Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefit

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Helping Veterans and Their Families Access the Care They Deserve

The Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit is a special monthly pension offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This benefit provides financial assistance to eligible veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses who need help with daily living tasks. It’s a valuable but often overlooked resource for families caring for aging loved ones.

This benefit can help offset the cost of long-term care in a variety of settings, including care at home, assisted living communities, licensed residential care homes, or skilled nursing facilities.

Who Can Receive the Benefit

To qualify, the veteran or surviving spouse must meet three key criteria: service history, medical need, and financial eligibility.

Service History
The veteran must have served at least 90 consecutive days of active military duty, with at least one day during a wartime period as defined by Congress. The veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged.

Recognized Wartime Periods

World War II: December 7, 1941 – July 25, 1947 (service must have begun before December 31, 1946)
Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 if served in the Republic of Vietnam)

Medical Requirement
The veteran or spouse must require regular assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, or medication management. This benefit is designed to support those who cannot manage these tasks independently.

Financial Eligibility
The VA considers both income and assets when determining eligibility. Household income may be reduced by qualified medical expenses, including the cost of in-home or facility care. There are limits to what can be owned in terms of assets, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What the Benefit Covers

Aid and Attendance is flexible and can be used to pay for care in several settings, including:

Personal caregivers providing assistance at home
Assisted living facilities or licensed board and care homes
Skilled nursing or long-term care facilities

This financial support can significantly ease the burden on families and help delay or avoid the need for more intensive institutional care.

Monthly Benefit Amounts

While the exact amounts are updated annually, here are example rates based on available data from 2009:

Veteran with Spouse: $1,949 per month
Single Veteran: $1,632 per month
Surviving Spouse: $1,055 per month

To confirm current rates, consult the VA or a veterans’ service organization, as figures may have changed since then.

How to Apply

Applying for the A&A Benefit can be a detailed process, which is why working with a knowledgeable support organization is highly recommended. One such trusted resource is:

Transitions for Veterans
They offer free guidance with eligibility screening, completing the application, and navigating the VA system.
Toll-Free Help Line: 888-929-6055

You can also apply directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or by visiting your nearest VA regional office.

A Valuable, Often Overlooked Resource

Many families caring for aging veterans or their spouses are unaware this benefit exists. Aid and Attendance can make a meaningful difference in care affordability, providing critical support for those who served—and their loved ones.

If you believe you or someone you care for might be eligible, reach out today for more information and guidance through the process.

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