Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for significant benefits to help cover long-term care costs. The VA's Aid and Attendance benefit alone can provide over $2,000 monthly to help pay for adult family home care. Yet many eligible families never apply because they don't know these benefits exist.
VA Pension with Aid and Attendance
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension is a benefit paid to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this benefit supplements regular pension payments for those who need assistance.
2024 Maximum Benefit Rates
- Veteran without dependents: $2,431/month
- Veteran with spouse or dependent: $2,884/month
- Surviving spouse: $1,318/month
- Two veterans married to each other: $3,238/month
Eligibility Requirements
Service requirements:
- Served at least 90 days of active duty
- At least one day during a wartime period
- Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Medical requirements (one of the following):
- Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Bedridden
- In a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Limited eyesight
Financial requirements:
- Limited income and net worth
- Net worth limit: $150,538 (2024), excluding home and vehicle
- Income limits vary based on care costs
Wartime Service Periods
To qualify for pension benefits, veterans must have served during a designated wartime period. Current wartime periods recognized by the VA include:
- World War II: December 7, 1941 â December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 â January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 â May 7, 1975 (February 28, 1961 for those who served in Vietnam)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 â present
Veterans don't need to have served in combat or overseasâonly during a wartime period.
Other VA Benefits for Senior Care
Housebound Benefits
For veterans who don't qualify for Aid and Attendance but are substantially confined to their home, the Housebound benefit provides a lower monthly payment.
VA Health Care
Veterans enrolled in VA health care may receive:
- Geriatric evaluation programs
- Adult day health care
- Home-based primary care
- Respite care for family caregivers
State Veterans Homes
Washington State operates veterans homes that provide residential care at reduced costs for eligible veterans. Contact the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving away assets: VA has a 3-year look-back period; asset transfers can result in penalties
- Not reporting medical expenses: Unreimbursed medical costs reduce countable income
- Assuming ineligibility: Many veterans qualify who don't realize it
- Paying for help: Be cautious of companies charging fees for benefits assistance; free help is available
- Waiting too long: Apply as soon as eligibleâbenefits aren't retroactive to when you became eligible
Applying for VA Benefits
Required Documentation
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Medical evidence of care needs
- Financial information (income, assets)
- Care provider statements about assistance needed
Application Process
- Gather required documents
- Complete VA Form 21-527EZ (veterans) or 21-534EZ (survivors)
- Submit medical evidence
- Apply online, by mail, or through a VA regional office
Processing typically takes 3-6 months. Consider working with a VA-accredited claims agent or veterans service organization for assistance.
Using VA Benefits for Adult Family Home Care
Aid and Attendance benefits can be used to pay for:
- Adult family home room and board
- In-home care services
- Assisted living costs
- Any care related to daily living assistance
Benefits can be combined with other funding sources like Medicaid COPES or private pay to cover total care costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parent receive both VA benefits and Medicaid?
Yes, VA benefits and Medicaid can be received simultaneously. However, VA pension income counts toward Medicaid eligibility calculations. Work with a benefits specialist to coordinate both programs optimally.
How long does it take to get approved for Aid and Attendance?
Typical processing time is 3-6 months, though it can take longer for complex cases. You can request expedited processing for serious illness. Benefits are paid retroactively to the application date once approved.
Does my parent need to have served in combat?
No. The requirement is 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period. Combat service is not requiredâstateside service during wartime qualifies.
Can surviving spouses receive Aid and Attendance?
Yes, surviving spouses of wartime veterans can receive Aid and Attendance benefits if they meet medical and financial requirements. The maximum benefit is approximately $1,318/month.
Where can I get help applying for VA benefits?
Free assistance is available through VA-accredited claims agents, veterans service organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV), and county veterans service officers. Be cautious of companies charging fees for help with VA claims.