Skip to content

Checklists

Care benefits for veterans and their spouses

Veterans and spouses may qualify for a range of care benefits—you don't need to find them all at once. Start with one or two steps that feel most relevant to your situation.

Gather basic information

  • Locate the veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) or request a copy from the VA.
  • Note the veteran's service dates, branch, and discharge status.
  • Collect information about current health conditions and medications.
  • List any questions about eligibility or benefits before reaching out. This makes conversations with the VA clearer and faster.

Explore VA benefits

  • Visit VA.gov or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask about Aid & Attendance, Housebound, Pension, or health care benefits. The VA can confirm what the veteran and spouse may qualify for based on service and income.
  • Ask about caregiver support programs, respite care, and long-term care options.
  • Inquire about VA health services in your area, including home-based care.

Check other local and state resources

  • Contact your state's Veterans Affairs office for additional programs and support.
  • Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find aging services and caregiver resources in your area.
  • Look into Medicaid, Medicare, or supplemental insurance options that may cover care services. These programs work alongside VA benefits and vary by state.

Plan next steps

  • Speak with a doctor about the veteran's current care needs and what type of support would help most.
  • Consider consulting an elder-law attorney about planning, guardianship, or benefits management. Many offer free initial consultations.
  • Keep a running list of benefits applied for and dates of follow-up calls.
← All checklists

Keep going

When a parent is suddenly hospitalized

This checklist helps you handle the immediate tasks and decisions that come up when a parent enters the hospital unexpectedly.

Open →

The hard conversation about giving up driving

This checklist helps you prepare for and navigate a thoughtful conversation with a loved one about when it might be time to stop driving.

Open →

Mealtime, appetite & nutrition as needs change

This checklist helps you recognize changes in appetite and nutrition, and make practical adjustments to keep mealtimes comfortable and nourishing.

Open →

Working out the bigger picture too? See what care costs, the programs that may help pay for it, or take the Care Needs Check to sort out what level of help fits.