Veterans Benefits for Senior Living in Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads is home to one of the largest concentrations of military Veterans in the United States. Naval Station Norfolk — the world's largest naval base — anchors a region where military service is woven into the fabric of everyday life. For the families of Veterans navigating senior living decisions, understanding VA benefits is often one of the first and most important questions.
What Is the Aid and Attendance Benefit?
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a pension enhancement available to wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses who need assistance with daily activities — including help with bathing, dressing, eating, or other activities of daily living. It is separate from disability compensation and is based on need rather than service-connected disability.
The Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to help pay for assisted living, memory care, in-home care, or other senior care costs.
2026 Aid and Attendance Monthly Benefit Rates
Veteran alone: Up to $2,300 per month
Veteran with a dependent spouse: Up to $2,730 per month
Surviving spouse alone: Up to $1,478 per month
Rates are adjusted periodically. Contact Compass or the VA for current figures.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for Aid and Attendance, a Veteran must generally meet the following requirements:
Served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, etc.)
Received an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge
Meets the VA's income and net worth limits (the net worth limit in 2026 is approximately $155,000, not counting a primary residence)
Has a documented need for personal care assistance with daily activities
Is eligible for VA pension or already receiving it
Surviving spouses of eligible Veterans may also qualify with the same service requirements but their own income and net worth evaluation.
How to Apply
The Aid and Attendance application process involves gathering documentation of military service (DD-214), medical evidence of care needs, financial documentation, and submitting VA Form 21-2680. The process can take several months, and applications with errors or missing documentation are frequently delayed. Many families choose to work with a VA-accredited claims agent or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to navigate the process.
How Compass Helps Veterans Families
Compass Senior Solutions is not a VA benefits administrator, but Andrew Mace has helped many Veterans families in Hampton Roads think through their options. When you work with Compass, Andrew can:
Help you understand whether your loved one is likely to qualify for Aid and Attendance based on their service record and care needs
Identify senior living communities in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, and Suffolk that accept Veterans benefits and have experience working with Veterans families
Connect you with local VSOs and VA resources who can assist with the benefits application
Time the senior living search appropriately given benefit processing timelines
Veterans in Hampton Roads — Local Resources
Hampton VA Medical Center: 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA
VA Benefits Administration Regional Office: Roanoke, VA (handles Hampton Roads claims)
Virginia Department of Veterans Services: vdvs.virginia.gov
Local VSOs: American Legion, VFW, DAV all have active posts throughout Hampton Roads
Start With a Free Conversation
If you are a Veterans family trying to figure out senior living in Hampton Roads and whether VA benefits can help, call (757) 235-3065. Andrew can help you understand your options and point you toward the right resources — at no cost to your family.