the application with you.
Missing the Look-Back Period
The VA enforces a 36-month look-back period to ensure assets weren’t transferred simply to meet the net worth limit. Improper transfers may result in a penalty period. Be cautious of schemes that promise to help you transfer assets to qualify, as these can disqualify your family from benefits.
Important Information for Families to Know
You Can Reapply If Initially Denied
Aid and Attendance eligibility can change as your loved one’s medical needs evolve and financial circumstances shift. If your family wasn’t approved in the past, you can reapply. As conditions change or assets decrease due to care costs, eligibility may improve even if it wasn’t there initially.
Benefits Are Separate from Military Pensions
This benefit is separate from and in addition to a monthly pension from a branch of the Military. If your loved one receives military retirement pay, they can still apply for and receive Aid and Attendance benefits.
Interaction with Medicaid
If your family is also eligible for Medicaid, be aware that Aid and Attendance typically pays no more than $92 per month to someone who also receives Medicaid, unless they’re a state veterans home resident. However, the application process may still be worthwhile in certain situations, and our team can help you understand your specific circumstances.
Local Veterans Services
Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency provides free assistance to veterans and their families with VA benefit applications, including Aid and Attendance. With multiple convenient locations throughout Long Island, these offices can provide personalized guidance close to home.
Main Office – Hauppauge
H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, 3rd Floor
Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099
(631) 853-VETS (8387)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Additional Locations (Please call before visiting):
Brookhaven (located in Brookhaven Town Hall)
1 Independence Hill, Brookhaven, NY 11738
(631) 451-6574
Stony Brook (located at Long Island State Veterans Home)
100 Patriots Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 444-8759
Riverhead
300 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-1410
Honoring Service with Exceptional Care
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can make a meaningful difference in your family’s ability to afford quality senior care on Long Island.
The application process requires patience and attention to detail, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Thousands of veteran families successfully receive these benefits each year, and with the right preparation and support from our experienced team, yours can too.
Our admissions team is ready to discuss how VA benefits can help make Gurwin’s award-winning care accessible for your veteran family member, whether in our assisted living community, for daytime respite in adult day care, or through Gurwin’s home care program. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explore all available options together. Contact us today.
