VA Benefits for Elderly Parents: 2026 Complete Guide
If your parent served in the military, they may be entitled to benefits that can significantly help with the costs of aging—especially long-term care. Many veterans and their families don't know about these benefits or think they don't qualify.
This guide covers the main VA benefits available to elderly veterans in 2026, with a focus on the Aid & Attendance pension that can help pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.
Approximately one-third of elderly veterans who qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits never apply. That's money left on the table that could pay for their care.
Aid & Attendance Pension (The Big One)
This is the most valuable VA benefit for elderly veterans who need help with daily living. It's a tax-free monthly payment that can be used for any care-related expense.
2026 Maximum Aid & Attendance Rates
- Veteran with dependent spouse: $2,727/month ($32,724/year)
- Single veteran: $2,295/month ($27,540/year)
- Surviving spouse of veteran: $1,478/month ($17,736/year)
- Two veterans married to each other: $3,636/month
Aid & Attendance Eligibility Requirements
Military Service Requirements:
- 90 days or more of active duty
- At least 1 day during a wartime period
- Discharge other than dishonorable
Wartime Periods:
- World War II: Dec 7, 1941 - Dec 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 - Jan 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975 (Feb 28, 1961 if served in Vietnam)
- Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 - present
Care Needs Requirements (one of the following):
- Need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Bedridden
- In a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity
- Blind or nearly blind
Income and Asset Limits (2026)
Aid & Attendance has financial requirements:
- Net Worth Limit: $155,356 (includes assets plus annual income, minus medical expenses)
- Primary home excluded from net worth calculation
- Medical expenses (including care costs) reduce countable income
If your parent has $3,000/month in income but pays $4,000/month for assisted living, their countable income for VA purposes is effectively zero. This is how many veterans qualify even with Social Security and pensions.
VA Healthcare Benefits
Veterans may be eligible for VA healthcare, which can supplement or replace Medicare:
VA Healthcare Services
- Hospital care
- Outpatient medical, surgical, and mental health care
- Prescription drugs
- Preventive care
- Home health care (limited)
- Respite care for caregivers
- Adult day healthcare
Eligibility is based on priority groups determined by service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors. Even veterans who don't qualify for free care may access VA services with copays.
VA Nursing Home Care
The VA offers several long-term care options:
Community Living Centers (VA Nursing Homes)
VA-operated nursing homes for veterans who need skilled nursing care. Priority given to veterans with service-connected disabilities, but others may qualify based on need and availability.
State Veterans Homes
Nursing homes run by state governments specifically for veterans. The VA pays a portion of the cost, making these often more affordable than private facilities.
Community Nursing Home Program
VA contracts with private nursing homes to provide care for eligible veterans, typically for short-term or rehabilitative care.
Other VA Benefits for Elderly Veterans
Housebound Allowance
For veterans who don't need Aid & Attendance but are substantially confined to home due to permanent disability.
- Veteran with spouse: $2,044/month
- Single veteran: $1,716/month
Veteran-Directed Care
A program that gives veterans a budget to hire their own caregivers, including family members. Available in many areas through VA medical centers.
Caregiver Support Program
Support services for family caregivers of veterans, including training, respite care, and in some cases a monthly stipend.
How to Apply for Aid & Attendance
- Gather documents:
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Medical evidence of care needs
- Current medical treatment records
- Income and asset information
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Complete VA Form 21-2680: Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid & Attendance
- Complete VA Form 21-527EZ: Application for Pension (or 21-534EZ for surviving spouse)
- Submit application: Online at va.gov, by mail, or with help from a VA-accredited representative
- Wait for decision: Processing typically takes 3-6 months
VA benefits applications can be complex. Consider working with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like the VFW, American Legion, or DAV. Their help is often free.
Common Questions
Does my parent need a service-connected disability?
No. Aid & Attendance is based on wartime service and current care needs, not service-connected disabilities.
Can my parent receive both VA benefits and Medicaid?
Yes, in many cases. However, VA pension benefits count as income for Medicaid purposes, which can affect eligibility. An elder law attorney can help navigate this.
What if my parent never saw combat?
Combat service is not required. They just need to have served during a wartime period—even if they never deployed overseas.
Can a surviving spouse get benefits?
Yes. If the veteran has passed away, their surviving spouse may qualify for Aid & Attendance Survivors Pension, even if they remarried after age 57.
Is there a look-back period like Medicaid?
Yes, there's now a 3-year look-back period for asset transfers. Assets given away within 3 years of applying may result in a penalty period.
Check Your Parent's Benefits Eligibility
Our free tool helps you understand what VA and other benefits your parent might qualify for.
Check EligibilityHelpful Resources
- VA.gov Aid & Attendance Information
- Find Your Local VA Medical Center
- Find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)