Beyond Aid & Attendance: A Practical Advisor’s Guide to VA Benefits

Many professionals are familiar with the VA’s Aid & Attendance program, but this benefit represents only a fraction of the support available to veterans and their families. The broader landscape of VA resources can significantly influence a client’s long-term care plan, financial strategy, and eligibility for other programs such as Medi-Cal. Advisors who understand these benefits can help clients access meaningful support they may not realize exists.

Why Veterans Miss Out on Valuable Benefits

Misconceptions often cause veterans and surviving spouses to overlook benefits they’re entitled to. Some believe they must have a service-connected disability, while others assume the application process is too burdensome. In many cases, clients simply don’t know what programs are available. Advisors who proactively raise these issues can help clients tap into resources that improve financial stability and expand care options.

The VA Offers Far More Than Aid & Attendance

The VA provides a wide range of programs that can strengthen a client’s long-term care plan. Eligible individuals may receive home-based care support, caregiver stipends, assistive equipment, mental health services, respite care, home modification grants, and comprehensive VA health coverage that can significantly reduce private-pay costs. Integrating these resources into a client’s financial and estate plan can delay the need for higher-level care, support aging in place, and help families navigate health changes with more clarity.

Advisors play an essential role in identifying clients who may qualify and ensuring these benefits are incorporated into long-term planning. This includes coordinating with elder law professionals, reviewing how VA benefits interact with trusts and asset structuring, and helping families understand how these programs can work alongside or reduce reliance on Medi-Cal.

A holistic approach—one where financial advisors and elder law attorneys collaborate—ensures veterans receive comprehensive, thoughtful guidance. When advisors expand their understanding of VA resources, they can better protect clients’ financial wellbeing, broaden care choices, and honor the service of those who have served.

If you’d like help integrating VA benefits into your planning conversations or want to explore strategies for supporting veteran clients more effectively, we’re always here to collaborate.