The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is a program provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that offers additional financial assistance to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require assistance with activities of daily living due to a disability or health condition. This benefit is designed to help veterans and their loved ones afford the cost of long-term care, such as assisted living facilities or in-home care.

Key points about the VA Aid and Attendance benefit include:

Eligibility: To qualify for Aid and Attendance, veterans must meet certain criteria, including:

  • At least one day of active duty during war time (World War, Korean war, Vietnam and Gulf war)
  • Requiring the aid of another person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications or having limited eyesight, often defined as a corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes or a concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
  • Financial Criteria: Veterans and their surviving spouses must also meet specific financial criteria, which are based on income, assets, and medical expenses. The exact financial requirements can vary, so it’s essential to check with the VA or a VA-accredited representative for current information.
  • Application Process: To apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit, veterans or their surviving spouses need to complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). This form requires a physician’s evaluation to confirm the need for aid and attendance.
  • Benefit Amount: The Aid and Attendance benefit is typically paid in addition to the regular VA pension or disability compensation.
    • Single Veteran – $2,229 Monthly / $26,748 per year
    • Surviving spouse – $1,432 Monthly / $17,184 per year
    • Married Veteran – $2,642 Monthly / $31,704 per year
    • Two Veterans Married – $3,536 Monthly / $42,432 per year
  • Care Settings: The A&A benefit can be used to help cover the expenses of care in various settings, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or for in-home care provided by a professional caregiver.
  • Please call our office if you need more information on how to file for aid and attendance. Kindness Senior Care or its representatives do not charge for any guidance or consultation on VA benefits.