Understanding the VA Pension with Aid & Attendance Benefit

What Is the VA Pension with Aid & Attendance Benefit?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a special benefit for Veterans and surviving spouses who require regular assistance with activities of daily living. The pension can help pay for home care services to assist with activities such as:

Meal preparation icon

Meal Preparation

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Bathing & Grooming

Shopping icon

Shopping

Dressing and laundry icon

Dressing & Laundry

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Transportation

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Light Housekeeping

VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for qualifying wartime Veterans and certain surviving spouses. Aid & Attendance is an increased pension amount for those who also need regular help from another person with everyday activities. The benefit is paid to the Veteran or surviving spouse, not directly to a care provider, and can provide additional monthly income to help with the cost of home care.

Smiling senior Veteran in a wheelchair holding a small American flag

Did you know home care is a medical expense that can be included if in place prior to application?

Who May Be Eligible for Aid & Attendance?

These questions can help you understand whether a Veteran or surviving spouse may qualify. VA reviews each application and makes the final decision.

Eligibility Criteria

If you can answer “yes” to each question, you or your loved one may be eligible:

  • Are you a wartime Veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse of a Veteran?
  • Did you or your spouse serve at least 90 days in the military with an honorable discharge?
  • Do you have a non-service-related medical condition?
  • Do you have less than $163,699 in assets, excluding one house and one car?

VA’s net worth limit is $163,699 from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, and net worth includes assets and yearly income. VA also looks at age or disability (for example, being 65 or older) and, for Aid & Attendance, whether the person needs regular help from another person with daily activities.

Eligible Wartime Periods

Wartime periodDates
World War IIDecember 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean ConflictJune 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era (served in the Republic of Vietnam)November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975
Vietnam Era (all other service)August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
Persian Gulf WarAugust 2, 1990 – date to be set by law*
*Veterans who began active duty after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months (2 years) or the full period they were called to active duty, with some exceptions.

Learn more about eligibility requirements or read our frequently asked questions.

VA determines benefit requirements, benefit amounts, and authorization for VA programs. This information is intended for general educational purposes and is not a determination of benefits or eligibility. Sources: VA: Eligibility for Veterans Pension; VA: Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance; VA: Veterans Pension rates.

How Veterans Care Coordination™ Helps

Veterans Care Coordination™ assists Veterans, surviving spouses, and their families with navigating the application process to access funding that may assist with costs to age at home. You remain in complete control of your application. Our knowledge and expertise help simplify the complex process, and we can often help get care started immediately through our network of quality providers.

Learn more about our process, explore home care for Veterans, read testimonials from clients and partners, or see our commitment to Veterans’ rights.

Do you know a Veteran or surviving spouse who may qualify?

Tell us about your loved one, and our team will reach out to discuss next steps.

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Prefer to talk now? Call 855-380-4400

Healthcare or home care professional? Refer a Veteran