VA Pension – Aid and Attendance Benefits

Living with a disability often means needing extra care and support, which can get expensive. VA Aid and Attendance is an extra monthly benefit that can help eligible veterans and survivors pay for the care they need. This benefit is paid in addition to your monthly VA pension.

How do the VA Aid and Attendance benefits work?

VA Aid and Attendance benefits provide an extra monthly payment to veterans and surviving spouses who receive a VA pension and need help with everyday activities. You can use this benefit to help pay for care whether you live at home, in an assisted living community, or in a nursing home . The extra money can help pay for services and care, such as:

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Help from a caregiver

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Home care services

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Assisted living costs

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Nursing home care

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Other long-term care expenses

The Aid and Attendance payment is added to your monthly VA pension. This extra money can help cover the cost of your care.

Who can get VA Aid and Attendance benefits?

You must qualify for or receive a VA Pension before you can receive Aid and Attendance benefits. In addition, you should meet at least one of the following:

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Needs help with daily tasks like bathing, eating, or dressing.

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Spends a large portion of the day in bed because of illness.

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You live in a nursing home or other residential care setting because of a physical or mental disability.

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You have severe vision loss, even with glasses or contacts.

Note: You cannot receive VA Housebound benefits and VA Aid and Attendance benefits at the same time.

How do I apply?

You can apply for VA Aid and Attendance benefits online, by mail, or in person.

A medical examiner must complete the medical examination section of the application before you submit it. If you live in a nursing home, you will also need to complete Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance form).

APPLY ONLINE

To apply online, complete the online application for VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

Apply Online

APPLY BY MAIL

To apply by mail, you must first download and print the benefits application:

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits Application

After you and your medical examiner complete all required sections, mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Pension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville, WI 53547-5365

APPLY IN PERSON

To apply in person, take your completed application to your local VA office. Find a regional VA office near you.

What happens after I apply?

After you apply, the VA will review your application and medical records. If the VA needs more information, they will contact you and explain what you need to provide.

Once the review is complete, you will receive a decision letter that tells you:

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Whether your application was approved or denied

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How much money you will receive if you are approved

If you are approved, your Aid and Attendance payment will be added to your monthly VA pension. This extra payment can help you pay for the care and services you need.

If your application is denied and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a decision review or file an appeal.

Who can I contact for help?

If you have questions or need help with your application, you can:

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Call the VA Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000

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Contact your local VA office for assistance