VA Aid & Attendance: A Benefit Many Veterans Don't Know They Have

What Is VA Aid & Attendance?

VA Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a pension benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that helps cover the cost of long-term care for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. It is one of the most underutilized benefits available — thousands of Arizona veterans qualify but never apply because they simply don't know it exists.

Aid & Attendance is an enhanced pension rate, meaning it is added on top of the basic VA pension. As of 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is approximately $2,300 for a veteran with a dependent spouse, $1,910 for a single veteran, and $1,230 for a surviving spouse.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for VA Aid & Attendance, a veteran must meet all of the following criteria:

Military Service Requirement

Served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, etc.)

Received an honorable or general discharge

Note: The veteran does not need to have served in combat — service during a wartime period is sufficient

Medical Need Requirement

The veteran (or surviving spouse) must require the regular assistance of another person to perform at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL), such as:

Bathing, dressing, or undressing

Eating

Attending to the wants of nature

Adjusting prosthetic devices

Protecting themselves from the hazards of their daily environment

Alternatively, the individual may qualify if they are bedridden, in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, or have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less.

Financial Eligibility

Net worth must be below approximately $155,356 (2025 threshold, adjusted annually)

Net worth includes assets and annual income; the primary home, vehicle, and certain personal property are excluded

Income is offset by unreimbursed medical expenses (including assisted living costs), which can significantly reduce countable income

The Application Process

Step 1: Gather Military Records

You will need the veteran's DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). If the original is lost, you can request a copy through the National Archives at archives.gov.

Step 2: Obtain a Physician's Statement

A licensed physician must complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance), documenting the veteran's medical needs and care requirements.

Step 3: Document Financial Information

Prepare documentation of all income sources, assets, and monthly medical expenses (including assisted living fees, home health aide costs, and prescriptions).

Step 4: Submit the Application

File VA Form 21-527EZ (Application for Pension) along with the physician's statement and financial documentation. Applications can be submitted online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

VA pension claims typically take 3 to 6 months to process. Benefits are retroactive to the date of application, so applying as soon as possible is important.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to apply. Benefits are not retroactive to the date of need — only to the date of application. Every month of delay is a month of benefits lost.

Transferring assets before applying. The VA has a 3-year look-back period for asset transfers. Transferring assets to qualify can result in a penalty period of ineligibility.

Working with commission-based advisors. Some financial advisors charge high fees to help with VA benefit applications. VA-accredited claims agents and attorneys are regulated; be cautious of unaccredited advisors.

How CareRoots Can Help

CareRoots Health helps Arizona veteran families navigate the Aid & Attendance application process as part of our family care coordination services. We help families:

Determine whether a veteran or surviving spouse is likely to qualify

Gather and organize required documentation

Understand how assisted living costs interact with income calculations

Coordinate with VA-accredited claims agents when needed

*This guide reflects VA Aid & Attendance program requirements as of early 2025. Benefit amounts and eligibility thresholds are adjusted annually. Contact CareRoots Health or a VA-accredited claims agent for guidance specific to your situation.*