If you or an older family member served in the military, you may qualify for valuable federal and state supports that many families overlook. These programs can assist with health care, daily personal needs at home, nursing facility care, assistive devices, caregiver support, and final arrangements.

The honest reality is that navigating military benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when asking whether veterans have to pay for care, but accredited assistance is available at no cost to help you secure every benefit earned through your service.

Start here

Your single best first step is to connect with an accredited veterans service organization or your local county veterans service office to review your military discharge paperwork and health history. These accredited representatives will guide you through filing paperwork at zero cost to your family. You can also contact your regional Area Agency on Aging by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or using the 211 helpline to uncover community-level programs alongside federal supports.

Key VA benefits and programs

  • Health care enrollment. Eligibility for medical services depends on your military service history, disability rating, income level, and other specific factors.
  • Aid and Attendance allowance. The VA pension with Aid and Attendance or Housebound allowance can add monthly money for eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily personal activities or are largely confined to home.
  • Medical equipment and supplies. Eligible veterans can receive hearing aids, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and durable medical equipment through the health care system.
  • In-home and community care. VA home and community care includes home-based primary care, homemaker and home health aide services, adult day health care, respite support, and Veteran-Directed Care.
  • Long-term care facilities. State veterans homes and VA community living centers provide residential long-term care for individuals needing higher levels of supervision.
  • Caregiver assistance. The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers offers training, counseling, and direct supports to family members assisting eligible individuals.
  • Burial and memorial honors. VA burial benefits may include burial in a national cemetery, opening and closing costs, and an official headstone or marker.
  • Benefit screening tools. You can check your general eligibility for public supports through the National Council on Aging online BenefitsCheckUp tool.
  • Federal caregiver resources. Family members can review official program guidelines directly through VA family caregiver benefits.
  • Federal pension options. Learn more about supplemental pension criteria through Aid and Attendance rules.

Common questions

  • Wondering what total supports are open to your household? Read our guide on benefits for senior veterans.
  • Looking for help with routine personal care or chores at home? Learn about the veteran in home care system.
  • Trying to understand supplemental cash pensions for daily assistance? See our breakdown of VA aid and attendance eligibility.
  • Need help managing hearing loss? Explore options for veterans hearing aids through health clinics.
  • Curious about service-connected monthly compensation in later years? Read about disability benefits for veterans.
  • Planning for residential nursing or assisted living costs? Find out about veterans home payment rules across different facilities.
  • Facing an advanced or terminal medical illness? Review coverage through our guide on veterans hospice care.
  • Struggling to reach VA clinics or community medical appointments? Learn about medical transportation for veterans and community travel programs.

What to have ready before you call

  • Military discharge papers (Form DD-214 or other official separation documentation).
  • Current financial records, including monthly income statements, retirement benefits, and asset documentation.
  • Medical records or physician notes documenting physical limitations, functional impairments, or service-connected conditions.
  • Current health insurance cards, including private insurance and Medicare cards.
  • A list of regular out-of-pocket medical expenses, prescription costs, and ongoing home care payments.

Watch for scams

Accredited veterans service organizations help veterans and family caregivers file claims for free. Charging an upfront fee to prepare an initial claim is not allowed under federal law. Any private offer promising to speed up claims or bypass government processing for a fee is a warning sign of an aggressive scam.

Rules are set federally but run by states and counties; eligibility and availability vary by state and change over time, so confirm current details with your local agency.