Millions of veterans and their surviving spouses are eligible for benefits they don't know about. The VA's Aid and Attendance benefit alone can provide up to $2,700 per month to help pay for care, yet most eligible families never apply.
If your parent served in the military, they may qualify for healthcare, pension benefits, and care assistance that can significantly reduce your caregiving burden.
Benefits are available to veterans, their spouses, and in some cases surviving spouses. Even brief military service during wartime may qualify. The first step is determining if your parent served and when.
Aid and Attendance
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an additional benefit for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are housebound.
2025 Maximum Monthly Rates
| Beneficiary | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Veteran without dependents | $2,229 |
| Veteran with spouse or dependent | $2,642 |
| Surviving spouse | $1,432 |
| Two veterans married to each other | $3,536 |
Eligibility Requirements
- Service: 90 days active duty, at least 1 day during wartime
- Discharge: Other than dishonorable
- Need: Require help with daily activities or are housebound
- Income: Limited countable income after medical expenses
- Assets: Net worth limit (approximately $150,538 in 2025)
Qualifying Wartime Periods
- World War II: December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 - present
What "Aid and Attendance" Means
You must need help with:
- Bathing or dressing
- Eating
- Attending to needs of nature
- Adjusting prosthetic devices
- Or be blind or nearly blind
- Or be in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Or require the care and supervision of another person to protect from hazards
The VA has a three-year look-back period for asset transfers. Large gifts or asset transfers within three years of applying may result in a penalty period. Plan ahead and consult a VA-accredited attorney.
The equipment that changes the most
Most of what caregiving costs is time. These four are the purchases that reliably buy some of it back, and they are the ones families tell us they wish they had bought sooner.
Drive Medical Hydraulic Patient Lift
A full lift is what makes one person able to manage a transfer alone. It is the single purchase that most often delays a move into residential care.
Check price on Amazon →
EZ-ACCESS Singlefold Wheelchair Ramp, 6 ft
Folds like a suitcase and carries in a car boot, so the same ramp handles the front step at home and the kerb at an appointment.
Check price on Amazon →
Drive Medical Nitro Rollator with Seat
The seat matters more than the wheels. Being able to stop and rest is what decides whether someone still goes out at all.
Check price on Amazon →
Vive Stand Assist Rail for Couch or Chair
Getting out of a low sofa is where most falls at home start. This is the cheapest thing on the list and often the first one needed.
Check price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Researched guidance, not medical advice. Prices change, so check before buying.
VA Pension
Basic Pension
The VA Pension is available to wartime veterans with limited income and assets:
- Lower payment amounts than Aid and Attendance
- Same basic service requirements
- Don't need to prove care needs
- Income and asset limits apply
Housebound Benefit
A benefit between basic pension and Aid and Attendance for veterans substantially confined to their home.
VA Healthcare
VA Medical Care
- Medical care at VA facilities
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services
- Geriatric care programs
- Priority levels based on service-connected disabilities
Community Care
- Care outside VA when needed
- If VA can't provide timely care
- If distance to VA is too far
- Must be pre-authorized
Home-Based Primary Care
- Medical care in the veteran's home
- For veterans with complex chronic conditions
- Team-based care (doctor, nurse, social worker)
- Not available in all areas
Adult Day Health Care
- Daytime programs at VA facilities
- Medical care, rehabilitation, social activities
- Respite for caregivers
State Veterans Benefits
Many states offer additional benefits:
- State veterans homes: Nursing homes for veterans at lower cost
- Property tax exemptions: Reduced or eliminated property taxes
- State pension programs: Additional income in some states
- Hunting/fishing licenses: Free or reduced
- Vehicle registration: Reduced fees
- State parks: Free or reduced access
Contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for details.
Surviving Spouse Benefits
DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
- Monthly payment if veteran died from service-related cause
- Or died while receiving VA disability at total rating for 10+ years
- Tax-free benefit
- 2025 base rate: approximately $1,612/month
Survivors Pension
- For surviving spouses of wartime veterans
- Income-based benefit
- Aid and Attendance rates available
- Must not have remarried (some exceptions)
A surviving spouse of a wartime veteran may qualify for benefits even if the veteran never claimed them. If your mother's husband served in the military and has passed, she may be eligible.
How to Apply
Gather Documents
- DD-214: Discharge papers (can request from National Archives)
- Medical records: Proving care needs
- Doctor's statement: Documenting conditions
- Financial records: Income, assets, medical expenses
- Marriage certificate: If claiming as spouse
- Death certificate: If surviving spouse claim
Application Options
- Online: va.gov (eBenefits or VA.gov)
- By mail: VA Form 21-527EZ (pension) or 21-534EZ (survivors)
- In person: Regional VA office
- Through representative: VSO, attorney, or claims agent
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Free help with claims from organizations like:
- American Legion
- VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
- DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
- AMVETS
- State and county veterans service offices
Never pay upfront fees for VA benefits help. VSOs provide free assistance. Watch out for companies charging large fees for "pension poaching." Only work with VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or VSOs.
Using Benefits for Care
What Aid and Attendance Covers
The benefit can be used for:
- Home care aides
- Assisted living costs
- Nursing home (not VA nursing home)
- Adult day care
- Medical equipment
- Any care-related expense
Combining with Other Programs
- VA benefits can be combined with Medicare
- May affect Medicaid eligibility (income-based)
- Can be used alongside long-term care insurance
- Some states offer additional state veterans benefits
VA Nursing Homes
Types of VA Long-Term Care
- VA Community Living Centers: Nursing homes on VA campuses
- State Veterans Homes: State-run homes for veterans
- Community Nursing Homes: Contract beds in private facilities
Eligibility
- Priority for 70%+ service-connected disability
- May pay based on income for others
- Often lower cost than private facilities
- Availability varies by location
VA Benefits Checklist
Our Caregiver Kit includes a VA benefits eligibility checklist, application guides, and document organizers.
Get the Complete Caregiver Kit- Aid and Attendance can provide up to $2,700/month for care
- Wartime service (at least one day) is required for pension benefits
- Surviving spouses may also qualify
- No service-connected disability required for pension benefits
- Use free help from Veterans Service Organizations
- Beware of companies charging fees for benefits help
- State benefits vary, check your state's programs
- Benefits can significantly offset care costs