For many Ohio veterans and their families, the cost of assisted living can feel overwhelming. The good news is that veterans may be eligible for financial support through programs like the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which can provide thousands of dollars each month to help cover care expenses.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 500,000 veterans nationwide receive pension benefits that can offset the cost of long-term care, yet many families in Ohio still aren’t aware they qualify.
At Jarvis Law Office, we often see families who have served their country struggle to access the support they’ve earned. That’s why we focus on helping Ohio veterans understand not just the basics of eligibility, but how these benefits work alongside broader planning goals like protecting assets and avoiding probate.
Key Takeaways
- Many Ohio veterans and surviving spouses qualify for VA programs like Aid and Attendance, which can provide thousands of dollars per month to help offset rising assisted living costs.
- Eligibility for these benefits depends on service history, medical need for assistance with daily activities, and financial criteria.
- While VA benefits do not cover room and board, they can significantly reduce care expenses, and applying can help families handle the process more effectively.
Why Assisted Living Costs Are a Concern for Ohio Veterans
For many Ohio families, the cost of assisted living is one of the biggest challenges when planning care for a loved one.
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Ohio is $5,294, which equals more than $63,000 a year.
These rising costs are not a small concern. Assisted living expenses in Ohio have climbed 14 percent since 2021, making it harder for veterans and their families to afford the level of care they need. Many families find themselves searching for ways to cover care without depleting savings or risking long-term financial stability.
That is where veteran benefits become so important. Programs like the VA Aid can provide monthly financial support to help offset assisted living costs. Yet many eligible Ohio veterans and surviving spouses do not realize they qualify. Understanding how these programs work is the first step toward making care affordable while protecting family assets.
5 Types of Veteran Benefits That Can Help with Assisted Living
Veterans in Ohio have access to several programs that can ease the financial burden of assisted living. Each benefit has its own purpose and eligibility requirements, but together they can make a real difference for families trying to balance care needs with affordability.
1. VA Aid and Attendance (A&A)
This is the most widely used benefit for assisted living. Aid and Attendance is an additional payment added to the VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
The benefit is meant to offset care-related expenses, making it especially valuable for those moving into assisted living communities.
2. Housebound Benefits
For veterans who are largely confined to their home due to a permanent disability, the VA offers Housebound benefits. Like A&A, this is an add-on to the pension, but it is specifically designed for individuals who cannot leave their residence without significant difficulty.
While not as flexible as A&A, it can still provide financial relief for those receiving in-home care or living in a supportive environment.
3. VA Basic Pension
The VA Basic Pension is available to wartime veterans who meet age and income requirements. While the pension itself is not always enough to cover assisted living costs, it creates the foundation for additional benefits like Aid and Attendance or Housebound.
Surviving spouses may also qualify, making it a critical resource for widows and widowers in Ohio.
4. VA Health Benefits and Long-Term Care Programs
Beyond pensions, the VA offers health care benefits that may include certain long-term care services. This can involve skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or in some cases, partial coverage for care within assisted living settings. However, these services often come with copays, and room and board are not covered, so families should plan accordingly.
5. State Veterans Homes in Ohio
Ohio is home to two State Veterans Homes: one in Sandusky and one in Georgetown. These facilities provide residential and nursing care to eligible veterans at a reduced cost compared to private assisted living. Admission is based on both need and availability, but for some families they represent a more affordable long-term solution.
Who Qualifies for Veteran Benefits in Ohio
Not every veteran or spouse will qualify for assisted living benefits, but many Ohio families are surprised to learn they do meet the requirements. The VA uses three main criteria: service, medical need, and financial situation. Surviving spouses can also qualify under similar rules.
Service Requirements
To qualify, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period as defined by the VA. For those who entered service after September 7, 1980, the requirement is generally 24 months of active duty. Discharge must be other than dishonorable.
Medical Eligibility
The VA looks at whether the veteran needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
For Aid and Attendance, the veteran must require regular assistance, be bedridden, live in a nursing home, or have very limited vision. For Housebound benefits, the veteran must be substantially confined to the home due to a permanent disability.
Financial Eligibility
The VA uses both income and assets to determine eligibility. In 2024, the net worth limit is $155,356, including income and assets, though the home and a vehicle are excluded.
Unreimbursed medical expenses such as assisted living costs can be deducted from countable income, which helps many families qualify even if their income appears higher on paper.
Eligibility for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may also qualify for pensions with Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. They must meet the same financial requirements and show a medical need for daily assistance. For many Ohio widows and widowers, this benefit provides critical support for assisted living expenses.
What Veteran Benefits Cover (and What They Don’t)
One of the most common questions Ohio families ask is whether the VA pays for assisted living. The answer is partly yes and partly no: the VA does not cover room and board in assisted living facilities, but benefits like Aid and Attendance can help pay for the care services provided there.
What Benefits Cover
- Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, moving around
- Assisted living support services: medication management, personal care assistance, supervision for safety
- In some cases: in-home care or support within a State Veterans Home
What Benefits Do Not Cover
- Room and board at private assisted living communities
- Non-medical amenities like recreational programs or transportation services
- Full cost of long-term housing in assisted living facilities
How Much Support Can Ohio Veterans Receive?
The amount of financial help available through VA programs depends on the veteran’s status, income, and level of need. These benefits can make a meaningful difference when facing Ohio’s assisted living costs, which average more than $5,200 a month.
Current Aid and Attendance and Housebound Rates
As of 2024, the maximum monthly amounts are:
- Single veteran with Aid and Attendance: about $2,300 per month
- Married veteran with Aid and Attendance: about $2,700 per month
- Surviving spouse with Aid and Attendance: about $1,478 per month
- Veteran with Housebound benefit: slightly less than A&A, depending on income and household size
These amounts are updated annually by the VA, and families should always verify current figures directly on the VA’s website before applying.
Net Worth Limit
The VA uses a financial test to determine eligibility. In 2024, the net worth limit is $155,356. This includes assets and income, but the veteran’s home and one vehicle are excluded. Medical and care expenses, including assisted living costs, can be deducted from income, which often helps families qualify.
Retroactive Payments and Processing Times
The VA may provide retroactive payments back to the date of application once benefits are approved. This means families who wait months for approval could receive a lump sum covering those months of expenses.
On average, VA pension claims, including Aid and Attendance, take 90 to 120 days to process, though complex cases may take longer.
How to Apply for VA Benefits in Ohio
Applying for VA benefits can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear steps makes the process manageable. Families in Ohio can start the application themselves or work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or attorney for guidance.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
You will need:
- Proof of military service such as the DD-214 discharge papers
- Medical records that show the need for daily assistance or housebound status
- Financial records including bank statements, income information, and documentation of medical expenses
Step 2: Complete the Correct VA Forms
The VA requires different forms depending on the benefit:
- VA Form 21-2680: Examination for Housebound Status or Aid and Attendance
- VA Form 21-0966: Intent to File a Claim
- VA Form 21P-534EZ: Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (for surviving spouses)
- VA Form 21-526EZ: Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
- VA Form 10-10EZ: Application for VA Health Benefits
Step 3: Submit via VA Office or Accredited Representative
Applications can be submitted online at VA.gov, mailed to the Pension Management Center that serves Ohio, or filed with the help of a local VSO or accredited attorney. Many families find it easier to work with a representative to avoid delays or errors.
Step 4: Track Your Claim and Understand Timelines
Most claims take about 90 to 120 days to process. Families can check claim status through VA.gov or by calling the VA. It is important to keep copies of everything submitted and respond quickly if the VA requests additional information.
Step 5: What to Do if You’re Denied
If a claim is denied, veterans and families have the right to appeal. This may involve submitting additional evidence, correcting errors, or requesting a review. Working with an accredited VSO or law office can increase the chances of success in an appeal.
Getting Help Locally in Ohio
While the VA benefits process is federal, Ohio veterans and their families also have access to state and local resources that make applying easier and more effective. Knowing where to turn for help can save time, reduce stress, and improve the chances of approval.
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)
Every county in Ohio has accredited VSOs who assist veterans and surviving spouses at no cost. These officers are trained to help families complete VA forms, gather medical evidence, and submit claims properly. To find a local VSO, families can contact the Ohio Department of Veterans Services or their county veterans service office.
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
This state agency coordinates benefits and connects veterans to resources throughout Ohio. They provide guidance on pensions, health care, and State Veterans Homes. Their website and regional offices offer step-by-step support, making them a valuable first stop for families beginning the process.
State Veterans Homes in Ohio
Ohio operates two State Veterans Homes: one in Sandusky and one in Georgetown. These facilities provide residential and nursing care at reduced costs compared to private assisted living.
Admission is based on both need and availability, and veterans must meet service and financial requirements. For many families, these homes are a more affordable option that still provides a safe and supportive environment.
How Jarvis Law Supports Ohio Families
Even with VSOs and state programs available, many families want added peace of mind when navigating VA benefits, especially when planning for long-term care and protecting family assets.
At Jarvis Law Office, our team helps Ohio veterans integrate VA benefits with estate planning and trust strategies, making sure that benefits are maximized without putting assets at risk. Our flat-fee model and collaborative approach make the process clear and stress-free, while keeping your existing financial relationships intact.
Planning Ahead with Peace of Mind
Applying for VA benefits can feel like one more challenge on top of the already difficult process of choosing assisted living. For Ohio veterans and their families, the key is not just understanding the benefits, but also fitting them into a larger plan that protects assets, avoids unnecessary costs, and provides lasting peace of mind.
At Jarvis Law Office, we help families across Ohio connect the dots between VA benefits, estate planning, and long-term care. With our flat-fee model, you will never face hidden costs or ongoing premiums. Instead, you receive practical tools, personalized trust planning, and the confidence of knowing your assets are protected for the future.
If you want to learn more about how VA benefits and estate planning work together, visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation or attend one of our free educational seminars. It could be the step that brings peace of mind to your family’s future.
