Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Arizona

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

If you or a loved one needs help now, start here.

Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, call Be Connected (1‑866‑4AZ‑VETS). They can link you to VA, state, and local help in any county.

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Emergency help now (first things first)

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
• For a veteran in crisis, call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or start a confidential chat: Veterans Crisis Line.
• Homelessness or eviction risk: Call 877‑4AID‑VET (877‑424‑3838) to reach VA and local partners who can help right away with shelter and case management: VA Homeless Programs.
• Arizona statewide referral and warm handoffs to veteran‑friendly providers: Be Connected (1‑866‑4AZ‑VETS).
• If you’re being scammed or pressured to pay for benefits claims help, stop and report it. Only use VA‑accredited representatives: Search VA‑accredited representatives. Consumer issues: Arizona Attorney General – File a complaint.

Reality check: In a crisis, you might talk to several people before the right door opens. Don’t give up. Ask each person, “What is my next step today?” and write it down.

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What this guide covers (and how to use it)

• Arizona‑specific benefits for older veterans (60+), surviving spouses, and caregivers
• Step‑by‑step ways to apply
• Where to get free, trusted help in your county
• Realities: wait times, paperwork, income rules, and appeal options

Use the quick tables to scan your options, then follow the links to apply or schedule free counseling.

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Arizona benefits at a glance

Arizona adds strong state support to federal VA benefits. Start with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) for free claims help, state homes, cemeteries, and emergency assistance.

Key Arizona programs for senior veterans

Note: Benefits often intersect. For example, if you qualify for VA Aid and Attendance and also need long‑term care, ask about ALTCS (Medicaid) and how the two work together.

Sources: ADVS program pages linked above; Arizona State Parks discounts page; Arizona Department of Revenue property tax exemptions.

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Federal VA benefits seniors ask about most

The VA is the backbone of veteran benefits. Arizona’s ADVS can help you apply for all of these.

VA health care

• What it is: Comprehensive medical, mental health, pharmacy, and specialty care for eligible veterans.
• Where to get care in AZ: Phoenix VA Health Care System; Southern Arizona VA (Tucson); Northern Arizona VA (Prescott), plus community clinics.
• How to apply: Online, by mail, or in person: Apply for VA health care.
• Travel pay: If you qualify, VA reimburses mileage or common carrier for approved appointments: VA Beneficiary Travel.
• Community Care: When VA can’t provide timely or nearby care, VA may authorize non‑VA care: VA Community Care.

Reality check: Enrollment and appointments can take time. If you have urgent symptoms, use urgent care or ER and tell them you’re a veteran. Follow up with VA to link records.

VA pension with Aid & Attendance (A&A) or Housebound

• What it is: A needs‑based monthly benefit for wartime veterans age 65+ (or disabled) and for survivors. A&A and Housebound add-ons pay more if you need help with daily activities or you’re substantially homebound.
• How to apply: Work with an ADVS Veterans Benefits Counselor or apply directly: VA Pension; Aid & Attendance/Housebound.
• Evidence: Doctor’s statement and detailed care needs help. Keep receipts and care contracts.

Reality check: Pension has income and net worth limits that change annually. Report changes in income/care costs to avoid overpayments. Never pay anyone to file an A&A claim; use accredited help.

VA disability compensation

• What it is: Tax‑free monthly payments for disabilities linked to service. Seniors can still file new claims or seek increases.
• How to apply: VA Disability Compensation. Free help: Find VA‑accredited help or use ADVS VBCs.

Tip: If your condition worsened, ask about a “request for increase.” Bring recent medical records.

VA caregiver support

• Programs: Caregiver education and a support line for all eras, plus a monthly stipend for eligible caregivers of certain veterans enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
• Learn and apply: VA Caregiver Support Program. Support Line: 855‑260‑3274.

VA burial and memorial benefits

• What it includes: Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone/marker, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate for eligible veterans. Spouses and certain dependents may also be eligible.
• Arizona sites: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix). State cemeteries: Marana, Sierra Vista, Camp Navajo.
• How to plan ahead: VA Burial Benefits.

Home modification and accessibility

• Service‑connected housing grants: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH/SHA).
• Medical necessity home improvements (not always service‑connected): HISA grants.

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Health care and long‑term care in Arizona

AHCCCS and ALTCS (Arizona Medicaid)

• AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. For seniors who need nursing home level care or help at home, Arizona uses ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System).
• What ALTCS covers: Nursing homes, assisted living, in‑home services, caregivers, adult day health, medical transportation, and more.
• How to apply: Start here: AHCCCS Long Term Care (ALTCS).
• Financial and medical eligibility apply. Veterans can receive ALTCS and VA benefits at the same time, but the programs coordinate your cost share.

Reality check: ALTCS has strict rules about income, assets, and transfers. Don’t move money around without advice. Ask ALTCS or a benefits counselor how VA pension/A&A is treated in your case.

Medicare and free counseling (SHIP)

• Most seniors use Medicare. If you need unbiased help comparing plans, drugs, or dealing with bills, contact Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): AZ SHIP – Medicare Counseling.
• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) may pay your Part B premium if your income is limited. Apply through DES: Medicare Savings in Arizona.

Dental and vision

• VA dental eligibility is limited, but some veterans qualify (for example, 100% service‑connected). Check: VA Dental Care eligibility.
• If not VA‑eligible, ask your Area Agency on Aging about low‑cost dental clinics and mobile services: Find your AAA.

Behavioral health

• Enrolled VA patients can access mental health care through their VA medical center. Start with your primary care team or call your VA’s main line: Phoenix/Tucson/Prescott links above.
• For non‑VA options, AHCCCS and Medicare Advantage plans include behavioral health networks. 988 is always available for immediate support: 988 Lifeline.

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Housing, homelessness, and staying housed

Tip: If you’re behind on rent or utilities, contact SSVF or LIHEAP before notices pile up. The earlier you call, the more options you have.

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Money help, food, and taxes

• SNAP (food assistance): Arizona calls it Nutrition Assistance. Seniors can qualify even with small pensions. Apply online or by phone: DES Nutrition Assistance (SNAP).
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (seasonal): Coupons for fresh produce through local agencies: Check with your Area Agency on Aging: Find your AAA.
• Social Security retirement, SSDI, and SSI: Social Security Administration (800‑772‑1213).
• VA fiduciary if managing money is hard: VA Fiduciary Program.
• Unclaimed property (old refunds, accounts): Arizona Unclaimed Property.
• Arizona tax on military retirement: Arizona excludes military retirement pay from state income tax. See Arizona Department of Revenue for details: AZDOR Military Income.

Reality check: Benefits can affect each other. Before applying, ask a VBC or SHIP counselor how a new benefit could change your premiums, co‑pays, or cost shares.

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Transportation and getting to care

• DAV Transportation Network: Free rides to VA medical appointments where available. Contact your VA medical center’s Voluntary Service or DAV: DAV Transportation.
• VA travel reimbursement (if eligible): Beneficiary Travel.
• Valley Metro (Phoenix metro): Reduced fare for seniors 65+ with ID; check any veteran discounts or ADA paratransit: Valley Metro Reduced Fare.
• Sun Tran (Tucson): Senior and disability reduced fares; Sun Van paratransit: Sun Tran fares.
• Rural transit: Contact your Area Agency on Aging to locate county transit or volunteer drivers: Find your AAA.

Phone and internet: The federal Lifeline program can reduce monthly phone/internet costs for eligible low‑income households: Lifeline Support. Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications in 2024 due to funding; check the FCC for updates: FCC ACP information.

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Step‑by‑step: Common applications

1) Aid & Attendance (A&A) add‑on to VA pension

1. Confirm wartime service and financial eligibility: VA Pension.
2. Gather medical evidence (doctor’s letter describing help needed with bathing, dressing, mobility, medications, etc.).
3. Prepare care documentation (home care agreement, assisted living contract, invoices).
4. File with VA using VA Form 21‑2680 (examination for A&A/Housebound) and pension forms, or get free help: ADVS Veterans Benefits Counselors.
5. Track your claim online and respond to any VA letters on time.

Warnings and tips:

• Do not transfer assets to qualify without legal advice; it can cause penalties.
• Avoid high‑fee “placement” or “benefits” services. Use accredited, free help.

2) ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)

1. Start an application: ALTCS – How to apply.
2. Expect a medical assessment and financial review.
3. If approved, choose a health plan and services (in‑home care, assisted living, nursing facility).
4. Tell ALTCS about VA benefits and Aid & Attendance; they coordinate cost‑sharing.
5. If denied, ask about appeals and deadlines.

Tip: Bring a family member or caregiver to your assessment and keep a “care notebook” with meds, doctor notes, and daily needs.

3) Property tax relief for disabled veterans

1. Check disability, income, and residence requirements: AZDOR Property Tax Exemptions.
2. Contact your County Assessor’s Office for forms and deadlines.
3. Bring VA disability rating letters and income documents.

Reality check: Rules differ by county. Apply early in the year and set calendar reminders for renewals.

4) VA disability or increase

1. Get free help from ADVS or another accredited VSO: Find accredited help.
2. File a Fully Developed Claim when possible, with private and VA medical records.
3. Consider a supplemental claim with new evidence if you were denied within the last year.

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Inclusive supports: reaching every veteran

LGBTQ+ senior veterans

• VA provides inclusive care for LGBTQ+ veterans, including gender‑affirming support, mental health, and primary care: VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care.
• If you ever felt unwelcome, ask the Patient Advocate at your VA medical center to help you connect to the right clinic.

Disabled senior veterans

• Ask about SAH/SHA housing grants and HISA for home modifications if mobility is a challenge: SAH/SHA, HISA.
• For complex care or caregiver burnout, contact VA Caregiver Support: Program overview, 855‑260‑3274.
• For free or low‑cost day programs and respite, contact your Area Agency on Aging: Find your AAA.

Tribal‑specific resources

• Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Area Agency on Aging (ITCA AAA) coordinates senior services on many tribal lands: ITCA AAA.
• Indian Health Service (IHS) serves eligible American Indian/Alaska Native veterans; coordination with VA is possible: IHS Phoenix Area, IHS Tucson Area.
• Navajo Nation veterans: Start with your local veterans office for housing or assistance programs; also use VA and ADVS links above.

Tip: If you receive care through IHS or a tribal clinic, tell your VA provider so medications and records line up.

Rural senior veterans (limited access)

• Use VA telehealth for routine visits, mental health, and specialty consults: VA Telehealth.
• Ask about VA Community Care if the nearest VA clinic is far: Community Care eligibility.
• For transportation, call your Area Agency on Aging for volunteer driver programs or vouchers: Find your AAA.

Women senior veterans

• ADVS Women Veterans Program offers outreach and referrals: ADVS Women Veterans.
• VA Women’s Health provides gender‑specific primary care, mammography, and more: VA Women Veterans Health Care.
• If you prefer a female provider, ask your VA clinic. Use the Patient Advocate if you need help switching.

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Arizona resources by region

More regional help:

• Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance (events for homeless/at‑risk veterans): Arizona Housing Coalition – AVSA.
• ADVS Office Locator and appointments with Veterans Benefits Counselors: ADVS Benefits.

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Where older veterans get stuck (and how to avoid it)

• Confusing paperwork: Ask a VBC to review your forms before you submit them: ADVS VBCs.
• Missed deadlines: VA and ALTCS have strict appeal windows. Open mail promptly and mark deadlines on a calendar.
• Paying for help: Filing VA benefits is free. Only use VA‑accredited helpers: Check accreditation.
• Overpayments: Report income or care changes to VA pension and ALTCS quickly to avoid bills later.
• “Ineligible” letters: Many denials can be fixed with more evidence. Ask about a supplemental claim, higher‑level review, or appeal.

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Program cheat sheets (tables you can print)

A) Health and long‑term care

B) Housing and utilities

C) Arizona state veteran benefits

D) Phones, internet, and transport

E) Burial and planning

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Documents you’ll need often

• DD214 (or separation papers): If missing, request from the National Archives: Request military records.
• VA disability decision letters and ratings
• Medicare card, Social Security award letter
• Proof of income and assets for ALTCS or SNAP
• Lease, utility bills, and ID for housing/utilities help

Keep copies in a folder. Bring them to VBC or AAA appointments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Arizona‑specific)

Q: How do I find a free Veterans Benefits Counselor near me?
A: Use ADVS’s locator to book with a Veterans Benefits Counselor in your county: ADVS – Benefits Counseling. They are VA‑accredited and free.

Q: I’m 100% service‑connected. What Arizona benefits should I check first?
A: State Park Disabled Veteran Pass for free day‑use: Arizona State Parks. Property tax relief (check income and other rules): AZDOR Property Tax Exemptions. Ask your VA dental clinic about eligibility for full dental: VA Dental Care.

Q: Can I have both ALTCS (Medicaid) and VA Aid & Attendance?
A: Yes, many veterans do. The programs coordinate and may adjust your share of cost. Start with ALTCS: ALTCS info. Tell both VA and ALTCS about any changes.

Q: Are VA benefits counted for SNAP (food assistance) in Arizona?
A: SNAP counts most income but deducts some medical and shelter costs. Apply and let DES figure it out based on your household: DES Nutrition Assistance.

Q: Where can I get help if I’m a homeless veteran tonight?
A: Call 877‑4AID‑VET (877‑424‑3838) or 2‑1‑1 Arizona. Ask for the veteran Coordinated Entry point in your county. See VA Homeless Programs.

Q: How do I get a veteran designation on my Arizona driver license/ID?
A: Bring your DD214 to an MVD office. Details and eligible plates: AZ MVD Military/Veteran license plates and IDs.

Q: Does Arizona tax my military retirement pay?
A: Arizona excludes military retirement pay from state income tax. See Arizona Department of Revenue: AZDOR – Military Income.

Q: Who can help me compare Medicare plans without sales pressure?
A: Arizona’s SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling: AZ SHIP.

Q: What if someone wants to charge me to file an Aid & Attendance claim?
A: Don’t pay. Filing is free. Use an ADVS Veterans Benefits Counselor or another VA‑accredited helper: Check accreditation.

Q: Where are Arizona’s state veterans cemeteries?
A: Marana, Sierra Vista, and Camp Navajo (near Bellemont). Details and eligibility: ADVS Cemeteries. Also see the federal cemetery in Phoenix: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Q: I’m a woman veteran and prefer a female provider. What are my options?
A: Ask your VA clinic for a women’s health primary care team. Learn more: VA Women Veterans Health. ADVS Women Veterans Program: Info and help.

Q: Is there a single number in Arizona that can connect me to veteran‑friendly services?
A: Yes. Call 1‑866‑4AZ‑VETS (1‑866‑429‑8387) or visit BeConnectedAZ.org.

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Source links (official and trusted)

• Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS): dvs.az.gov
• ADVS Veterans Benefits Counselors: Schedule help
• ADVS State Veteran Homes: Program page
• ADVS Veterans’ Donation Fund: Emergency assistance
• ADVS State Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries: Cemeteries
• Arizona “Be Connected”: beconnectedaz.org
• AHCCCS/ALTCS: azahcccs.gov/ALTCS
• AZ Department of Economic Security (DES) – SHIP, SNAP, Energy Assistance: des.az.gov
• Area Agencies on Aging (statewide directory): DES AAA directory
• Arizona Department of Housing: housing.az.gov
• AZ Department of Revenue – Property Tax Exemptions: azdor.gov/property-tax/property-tax-exemptions
• AZ State Parks – Disabled Veteran Pass: azstateparks.com/discounts
• AZ MVD – Veteran plates/ID: azdot.gov
• VA main benefits portal: va.gov
• VA Pension and A&A: Pension, A&A/Housebound
• VA Disability: Apply
• VA Caregiver Support: caregiver.va.gov
• VA Burials and Memorials: va.gov/burials-memorials
• National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona: cem.va.gov/nmcaz
• SSVF and HUD‑VASH: SSVF, HUD‑VASH
• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net
• 988 Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
• 211 Arizona: 211arizona.org
• Lifeline (phone/internet): lifelinesupport.org
• FCC Affordable Connectivity Program status: fcc.gov/acp
• VA accredited reps search: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation

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Disclaimer

We work to keep this information accurate and up to date, but programs, eligibility, and dollar amounts can change. Always verify details with the agency or program using the official links provided. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

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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.