A stylized logo for the Golden Gap Foundation featuring a golden bridge over water under a shining sun with a heart and hand symbol inside it.

Veterans Aid & Attendance Bridge Program

Many low-income veterans qualify for VA Aid & Attendance—but still face upfront care costs during the approval window. Golden Gap Foundation provides short-term bridge support so veterans can move into safe care while benefits are finalized.

What Is Aid & Attendance?

VA Aid & Attendance is a benefit that can help eligible veterans (and surviving spouses) pay for assisted living, in-home care, or memory care. However, the application and approval process can take time—and during that time, the veteran may still need care immediately.

That waiting period creates a dangerous gap: some veterans remain in unsafe homes, rely on exhausted family members, or delay needed care simply because they can’t afford the upfront cost.

How Golden Gap Helps

  • ✔ Short-term bridge funding to cover care costs while VA benefits are pending
  • ✔ Support for safe placement in assisted living or in-home care arrangements
  • ✔ Focused assistance for low-income veterans who already appear likely to qualify
  • ✔ Clear, donor-funded support that prioritizes dignity, safety, and stability

Bridge Support (Temporary)

Our assistance is designed to be temporary—helping cover the gap while a qualifying veteran’s Aid & Attendance benefit is being processed and finalized.

Direct Impact

Donations help cover the monthly difference between a veteran’s income and the cost of safe care during the bridge period.

Who This Program Serves

This program is intended for low-income veterans (and in some cases, surviving spouses) who need assistance paying for care while Aid & Attendance is pending.

General eligibility indicators may include:
  • Veteran status (or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran)
  • Need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or supervision for safety
  • Low income and limited assets consistent with Aid & Attendance guidelines
  • An immediate need for assisted living or in-home care

Note: Final eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Golden Gap Foundation does not determine VA eligibility, but may provide bridge support based on preliminary indicators and program criteria.

How It Works

1

Apply for Help

Submit a request through our assistance application. We’ll gather basic information about the veteran’s care needs, income/resources, and current safety situation.

2

Review for Bridge Support

Our team reviews the request to confirm the situation fits the purpose of bridge funding and aligns with program guidelines. We prioritize urgent safety needs.

3

Bridge Funding Begins

If approved, we provide short-term financial help to support safe care during the benefits waiting period. Support may be time-limited and may require periodic check-ins.

4

Transition to Long-Term Stability

Once Aid & Attendance begins (or another long-term care funding source activates), the veteran transitions off bridge support, creating room to help the next person.

Your Gift Creates Immediate Safety

$250 helps cover one week of care support

$1,250 helps cover one month of assisted living support

Your donation helps a veteran access safe care now—while the VA process catches up. It’s temporary support with long-term impact.

Donate Now

Know a Veteran Who Needs Help?

If you know a veteran or surviving spouse who may need bridge support to access safe care, direct them to our assistance page.

QR code placeholder

Donate to Golden Gap via Zeffy.com

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!