Effective in 2026

VA has increased how much it can spend on certain in-home and community-based care for veterans with complex medical conditions.

The expenditure cap increased from 65% to 100% of the cost of comparable care in a VA Community Living Center.

For qualifying veterans, that can mean greater access to care at home instead of in an institutional setting. VA News

Who does this affect?

This change is specifically aimed at veterans with certain complex medical conditions, including veterans with:

Spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Other complex medical conditions requiring significant levels of care

VA estimates about 200 veterans will use the higher expenditure cap during fiscal year 2026, so this is not a benefit that applies to every veteran. VA News

What services can this affect?

The increased cap can apply to services including:

Home health aides, Home respite care, Community adult day health care, Veteran Directed Care, and Skilled home health care

The purpose is straightforward: allow qualifying veterans with substantial care needs to receive more support while continuing to live at home. VA News

Do I need to do anything?

If you or a veteran you're caring for has significant medical or daily-care needs and is already receiving—or may qualify for—VA home and community-based services, talk with your VA social worker about whether the increased expenditure cap applies.

This isn't simply a cash payment added to your disability compensation. It changes how much VA may spend on qualifying care.

Why this matters

For the veterans who qualify, the difference between a 65% cap and a 100% cap can materially change whether sufficient care can be provided at home.

And sometimes the difference between institutional care and remaining at home isn't a small fucking difference.

It's your home.

Verify It Yourself

VA — Increased In-Home and Community-Based Services Expenditure Cap

Announced: February 2, 2026

Last verified: October 6, 2026