Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits

• • What are Veterans Benefits?

• • Veterans benefits are services and resources provided by the government to support veterans and their families. These benefits can include things such as healthcare, education assistance, disability compensation, pension programs, home loans, and life insurance.

• • What Is Veterans Aid & Attendance?

• • The Aid & Attendance benefit is an additional monetary payment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans and their survivors. It is designed to help cover the cost of long-term care, whether at home, in assisted living facilities, or in nursing homes.

• • Who Is Eligible for Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits?

• • To be eligible for the VA&A benefit, veterans must meet specific criteria:

    • Military Service: You or your deceased spouse must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period, defined as one of the following:
      • • World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
        • Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
        • Vietnam Era: February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 (for those who served in the Republic of Vietnam) or August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (for all other service)
        • Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – present
    • Income: Your net worth must fall within the VA’s limits, which consider your medical expenses and dependents. From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, the net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits is $155,356. The net worth calculation includes your and your dependent’s assets and income for VA purposes.
    • Discharge Status: The veteran must have received an honorable discharge.
    • Age or Disability: The veteran must be either 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled.
    • Care Needs: The veteran must require assistance with daily living activities, be bedridden, a patient in a nursing home, or have severe visual impairment.

• • Can a Surviving Spouse Qualify for VA&A Benefits?

• • Yes, surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for A&A benefits if they meet the necessary criteria regarding their spouse’s service and their own care needs.

• • What Does the VA&A Benefit Cover?

• • The VA&A benefit provides additional monthly payments on top of the basic VA pension to help cover the cost of long-term care services such as nursing home or assisted living expenses. Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits can even be used to pay for in-home care. The goal of the VA&A pension is to provide financial support to veterans and surviving spouses, ensuring they receive the necessary care regardless of whether it’s at home or in a facility.

• • How Do I Apply for Veteran Aid & Attendance Benefits?

• • To apply for VA&A benefits, you will need to complete and submit VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) along with supporting documentation. This includes medical evidence of the need for aid and attendance, financial information, and proof of military service. You will typically need the following documents to apply:

    a. Medical Evidence: Doctor’s reports detailing the medical condition and need for aid.

    b. Financial Information: Documentation of income, net worth, and unreimbursed medical expenses.

    c. Military Service Records: A copy of the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214).

• • How Much Will I Receive If I Am Eligible for VA&A Benefits?

• • The amount of A&A benefits varies based on the recipient’s income, assets, and need for care. As of 2024, the maximum annual pension rates are:

    a. Veteran with no dependents: $27,600 ($2,300 per month)

    b. Veteran with one dependent (spouse or child): $32,724 ($2,727 per month)

    c. Surviving spouse: $17,743 ($1,478 per month)

    d. Married couple (both veterans): $43,791 ($3,649 per month)

• • How Are Income and Assets Calculated for VA&A Eligibility Purposes?

• • The VA considers the applicant’s countable income and net worth when determining eligibility. Countable income includes most income sources, but certain medical expenses can be deducted. The net worth limit is subject to annual adjustments. As of 2024, the limit is $155,356.

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