Aid & Attendance Benefit Facts
Entitlement to Help Offset the Costs of Long-Term Care
| Category | Monthly Benefit | Annual Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Two Married Vets | $3,845 | $46,143 |
| Married Veteran | $2,873 | $34,486 |
| Single Veteran | $2,424 | $29,091 |
| Living Spouse Only | $1,557 | $18,869 |
| Surviving Spouse | $1,517 | $18,684 |
There are a variety of benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that may be available to Veterans of the United States armed forces. We concentrate on one benefit predominately, the one that is available to Veterans who served during war. This is called Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension. This is a benefit which can help pay for long term care.
The benefit is also known as Aid & Attendance, but that is misunderstood. The benefit is a pension with Aid & Attendance. It is similar to a long term care benefit and it is an entitlement for those war era veterans who are spending the majority of their monthly income on their health care, and who are age 65 or older.
“We truly appreciate your advice, guidance and help with our application and approval. The process progressed exactly as you outlined to us. Your services are invaluable for veterans and veterans’ families seeking financial help with medical expenses and care.”
Don B.Requirements
There are two parts to the benefit and a veteran or widow(er) must be eligible for both in order to qualify for the maximum benefit. The basic Improved Pension and the additional special monthly benefit called Aid and Attendance.
Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension – Improved Pension
The basic Improved Pension is a non-service-connected, tax-free benefit paid directly to the veteran or widow of the veteran monthly. The veteran need not have been harmed in service and in most cases, need not have served overseas.
Additional Special Monthly Benefit – Aid and Attendance
The Aid & Attendance benefit is paid in addition to monthly pension. A veteran may be eligible if their physician states that they require some regular help with certain activities of daily living.
Qualifications
WASHINGTON (Dec. 19, 2006) – The Department of Veterans Affairs reached out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance.
All WWI widows, plus WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam veterans and their widows, may be eligible!
Medical
The veteran or surviving spouse must be at least 65 years old or permanently disabled.
Income
There is no income limit. If an individual is spending their income on health expenses, they may qualify.
Assets
The amount of assets is determined on an individual basis, including age, health, income and medical expenses.
Award Amounts
2026 maximum monthly amounts:
- Two Married Vets – $3,845
- Married Veteran – $2,873
- Single Veteran – $2,424
- Living Spouse Only – $1,557
- Surviving Spouse – $1,517
Dates of Service
World War I
April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918
World War II
December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946
Korean Conflict
June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era
November 1, 1955 through May 7, 1975 for service in the Republic of Vietnam, and August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975 for service anywhere else.
Persian Gulf War
August 2, 1990 through a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.
Honorable Discharge
An important document required in filing a claim with the VA is the honorable discharge. Please watch this video to understand more about how to obtain free copies.
Service Records
Most service members and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their Separation documents or DD Form 214.
- Request a free copy from the National Personnel Records Center at archives.gov (opens in a new tab).
- DD-214 Delivered by email – dd214direct.com
- Expedited DD-214s – aardvarkresearchgroup.com
- The county clerk where the veteran may have recorded the discharge.
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