Home Care for Virginia Veterans: Programs and Benefits in Virginia Beach

Virginia-specific veteran benefits combined with federal VA programs cover most home care costs for Virginia Beach-area veterans.

Reviewed by Carol Bradley Bursack, NCCDP-certified — Owner of Minding Our Elders

2 min read

·

Updated May 13, 2026

A senior service member at home — typical client for VA Aid & Attendance home-care benefits.

Virginia Beach-area veterans can access home care through a combination of federal VA programs (Aid & Attendance, H/HHA, VDC, GEC) and Virginia-specific veterans benefits. Most veterans qualify for multiple programs simultaneously and don’t realize it. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services administers state programs that complement the federal VA’s coverage.

Federal VA programs available in Virginia Beach

The four main federal programs:

  • Aid & Attendance: $1,500–$2,800/month for eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses
  • H/HHA: VA-contracted home care for any enrolled veteran with clinical need
  • VDC: monthly budget to hire family or independent caregivers
  • GEC: respite (up to 30 days/year), adult day, hospice

the Hampton VA Medical Center coordinates all four for Virginia Beach-area veterans.

Virginia-specific veterans programs

Virginia’s Department of Veterans Services typically offers:

  • Veterans homes (subsidized residential care for eligible veterans)
  • State pension supplements
  • Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
  • Virginia-specific advocacy and benefits navigation
  • County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) — every Virginia county has at least one, paid by the state, free to veterans

How Virginia Beach veterans combine programs

Common stacking patterns:

  • A&A + H/HHA — A&A cash funds private-pay hours; H/HHA covers VA-contracted hours
  • VDC + GEC respite — VDC funds primary caregiver; GEC respite covers family caregiver breaks
  • A&A + state property tax exemption — A&A pays care; property exemption reduces fixed costs
  • A&A + Medicaid waiver — for low-income veterans with extensive care needs

Tricare coverage for Virginia Beach retirees

Military retirees in Virginia Beach hold Tricare alongside (or instead of) traditional VA. Tricare covers limited skilled home health (similar to Medicare). For long-term non-medical home care, retirees typically rely on VA programs (if veteran-status applies) or long-term care insurance, supplemental to Tricare. Tricare for Life acts as wraparound for Medicare-age retirees.

Local resources for Virginia Beach veterans

Multiple Virginia Beach-area entry points:

  • the Hampton VA Medical Center primary care
  • Virginia Department of Veterans Services regional office
  • Virginia Beach County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) — free, state-paid
  • Local American Legion, VFW, DAV chapters
  • VA-accredited claims agents (free for original A&A claims)

A free 30-minute call with a VA-accredited care advisor can map the federal + Virginia benefit stack for your Virginia Beach-area veteran. Talk to a VeteransHomeCare advisor when you’re ready.

Frequently asked questions

Does Virginia have a state-level veterans pension?

+

Many states do — separate from federal VA pension. Check with Virginia's Department of Veterans Services or your Virginia Beach County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). State pensions often supplement federal Aid & Attendance and have different eligibility tests. Many Virginia Beach veterans qualify for state benefits they don't know about.

Are property taxes exempt for Virginia Beach veteran homeowners?

+

Many states exempt or reduce property taxes for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and elderly veterans. Virginia's exemption varies by service-connected disability rating and other factors. Check with your Virginia Beach-area county tax assessor and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Even partial exemptions reduce fixed costs and free up money for in-home care.

What's a County Veterans Service Officer in Virginia Beach?

+

A CVSO is a state-paid, county-level officer who helps veterans navigate VA benefits — Aid & Attendance applications, disability claims, healthcare enrollment, state programs. Services are free to Virginia Beach-area veterans by state law. CVSOs are VA-accredited and often faster than working directly with the VA. Find your CVSO through Virginia's Department of Veterans Services.

Can Tricare and VA be used together for Virginia Beach retirees?

+

Yes. Military retirees with Tricare eligibility AND veteran status (most do) can use both systems. Tricare covers limited skilled home health (Medicare-equivalent). VA programs cover long-term non-medical home care that Tricare doesn't. The systems coordinate at billing. A Virginia Beach retiree could have Tricare-covered post-discharge home health alongside VA H/HHA-covered ongoing care.

Are there state veterans homes in Virginia Beach?

+

Virginia operates state veterans homes — subsidized residential care for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. Locations vary by state; Virginia Beach may or may not have a state veterans home nearby. Eligibility is typically based on military service, financial need, and clinical need. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services has the current list and application path. State veterans homes are an alternative to private assisted living for Virginia Beach veterans with limited resources.

Share this article

About the author

James Carter, MSW, Accredited VA Claims Agent

Senior Veterans Care Advisor

James is a U.S. Army veteran and a licensed Master of Social Work who has spent 12 years helping wartime veterans and their spouses navigate VA benefits, Aid & Attendance applications, and the transition into in-home care. He writes about the practical mechanics of veteran-specific home care — what the VA pays for, what it doesn't, and how to get a claim approved on the first try.

View full bio
Home Care for Virginia Veterans in Virginia Beach