Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in North Carolina

Last updated: August 2025

---

Quick Help Box — Emergency and Fast Answers

Use these trusted contacts first. You can call 24/7 where noted.

Tip: If you feel overwhelmed, start with NC4VETS (1-844-624-8387). They’ll route you to the right person in your county.

---

How to Use This Guide

• This guide focuses on senior veterans and family caregivers living in North Carolina.
• It covers healthcare, money, housing, transportation, legal help, and more—with direct links to official sources.
• Programs change. Always verify at the links provided under each section.

Reality check: Some benefits take time—sometimes months—to process. Keep copies of everything you submit, note dates and names of people you speak with, and use a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to avoid common paperwork mistakes.

---

What to Gather Before You Apply

You don’t need everything to make your first call, but these speed things up:

• DD214 or separation papers (request a copy at the National Archives: Request Military Service Records)
• VA claim number (if you have one)
• Medicare card (and TRICARE if applicable)
• Photo ID and proof of NC residency (for state benefits)
• Income, bank statements, and medical expense records (for needs-based programs)
• Property tax bill (for property tax relief)
• Lease, mortgage, or utility bills (for housing/energy help)

---

Emergency, Food, and Basic Needs First

• Homeless or about to be? Ask for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) or HUD-VASH through the VA Homeless Programs line at 877-424-3838 or visit VA Homeless Programs. SSVF can help with rapid re-housing and prevention; HUD-VASH combines rental vouchers with VA case management HUD-VASH overview.
• Food today: Dial 2-1-1 or visit NC 211 to find nearby food pantries and meal sites. Home-delivered and community meals for older adults are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging—see the directory at NC Area Agencies on Aging.
• Utilities: NC offers the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) during winter and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for heating/cooling emergencies. Apply through county DSS—see NCDHHS Energy Assistance.

Note: Many county programs require in-person or phone appointments, and you may need recent bills, IDs, and proof of income.

---

Health Care for Senior Veterans in North Carolina

VA Health Care (enrollment, appointments, PACT Act)

• Apply or check eligibility at VA Health Care. Seniors with service-connected conditions often pay no copays for care related to those conditions.
• North Carolina has four main VA Medical Centers (Asheville, Durham, Fayetteville, Salisbury) with many outpatient clinics. Find your nearest site at VA Facility Locator.
• The PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxic exposure-related conditions (Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11). Learn what’s covered and how to file at VA PACT Act information.

Reality check: New patient appointments can have wait times. If VA can’t see you in a timely manner or the service isn’t available locally, you may qualify for VA community care. See Community Care eligibility.

Using VA with Medicare and TRICARE

Many senior veterans have more than one coverage. Here’s how they fit together.

Notes:

• VA and Medicare don’t coordinate benefits. If you go to a non-VA doctor without VA authorization, Medicare rules apply. Ask SHIIP for help avoiding unexpected bills.
• TRICARE For Life usually pays after Medicare for covered services outside VA.

Sources: VA Health Care, NC SHIIP, TRICARE For Life

Long-Term Care, In-Home Help, and Caregivers

• NC State Veterans Homes: Skilled nursing facilities in Black Mountain, Fayetteville, Kinston, and Salisbury. Admission is for eligible veterans and includes memory care and rehab services. Details and applications: NC State Veterans Homes (NCDMVA).
• VA long-term services: VA offers nursing home care, Community Living Centers, adult day health care, homemaker/home health aide services, and respite for caregivers. Start at VA Long-Term Care.
• Medicaid LTSS: For low-income seniors who need help with daily activities, NC Medicaid covers long-term services and supports (LTSS). See NC Medicaid – Long-Term Services & Supports.
  • CAP/DA Waiver: Home- and community-based services to help adults remain at home. See CAP/DA.
  • PACE: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly provides coordinated care to help you live at home. See NC PACE.

Caregivers:

• VA Caregiver Support provides training, a helpline, and (for those eligible) stipends and benefits through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Call 855-260-3274 or visit VA Caregiver Support.

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Social Support

• VA mental health and geriatrics/psychiatry services: VA Mental Health.
• Vet Centers offer confidential counseling (readjustment, grief, MST). Find locations near Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville, Fayetteville, and more: Vet Center Locator.
• For urgent help: Veterans Crisis Line 988 (press 1) Veterans Crisis Line.

---

Money, Pension, Disability, and Taxes

VA Disability Compensation

Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected disabilities. Learn eligibility, rating, and how to file at VA Disability Compensation. If your condition has worsened, you can request an increase.

Reality check: Claims can take several months, and evidence (medical records, DBQs, nexus letters) matters. Work with a VSO in your county: Find a County or Tribal VSO (NCDMVA).

VA Pension and Aid & Attendance (A&A)

• VA Pension is needs-based for wartime veterans who are age 65+ or permanently disabled. Details: VA Pension.
• Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound are add-ons if you need help with daily activities or are substantially confined to your home. See requirements and how to apply at VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound.

Tip: Unreimbursed medical expenses (home care, assisted living) can sometimes be deducted from income for pension calculations. Keep clear receipts and statements.

North Carolina Taxes and Property Relief

• NC income tax: Military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are exempt from NC state income tax (effective for tax year 2021 and after). See the NC Department of Revenue’s notice: Military Retirees Tax Exemption.
• Property tax relief: North Carolina offers a Disabled Veterans Property Tax Homestead Exclusion that removes a portion of your home’s assessed value from property taxes if you’re a qualifying disabled veteran or surviving spouse. Check current exclusion amount, eligibility, and forms at NCDOR – Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion and file with your county tax office.

Reality check: Property tax relief deadlines vary by county, and you usually must apply once and then confirm status if requested. Ask your county tax assessor’s office for their deadline.

Food and Energy Assistance

• SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services in NC): Apply via ePASS or your county DSS: NC FNS (SNAP).
• Congregate and home-delivered meals for older adults: Contact your regional Area Agency on Aging: NC AAAs.
• Energy help: LIEAP (winter) and CIP (year-round emergencies) via county DSS: Energy Assistance.
• Weatherization: Free energy-saving repairs for qualifying households: NC Weatherization Assistance Program and NC DEQ Weatherization.

Other Helpful Money Resources

• Unclaimed money: Search the NC Department of State Treasurer’s unclaimed property site: NC Cash.
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) can help pay Medicare premiums and sometimes copays/deductibles for low-income seniors: NC Medicare Savings Programs.
• Free Medicare counseling: NC SHIIP (1-855-408-1212).

Snapshot: Money and Tax Benefits

---

Housing, Home Repairs, and Independent Living

Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stability

• SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Rapid re-housing and prevention for veterans and families. Start via the VA homeless line 877-424-3838 or learn more at SSVF.
• HUD-VASH: HUD housing vouchers with VA case management for eligible veterans. See HUD-VASH program.

Reality check: Local waitlists can be long. Ask about emergency shelter, motel vouchers (if available), and landlord mediation through local Continuums of Care. The North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness can help you find the right local contact: NCCEH.

Home Modifications and Repairs

• VA housing grants: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Housing Adaptation (SHA), and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants help veterans with service-connected disabilities live safely at home. Details and eligibility at VA Housing Adaptation Grants.
• NC Housing Finance Agency: Programs support repairs for health/safety hazards and accessibility modifications (delivered by local partners). Learn more at NCHFA Home Repair Programs and ask your city/county about availability.

State Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing)

• Locations: Black Mountain, Fayetteville, Kinston, Salisbury.
• Admissions: See eligibility, cost details, and application steps at NC State Veterans Homes.

Housing Programs at a Glance

---

Transportation to Medical Care

• DAV Transportation Network: Volunteer-driven rides to VA medical appointments. Contact your VA Medical Center’s DAV coordinator or see DAV Transportation Network.
• VA Travel Pay Reimbursement: Eligible veterans and caregivers can get mileage or common carrier costs reimbursed. See rules and apply online at VA Travel Pay.
• Public transit and rural demand-response: NC has local systems in every region; many offer reduced fares for seniors and veterans. Find your local system at NCDOT Local Transit Systems.

Tip: Ask your clinic’s social worker about non-emergency medical transportation options and local charity ride programs in your county.

---

Legal, Identity Protection, and Courts

• Legal Aid of North Carolina – Veterans Law Project: Help with benefits, housing, consumer issues, discharge upgrades (as capacity allows). See Legal Aid NC – Veterans.
• NC Bar Association – Lawyer Referral: If you need a private attorney: NCBA Find a Lawyer.
• Consumer Protection (scams, fraud): NC DOJ Consumer Protection.
• Adult Protective Services and Guardianship: How to report concerns and learn about court-appointed guardianship: Adult Protective Services and Guardianship.
• Veterans Treatment Courts (where available): Specialty courts connect justice-involved veterans with treatment and mentoring. Ask your county clerk of court or visit the NC Judicial Branch to see local specialty court offerings: NC Judicial Branch.

Reality check: Legal help is often limited to civil issues and depends on capacity. Get on waitlists early and keep documents organized.

---

Records, IDs, and Proof of Service

• Get your DD214: Request online at the National Archives: Request Military Service Records.
• Add “Veteran” to your NC driver license or ID: Bring DD214 or similar proof to NCDMV. Details at NCDMV Veteran Designation.
• VA ID Cards and patient ID: Learn VA patient ID and Veteran ID Card (VIC) options at VA Veteran ID Card.

---

Employment, Training, and Small Business (for those who still want to work)

• NCWorks – Veteran Priority of Service: Job search help, resume support, and referrals with staff trained to help veterans. Start at your local Career Center via NCWorks.
• ApprenticeshipNC: Explore paid apprenticeships; some programs may be GI Bill-approved for monthly housing allowances. See ApprenticeshipNC and VA guidance on On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships.
• SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center: Free counseling and training for veteran-owned businesses. Find your regional VBOC at SBA VBOC Program.
• SBTDC (NC Small Business & Technology Development Center) – Veteran-owned businesses: SBTDC Veterans.

Tip: If you receive VA disability compensation, ask a benefits advisor before starting a business or new job to understand any impact on your benefits (if any).

---

Inclusive and Specialized Support

Women Veterans

• NCDMVA Women Veterans Program: State outreach and help navigating benefits specific to women. See NCDMVA Women Veterans.
• Women Veterans Program Managers (WVPMs) at each VA Medical Center can coordinate women’s health, MST care, and specialty services. Find your WVPM contact at VA WVPM Contacts.

LGBTQ+ Senior Veterans

• VA offers affirming care, including hormone therapy and mental health support. Learn more and find local points of contact at VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care.
• If you experienced discrimination in care, you can file a complaint with the facility Patient Advocate or contact the VA Office of Resolution Management: VA Patient Advocacy.

Disabled Senior Veterans

• Work with a VSO to file for service-connected increases as conditions change: Find a County or Tribal VSO.
• Explore home-based primary care, homemaker/home health aide, and adult day health options via VA: Geriatrics & Extended Care.
• Accessibility grants (SAH/SHA/HISA) can make home living safer: VA Housing Grants.

Tribal/Native Veterans (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and others)

• North Carolina recognizes county and tribal VSOs. If you reside on tribal lands or are a member of a tribe, contact NCDMVA to locate your tribal VSO: County & Tribal VSO Directory.
• Indian Health Service and Tribal Health: If you are eligible, coordinate VA and Tribal/IHS care. Start with your tribal health clinic or the IHS site: Indian Health Service.

Rural Veterans and Limited Internet Access

• VA Video Connect offers telehealth visits by smartphone or tablet; VA can help with loaner devices or connectivity for eligible veterans through the Digital Divide program. See VA Telehealth and Digital Divide Consult.
• North Carolina Broadband Office helps communities expand access; find resources at NC Broadband Office.
• Transportation: Use NCDOT’s directory to find dial-a-ride and rural transit options: Local Transit Systems.

---

Region-by-Region: Getting Help Near You

Use the VA Facility Locator for exact addresses: Find VA Locations. Here are North Carolina’s major hubs and what to look for:

Mountains (Western NC)

• Primary VA hub: Charles George VA Medical Center (Asheville).
• State resources: Black Mountain State Veterans Home; Area Agency on Aging programs via the Land of Sky region—see NC AAAs directory.
• Transportation: Mountain-area transit systems listed under NCDOT Transit Systems.

Piedmont (Charlotte, Triad, Triangle)

• VA hubs: Salisbury VAMC (Piedmont), Durham VAMC (Triangle), with clinics across Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and more.
• County VSOs: Use the NCDMVA directory to find your county office (Mecklenburg, Guilford, Wake, etc.): County & Tribal VSOs.
• Legal help: Legal Aid NC has offices and statewide intake: Veterans – Legal Aid NC.

Sandhills and Coastal (Fayetteville, Wilmington, Greenville, Jacksonville, Down East)

• VA hub: Fayetteville NC Coastal Health Care System and community-based outpatient clinics, plus Vet Centers in several cities: Vet Center Locator.
• State resources: State Veterans Homes in Fayetteville and Kinston; State Veterans Cemeteries in Jacksonville and Goldsboro—details at State Veterans Cemeteries.
• Housing supports: Connect to SSVF/HUD-VASH providers via VA homeless line: 877-424-3838.

---

Burial and Memorial Benefits

• North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries are located in Black Mountain (Western Carolina), Spring Lake (Sandhills), Jacksonville (Coastal Carolina), and Goldsboro (Eastern Carolina). Eligibility and application: NC State Veterans Cemeteries.
• Federal burial benefits include gravesites in national cemeteries, headstones, markers, and burial allowances for eligible veterans. Learn more at VA Burials and Memorials.
• For national cemetery locations in NC, see the National Cemetery Administration’s directory (e.g., Salisbury National Cemetery, New Bern, Wilmington): NCA Cemeteries.

Tip: Pre-need burial eligibility can be determined in advance to reduce stress on families. See VA Pre-Need Eligibility.

---

Step-by-Step: Filing Claims and Getting Local Help

1. Call NC4VETS (1-844-624-8387) or your county VSO to set an appointment: Find a County/Tribal VSO.
2. Gather documents (DD214, medical records, income and expense details if seeking pension/A&A).
3. For disability claims, list each condition and how it connects to service. Use VA Disability to start, but file with a VSO if possible.
4. For pension/A&A, complete VA Form 21P-527EZ (veteran) or 21P-534EZ (survivor), and document care needs. See VA Pension & A&A.
5. Track everything. Mail using certified mail if you’re sending paper; keep copies.
6. If denied, appeal deadlines matter. Explore options at VA Decision Reviews and Appeals.

Reality check: Medical evidence is king. Ask your doctor to complete relevant Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) and write clear statements about your functional limitations.

---

Key Contacts by Need (Bookmark This)

---

FAQs: Benefits & Resources for Senior Veterans in North Carolina

What benefits are available to North Carolina senior veterans (age 65+)?

North Carolina senior veterans may qualify for VA Pension (with possible Aid & Attendance or Housebound add-ons), VA health care, disability compensation, state property tax relief for certain disabled veterans or surviving spouses, long-term care in NC State Veterans Homes, and transportation to VA appointments.

For broader senior help in NC (rent, utilities, home repairs), start with our statewide guide: Grants & Assistance for Seniors in North Carolina.

Who can help me apply for VA or state veteran benefits in North Carolina?

Contact your County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) for free, accredited claims help, or use the state’s NC4VETS network to find services. You can also connect with your local aging network for non-VA supports.

Find in-person assistance via our directories: Area Agencies on Aging in North Carolina and NC Senior Centers.

Do North Carolina senior veterans get property tax relief?

Yes. North Carolina offers a Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Property Tax Exclusion for qualifying veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses. The exclusion reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. To apply, you’ll need the NCDVA-9 certification and to file with your county tax office.

For housing and homeowner help, see our NC Senior Housing Assistance guide.

What is VA Aid & Attendance and can North Carolina seniors use it for in-home care?

Aid & Attendance is an additional monthly payment added to a VA Pension if you need help with daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing) or are housebound. Many NC seniors use it to help pay for in-home care or assisted living. A CVSO can file the claim and help gather medical evidence.

For related non-VA supports (home-delivered meals, in-home help), see our North Carolina seniors guide.

Are there state veterans homes or long-term care options for older veterans in North Carolina?

Yes. The NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (DMVA) operates state veterans homes that provide skilled nursing care to eligible veterans. These facilities can be an option if you need 24/7 nursing or rehab.

If you’re comparing options or hoping to stay at home, check our NC housing & care guide for seniors and contact your local Area Agency on Aging for care navigation.

Is there free transportation to VA medical appointments in North Carolina?

Yes. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) operates volunteer van services that transport veterans to and from VA medical facilities in North Carolina. Scheduling is required and routes vary by county—ask your CVSO or VA facility about DAV vans.

For non-VA rides and paratransit, your local AAA can help you find senior transportation programs.

Can surviving spouses in North Carolina get veteran-related benefits?

Surviving spouses may qualify for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Survivors Pension if eligibility criteria are met. North Carolina’s Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Exclusion also extends to an un-remarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran.

A CVSO can review your situation and file claims. For additional state and local supports, see our NC seniors benefits guide.

Where can North Carolina senior veterans find help with food, utilities, or property taxes beyond VA benefits?

In addition to VA programs, NC seniors can get help with SNAP, congregate or home-delivered meals, energy/utility assistance, and property tax relief.

Start with Grants & Assistance for Seniors in North Carolina and the Senior Centers directory for local enrollment help.

How do I find the right local contact if I live in a rural North Carolina county?

Use NC4VETS to locate services and your County Veteran Service Office for claims help, then connect with your region’s AAA for aging programs.

Our Area Agencies on Aging directory lists all 16 regions covering every NC county, and our statewide seniors guide links to rental help, weatherization, property tax relief and more.

---

Additional State Benefits and Services Worth Knowing

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

• Free counseling on Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, Extra Help, and TRICARE For Life. Many SHIIP counselors are located at local senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging. Learn more at NC SHIIP or call 1-855-408-1212.

Aging and Adult Services

• NC Division of Aging and Adult Services coordinates caregiver support, nutrition, transportation, and protective services for older adults. Local programs run through AAAs and county partners. Explore services at NCDHHS Aging and Adult Services.

Driver Licensing and Veteran Designation

• Add “Veteran” to your NC license/ID with acceptable proof at NCDMV Veteran Designation. This can help with discounts and proof for some programs.

---

Reality Checks, Warnings, and Practical Tips

• Avoid “claims consultants” who charge fees: Claims help from county/tribal VSOs, NCDMVA, and many veterans’ organizations is free. Find official help at NCDMVA VSO Directory or VA-accredited representatives.
• Paperwork takes time: Mark calendars with follow-up dates. Use certified mail for important documents and keep copies.
• Beware of scams: If someone pressures you to move investments to “qualify” for A&A, be cautious. Report scams to NC DOJ Consumer Protection.
• Health coverage coordination: Before non-VA appointments, ask who pays (VA, Medicare, TRICARE) to avoid surprise bills. Call NC SHIIP for guidance.

---

Resources (Official Links)

• North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA): milvets.nc.gov
• NC4VETS Call Center: 1-844-624-8387
• County & Tribal Veterans Service Officers: Find your VSO
• VA: va.gov
• VA Health Care: Apply/learn more
• VA Disability Compensation: Start or manage a claim
• VA Pension & Aid and Attendance: Eligibility and forms
• PACT Act: What’s covered
• VA Burials and Memorials: Learn benefits
• NC State Veterans Homes: Locations and admissions
• NC State Veterans Cemeteries: Eligibility and application
• NC SHIIP (Medicare counseling): ncdoi.gov/shiip
• NC Medicaid: Medicaid NC
  • CAP/DA: Home- and community-based services
  • PACE: All-inclusive care program
  • Medicare Savings Programs: MSP info
• Food help: NC FNS (SNAP)
• Energy help: LIEAP & CIP
• NCHFA Repairs: Home repair programs
• NCDOR Military Retirement Tax Exemption: Official notice
• NCDOR Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion: Program details
• VA Housing Adaptation Grants: SAH, SHA, HISA
• VA Homeless Programs: Help now
• NC 211: nc211.org
• NCDOT Transit Systems: Find local transit
• Legal Aid of North Carolina – Veterans: Get help
• National Archives (DD214): Request records
• NCDMV Veteran ID: License/ID designation
• Vet Centers: Find a Vet Center
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1
• NC Area Agencies on Aging: Regional directory
• NC Consumer Protection: Report scams
• NC Broadband Office: Access resources
• SBA VBOC: Veteran business help
• SBTDC Veterans: Business advising
• NC4VETS Resource Guide: Download/contacts

---

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

---

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Benefits programs change, and county practices vary. Always confirm details with the official agency or a qualified Veterans Service Officer. We are not a government agency and do not provide legal or tax advice.