VA Aid and Attendance, Housebound, and Veterans Pension

What this program is, in plain English

Veterans Pension is a monthly tax-free payment for wartime veterans 65 and older, or who are disabled, with limited income and assets. Aid and Attendance is an increase on top of that for someone who needs help with bathing, dressing, eating, or medication, or who is in a nursing home or assisted living. Housebound is a smaller increase for someone largely confined to their home. Surviving spouses of wartime veterans can qualify too, through Survivors Pension. The amounts are substantial and thousands of dollars a month is common for a veteran and spouse with high medical expenses. Two warnings. First, unreimbursed medical expenses reduce your counted income, which is how many people who assume they earn too much actually qualify. Second, never pay anyone a fee to file a VA claim.

What you actually get

A monthly tax-free pension, increased for Housebound status or for Aid and Attendance, available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• The VA applies a single net worth limit that combines assets and annual income, adjusted each December. Unreimbursed medical expenses are deducted from income, which changes the picture for many households.
• Requires qualifying wartime service, a net worth below the VA limit which includes both assets and annual income, and for Aid and Attendance a documented need for help with daily activities.

What to have ready

• DD-214 or other discharge papers
• Marriage and death certificates where relevant
• VA Form 21-2680 completed by a doctor
• Proof of all income and assets
• Records of unreimbursed medical expenses

How to apply

This program is run by US Department of Veterans Affairs, with claims filed through an accredited representative. Most decisions take Several months, sometimes longer.