Unlocking Hidden VA Benefits: How Veterans and Their Families Can Access Home Care Support

By Lori Eberly

Many veterans and their families are often surprised to learn that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers more than hospital and clinic-based care. In fact, the VA has programs designed specifically to help cover the cost of home-based support — ranging from personal care to respite services for family caregivers.

For providers in the home care industry, understanding these programs isn’t just valuable — it’s essential. When agencies can explain VA options to families, they become trusted partners in navigating a confusing system while also opening new opportunities for growth.

Let’s break down the two primary VA programs that make home care possible:

The VA Community Care Network

Through the Homemaker/Home Health Aide & Respite Program, veterans can receive in-home support directly from VA-approved agencies. The VA covers the cost, paying agencies through contracted partners like Optum or TriWest.

What It Offers:

·        Assistance with personal care — bathing, dressing, meals and medication reminders.

·        Light housekeeping and homemaking tasks.

·        Respite hours, so family caregivers can rest.

·        Care delivered only by VA-approved agencies.

·        No out-of-pocket payments from the Veteran.

Who Qualifies:

·        Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

·        Referrals must come from a VA caseworker or physician.

·        Surviving spouses are not eligible under this program.

The Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit

While CCN connects veterans to providers, the aid and attendance benefit puts money directly into the hands of eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. That cash can then be used to pay for the care provider of their choice — whether that’s a home care agency, private caregiver, or even assisted living.

What It Offers:

·        Monthly tax-free payments to offset care costs.

·        Full flexibility in choosing providers — no VA approval required.

·        Commonly used for home care, caregiver help, or assisted living.

Who Qualifies:

·        Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.

·        Must meet service (minimum 90 days, including one during wartime), medical, and financial criteria.

·        Asset cap of $159,240.

2025 Monthly Benefit Amounts:

·        Surviving spouse: $1,515.

·        Single veteran: $2,358.

·        Married veteran: $2,795.

·        Spouse of deceased veteran: $1,851.

·        Veteran and spouse together: $2,795.

Side-by-Side: How the Programs Differ

A Strategic Advantage for Providers

For veterans and their families, the ability to combine these programs is a game-changer. A veteran may qualify for hours of free in-home care through CCN while also receiving aid and attendance funds to extend those hours or cover additional support.

For agencies, this means there’s a real opportunity to guide families through eligibility questions, documentation, and application processes — positioning your business not just as a care provider, but as a trusted adviser.

If your agency isn’t already talking to families about VA benefits, now is the time. Helping veterans unlock these resources creates loyalty, builds referrals, and most importantly, ensures that those who served our country receive the care they’ve earned.

Lori Eberly is a college professor and program director of health sciences at Appalachian State University. She is also the founder of Senior Care Strategy, a consulting and coaching firm dedicated to helping home care agency owners and senior living leaders grow their businesses with purpose, efficiency and heart. With nearly two decades of experience as a multi-unit home care franchise owner, she blends academic insight with real-world expertise to shape the future of health care leadership and senior care.