VA Aid and Attendance can pay a veteran with a spouse up to $2,874 a month toward assisted living in Montana. That care runs about $6,200 a month at the national median, a line Montana's own costs broadly track. Even at the maximum, the benefit covers only part of that bill, so most families pair it with Social Security and savings to close the gap. Aid and Attendance is badly underused, mostly because families never learn 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, what to do if a claim is denied, and how to apply with free help from the state.

In This Guide

How Much Assisted Living Costs in Montana

Montana's assisted-living costs broadly track the national market. According to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (released March 2026, the most recent national data), the median cost of assisted living is about $6,200 per month, or roughly $74,400 per year. CareScout does not publish a separate 2025 Montana assisted-living figure, so we use the national median as the working benchmark; Montana's long-term-care costs track broadly with these national medians and vary by region and level of care.

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 VA Aid and Attendance Helps Pay for Assisted Living in Montana

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 46 percent of the $6,200 national 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 about $6,200 a month for assisted living, that is roughly $74,400 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 for Aid and Attendance in Montana

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 regular help with daily activities, 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. You can reach MVAD and find your nearest office at veterans.mt.gov.

If Your Claim Is Denied

If the VA denies your Aid and Attendance claim, or grants less than you expected, you are not out of options. You have three decision review paths: file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, request a Higher-Level Review by a more senior reviewer, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals for review by a Veterans Law Judge. You generally have one year from the date on your decision letter to act, and the same Montana VSO or another VA-accredited representative can prepare the review for free. For questions about a pension claim or its status, the VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VA pay the assisted living facility directly?

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.

Can someone qualify for Aid and Attendance if their income is too high?

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.

How long does the application take?

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.

What is the net worth limit for Aid and Attendance in 2026?

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

VA BenefitsVA Aid and Attendance in MontanaVA Aid and Attendance in Montana for 2026: who qualifies, monthly rates up to $2,874, how to apply, and free help from accredited Veteran Service Officers. VA BenefitsVA Benefits for Senior Care in MontanaVA senior care benefits in Montana pay for home care, nursing homes, Aid and Attendance, and two state veterans homes. Learn who qualifies and how to apply. Care TypesAssisted Living in MontanaAssisted living in Montana: how DPHHS licenses facilities in categories A, B, and C, what care costs, and what Medicaid and the Big Sky Waiver pay. FinancialHow to Pay for Assisted LivingHow to pay for assisted living in 2026: what it costs and how private pay, Medicaid waivers, VA Aid and Attendance, and long-term care insurance each fit. VA BenefitsHow VA Aid and Attendance Pays for Assisted LivingHow VA Aid and Attendance helps pay for assisted living: the 2026 monthly amounts, the medical-expense rule, who qualifies, and how to apply for the benefit. VA BenefitsVA Benefits for Senior Care: A Complete GuideA complete guide to VA benefits for senior care: long-term care, Aid and Attendance, pensions, DIC, and home grants for older veterans and surviving spouses.
Your next step 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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Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.