The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit: A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Our Veterans

Standing Strong for Those Who Served

Caring for a veteran is an act of deep love and dedication. Whether you're a spouse, child, or close friend stepping into the role of caregiver, the journey is both fulfilling and exhausting. Caregivers play an essential role in ensuring our veterans live with dignity and comfort. If your loved one requires daily assistance, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit can provide financial support to help cover caregiving expenses. In this post, we’ll explain how A&A can ease your burden and how to apply for it.

What is VA Aid and Attendance?

The Aid and Attendance benefit is an additional pension available to veterans (or their surviving spouses) who need assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, or taking medications. It is designed to help cover the cost of home care or assisted living.

Who is Eligible?

A veteran (or their spouse) may qualify for Aid and Attendance if they meet one or more of these criteria:

• Need assistance with daily activities due to a medical condition.

• Are bedridden due to illness.

• Are in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity.

• Have severe vision impairment (5/200 vision in both eyes or less).

Additional Requirements

• Must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a period of war.

• Must have anything other than a Dishonorable discharge.

• A surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of his passing, and not remarried unless to a wartime veteran.

• Must meet income and countable asset criteria established by the VA.

• Must be 65 years and older or totally disabled.

Eligible Periods of War

1. Mexican Border War: May 9, 1916 - April 5, 1917

2. WWI: April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918
   *If in Russia, the end date is 04/01/1920

3. WWII: December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
   *In service on 12/31/1946 with continuous service before 07/26/1947 - Acceptable as War Time

4. Korean War: June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955

5. Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
   *If in Vietnam (Boots on ground, in country) or on an eligible ship, the
   war time is February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975

6. Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 - Present Day *24 months or a full tour
   of duty

How Can A&A Help Caregivers?

As a caregiver, your priority is your veteran’s well-being. But who’s looking out for you? The Aid and Attendance benefit can be a game-changer by helping to offset the financial burden of caregiving. Here’s how:

1. Covers Home Care Costs. If you’re providing care at home, A&A can help pay for a professional caregiver.

2. Helps with Assisted Living or Nursing Home Fees. If home care is no longer an option, this benefit can ease the financial strain of moving to an assisted living facility.

3. Reimburses Out-of-Pocket Expenses. Caregivers often spend their own money on medical supplies, home modifications, and transportation. A&A can help cover these costs.

4. Provides Financial Relief for Spouses. Surviving spouses of veterans are eligible too, ensuring they receive the care they need as they age.

The Application Process: A Caregiver’s Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for Aid and Attendance benefit can be time-consuming, but don’t get discouraged! Here’s how to streamline the process:

Step 1: Learn which documents you’ll need to send to the VA.

(All A&A applications must include these documents, which can take some time to track down. Each family’s situation is a bit different so not everyone needs to send in all the same supporting documents. You may or may not need to include a marriage certificate, death certificate or statement of occupancy from a nursing home, for example.)

1. Copy of current year Social Security award letter

2. DD-214Military Discharge papers (originals, no photocopies).
Note: You can request official replacements for lost originals from the National Archives

3. Proof of all assets (bank and investment statements) and income

4. Proof of insurance premiums and unreimbursed medical expenses

Step 2: Fill out the correct VA application forms

(Some forms are required for every application)

1. Basic Pension Form for Veterans, including Section X Medical Expense Report, or the form for Surviving Spouses

2. Examination for Housebound Status of Permanent Need for A&A

3. Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for A&A

4. Other forms listed in the tables below are highly suggested, such as the Authorization to Disclose Information to a 3rd Party, which will allow you to talk with the VA about your parent’s application if they need help.

   ***If you have power of attorney for your parent and need to request a VA fiduciary assignment, it’s recommended that you request a Statement in Support of a Claim form.

Step 3: Submit the Application

You can submit the application in three ways:

• By Mail – Send it to your regional VA Pension Management Center.

• In Person – Visit your local VA office.

• Through a VA-Accredited Agent – These professionals can help for free.

Final Thoughts: Supporting a Veteran Shouldn’t Mean Struggling Alone

As a caregiver, your dedication and sacrifice matter. But too often, caregivers put their own needs on the back burner while focusing on their loved ones. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is designed to ease some of the financial strain and ensure that veterans receive quality care; without overburdening those who support them.

If this sounds like something that could help your family, start the application process today. You and your veteran deserve the best care possible.

Next Steps:

• Check eligibility for Aid and Attendance.

• Start gathering documents now to speed up the process.

• Seek help from VA-accredited agents. They’re free and can guide you through the application.

If this post was helpful, share it with other caregivers who might not know about this life-changing benefit. Together, we can make sure our veterans—and their caregivers—get the support they deserve.