VA Aid and Attendance for assisted living in Montana gives qualifying veterans and surviving spouses a monthly benefit they can direct toward care costs. Montana assisted living runs above the national median, making every dollar of benefit income matter. The Aid and Attendance program is underused because most families simply do not know it exists.

This guide covers what assisted living costs in Montana, how Aid and Attendance can help offset that cost, how the care expenses themselves can improve eligibility, and how to apply with free help from the state.

In This Guide

How Much Assisted Living Costs in Montana

Montana assisted living costs are somewhat above the national median. According to the 2024 CareScout/Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of assisted living in Montana is about $6,134 per month (roughly $73,605 per year), compared with a national median of approximately $70,800 per year.

Costs vary within the state and rise as care needs increase. The actual monthly bill depends on the facility, location, and the level of care required.

How Aid and Attendance Helps Pay for It

VA Aid and Attendance is a pension benefit for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. The VA pays it as a monthly cash benefit that can be applied to any care-related expense, including assisted living.

2026 Aid and Attendance Monthly Rates

Category Monthly Amount
Veteran alone Up to $2,424
Veteran with spouse Up to $2,874
Surviving spouse Up to $1,558

At $2,874 a month for a veteran with a spouse, the benefit covers roughly 47 percent of the Montana median assisted living cost. Combined with Social Security or other income, many families can make assisted living affordable.

Not sure whether your family qualifies for Aid and Attendance? Chat with Brevy for a quick eligibility check.

How Assisted-Living Costs Lower Your Countable Income

Many families are surprised to learn that the cost of assisted living can help them qualify for a higher benefit.

The VA calculates pension by comparing your countable income to the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). Before making that comparison, it lets you subtract unreimbursed medical expenses (UMEs) that exceed 5 percent of your MAPR. Assisted-living costs, in-home care costs, and health insurance premiums all count as UMEs when the facility provides health or custodial care.

The 5-percent floors for 2026 are:

  • $872 for a veteran with no dependents (5% of the $17,441 MAPR)
  • $1,141 for a veteran with one dependent (5% of the $22,839 MAPR)

Only the portion of expenses above those floors is deductible. But if your loved one is paying $6,134 a month for assisted living, that is $73,608 a year. After subtracting the 5-percent floor, the deductible amount is substantial, and it can reduce countable income enough to qualify a veteran whose income initially appeared too high.

Who Qualifies

To qualify for VA Aid and Attendance, a veteran must meet all four requirements:

  • Wartime service: at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or the Gulf War/post-9/11 era)
  • Age or disability: age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled
  • Need for care: requires help with at least two Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating; or is in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity; or has severe vision loss
  • Net worth under $163,699: includes assets and annual income, but excludes the primary home, one vehicle, and basic household items

The VA also enforces a three-year look-back on asset transfers. If assets were moved for less than fair market value in the three years before filing, a penalty period may apply.

How Aid and Attendance Works with Montana Medicaid

VA Aid and Attendance and Montana Medicaid long-term care are separate programs. Montana Medicaid for long-term care is administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Senior and Long Term Care Division, which covers nursing home, home, and community-based care for residents who meet income and asset limits.

Under the general federal rule, the base VA pension counts as income for Medicaid, but the portion of the pension attributable to the Aid and Attendance allowance is generally not counted against Medicaid income limits because it offsets recurring medical costs. Because these rules are technical and depend on a household's exact circumstances, a Montana family should confirm the treatment of VA pension income with DPHHS or an accredited Veteran Service Officer before relying on both programs together.

How to Apply and Get Free Help

To apply for Aid and Attendance, you need two forms:

  • VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance): a physician completes this to document the need for assistance
  • VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension): submit this if the veteran is not already receiving a VA pension

Forms can be submitted online at va.gov, mailed, or filed through an accredited representative. Processing typically takes three to six months.

Do not do this alone. The Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) staffs nationally accredited Veteran Service Officers who prepare and submit VA pension and Aid and Attendance claims at no cost to the veteran. MVAD operates nine Veteran Service Offices statewide, located in Belgrade, Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, and Missoula.

Ready to start the application? Chat with Brevy to get a step-by-step plan for your family's situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The VA pays Aid and Attendance as a monthly benefit to the veteran or surviving spouse. The recipient uses those funds to pay their care bills, including assisted living costs. The VA does not operate or directly fund assisted living facilities.

Possibly. The VA subtracts unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 5 percent of the applicable MAPR from countable income before comparing it to the pension rate. For a veteran with no dependents, only expenses above $872 a year are deductible; for a veteran with one dependent, the floor is $1,141. Ongoing assisted-living and in-home care costs can reduce countable income enough to bring a higher-income applicant within limits.

Processing typically takes three to six months from the date the VA receives a complete application. Working with a Montana Veterans Affairs Division accredited Veteran Service Officer reduces the risk of errors that cause delays.

The net worth limit is $163,699 for 2026. This includes both assets and annual income, but excludes the primary home, one vehicle, and basic household items. The VA also enforces a three-year look-back on asset transfers made for less than fair market value.

Compare Care Settings in Montana

Aid and Attendance can help pay for any care setting. See how it works for the others:

Learn More

Find personalized help paying for assisted living with VA benefits in Montana at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.