Many veterans are missing out on thousands of dollars annually through the VA’s Aid & Attendance program. This guide explains how qualifying single veterans , veterans surviving spouse, and veterans and their spouses can receive up to $2,230 monthly to cover assisted living, nursing home, or in-home care expenses.
What is The Aid & Attendance Benefit for Veterans?
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a powerful yet often-overlooked VA benefit that provides a monthly, needs-based payment above the standard pension a veteran already receives. Offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs, A&A can significantly reduce the financial burden of long-term care for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses.
The benefit can be used to help cover costs regardless of where care is provided:
- In the veteran’s own residence
- In an assisted living community
- In a nursing home
A&A is specifically designed for veterans who need assistance completing activities of daily living (ADLs). These include essential tasks such as:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Eating
- Using the bathroom
- Mobility and transferring
Veterans diagnosed with dementia typically qualify for this benefit since their condition requires them to live in a protected environment. Importantly, the need for assistance does not have to be related to an injury experienced during military service.
How Much Money Can Veterans Receive From A&A Benefits?
A&A benefits provide substantial tax-free monthly payments that can dramatically offset care costs:
Up to $1,881 per month for a single veteran
Up to $2,230 per month for a veteran with a spouse
Up to $1,209 per month for a surviving spouse of a veteran
These funds are not taxed, making them even more valuable for managing monthly living expenses. For many families, this benefit can mean the difference between affordable quality care and financial hardship.
Eligibility Requirements For Veterans Aid & Attendance
To qualify for A&A benefits, veterans must meet several specific requirements:
Military Service Requirements
- Served at least 90 days of active duty
- At least one day of service must have been during a designated wartime period:
- WWII: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served in Vietnam)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – present
- National Guard and Reserve service counts if activated during wartime
- Discharge status must be honorable or less-than-honorable (dishonorable discharges do not qualify)
Health Condition Requirements
The veteran or surviving spouse must have at least one of these health issues:
- Need assistance with activities of daily living
- Be bedridden
- Have significant mental or physical incapacity
- Experience substantial visual impairment (5/200 acuity or less in both eyes)
A physician’s statement documenting these health issues is required as part of the application.
Financial Qualifications
- Asset limits cap at approximately $150,000 (updated for 2025)
- Primary home and vehicle are exempt from the asset calculation
- Income and medical expense considerations apply
Note: If a surviving spouse remarries, they will no longer be eligible for this benefit based on their veteran spouse’s service.
How To Apply For Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits
The application process for A&A benefits involves several steps:
- Gather Required Documentation:
- Military discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent)
- Medical documentation from a physician
- Financial statements
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Death certificate (for surviving spouse applications)
2. Complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Need for Regular Aid and Attendance)
3. Submit Your Application through one of these methods:
- Online through the VA website (va.gov)
- By mail to your regional VA office
- In person at your local VA office
Veterans over age 90 can request expedited approval when submitting their application.
Because the application process can be complex, many families work with a VA-accredited veterans benefits advisor to guide them through the process. These advisors can help ensure all documentation is properly completed, potentially reducing processing time.
Veterans Housebound Benefits: An Alternative To A&A
For veterans who are confined to their homes but don’t need the level of care required for A&A, the VA offers Housebound Benefits as an alternative.
Similar to A&A, Housebound Benefits provide additional funds added to the basic monthly pension. This benefit is available for veterans who are:
- Permanently disabled with a 100% disability rating, AND
- Substantially confined to their immediate premises due to disability
Important note: A veteran cannot receive both Housebound Benefits and A&A benefits simultaneously. However, they may be eligible for whichever provides the higher monthly payment.
To apply for Housebound Benefits, veterans should contact their local pension management center via the VA Facility Locator on the VA website.
Next Steps: Getting Help With Veterans Care Benefits
Navigating VA benefits can be challenging, but the financial assistance these programs provide makes the effort worthwhile. Here are recommended next steps:
- Determine Initial Eligibility: Review the service and health requirements to see if you or your loved one might qualify
- Consult With Experts: Consider speaking with a VA-accredited benefits advisor who specializes in eldercare benefits
- Prepare Financial Documentation: Gather records that demonstrate need and eligibility
- Contact Local Resources: Your local Veterans Service Office can provide free assistance
- Start the Application Process: Begin as early as possible, as approval can take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the application process typically take? Processing times vary, but applications typically take 3-6 months. Expedited processing is available for applicants over 90 years old.
- Does a veteran need to be receiving VA pension to qualify for A&A? Yes, A&A is an enhancement to the basic VA pension, so the veteran must qualify for the pension first.
- Can these benefits be used to pay family caregivers? In most cases, yes. The VA allows beneficiaries to use funds to pay family members who provide care, though certain documentation may be required.
- Will the VA look back at financial transfers when determining eligibility? Yes, the VA has a 3-year look-back period and may penalize applicants who transferred assets to meet eligibility requirements.
For more information about veteran benefits for long-term care and assistance with the application process, contact Dayspring Villa
