If your family is evaluating senior living communities along the North Shore, you've probably spent a good amount of time thinking about cost. What many families don't realize is that a veteran in the family—whether it's your parent, your spouse, or even a surviving spouse—may qualify for a VA benefit that helps cover the cost of assisted living or memory care.
The VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit is one of the most underutilized programs available to veterans and their families. Understanding how it works can make a meaningful difference as you plan the next chapter for someone you love.
Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It's designed to help veterans (and, in many cases, surviving spouses) who need assistance with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications.
The benefit provides a monthly payment that can be applied toward the cost of care, including assisted living and memory care communities. It's separate from standard VA healthcare, so even veterans who already receive some VA benefits may not be aware they could qualify for this additional support.
Benefit amounts vary based on a veteran's status and situation. For the most current payment rates, visit the VA's pension rates page.
For a broader look at all the ways families in our area pay for senior living, see our guide to paying for senior living in Highland Park.
Eligibility depends on a combination of military service history, medical need, and financial circumstances. Because eligibility requirements can shift, families should always verify current criteria directly through the VA's official resources at va.gov.
Aid & Attendance was specifically created to help cover the cost of personal care, which is exactly what assisted living and memory care communities provide. Whether a veteran needs help with mobility, medication reminders, or specialized support for Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, the benefit is designed to offset those expenses.
Families across the North Shore, from Glencoe and Winnetka to Deerfield and Skokie, are often surprised to learn just how much daily support is included in a well-run senior living community. If you're still exploring which type of care is the right fit, our overview of senior care options in Highland Park can help you understand the differences.
At Arbor Terrace Highland Park, our team works closely with families to ensure that every resident, including veterans, receives coordinated, tailored support. We offer assisted living and memory care (where team members are specially trained to care for people living with dementia). Understanding how Aid & Attendance works can help families take full advantage of these services.
Curious what that day-to-day support actually looks like? Here's a closer look at daily life in assisted living on the North Shore.
Applying for Aid & Attendance involves gathering documentation and submitting an application to the VA. The process can take several months, so starting early is important. Here are some practical steps:
Gather military records. You'll need proof of service, typically a discharge document. If you don't have a copy, the National Personnel Records Center can help.
Document care needs. A physician's statement describing the veteran's need for daily assistance strengthens the application.
Compile financial information. The VA will review income and assets. Having organized records makes the process smoother.
Submit through the VA. Applications can be filed online, by mail, or with the help of a VA-accredited claims agent or Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
Waiting too long to apply. Because processing times can stretch for months, families often wish they had started sooner. You can apply while evaluating communities.
Incomplete paperwork. Missing documents are the most common reason applications stall. Double-check everything before submitting.
Not seeking accredited help. The VA accredits specific attorneys, claims agents, and VSOs to assist with pension claims. Working with a non-accredited advisor can lead to costly errors or scams. Always verify credentials through the VA's online directory.
Overlooking surviving spouse eligibility. Many families don't realize that a surviving spouse may qualify, even years after a veteran's passing.
For the most up-to-date application guidance and required documentation, visit va.gov.
Senior living is a significant investment, and families in Highland Park, Evanston, Bannockburn, Wilmette, and Riverwoods deserve to know about every resource available to them. Aid & Attendance won't cover the full cost of care in most cases, but it can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making it easier to choose a community that truly fits your loved one's needs.
At Arbor Terrace Highland Park, we've walked alongside many veteran families through this process. Our team understands how Aid & Attendance works alongside private pay and other funding sources, and we're happy to share what we've learned. While we can't file a claim on your behalf, we can help connect you with accredited professionals who can.
If you're exploring assisted living or memory care for a veteran or surviving spouse in the Highland Park area, learning about Aid & Attendance is one of the smartest things you can do. Start by visiting the VA's website to check current eligibility requirements and benefit rates, and don't hesitate to reach out to a Veterans Service Organization for personalized guidance.
When you're ready to see what life looks like at Arbor Terrace Highland Park, we'd love to welcome you for a visit. Our team is here to answer your questions about VA benefits, our community, or anything else on your mind. Contact us today to schedule a tour.