Aid For Surving Spouse of US Veterans For Assisted Living Quarters

Aid and Attendance support is …. “for the veteran or surviving spouse who have unreimbursed medical expenses. (The cost of health insurance is considered a nonreimbursed medical expense.) It is most ideally suited for someone who needs assistance at home and is paying for an aide or is in assisted living. Assisted-living charges are considered by the VA as a medical expense.   Assisted living is not supported by Medicaid.”
“…the eligible income and asset levels are similar to Medicaid, but not as restrictive.” 
This is not a new benefit but one that is little known.

“The person's home is exempt, and the VA will do an "age analysis" to determine if the veteran (or surviving spouse) has sufficient assets to pay for his or her own care. The basic requirement is that the veteran requires ongoing aid and attendance for the performance of activities of daily living.” 

“This requirement is waived if the veteran is in a nursing home. The 2008 maximum benefit for a married person is $1,842 a month and $1,555 for a single person. The benefits are tax-free. And needy surviving spouses may get more generous benefits.” 

“You may learn more by calling Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000, or by visiting its Web site at va.gov. Click on "What are Aid and Attendance and Homebound benefits? How do I apply." You also may get help from a veterans' service organization.” 

(Reference: http://www.military.com/news/article/littleknown-assisted-living-benefit.html)

Read more at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Website:

What are Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits?

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm#7

More Resources:

VeteranAid.Org