Veterans Benefits – Aid and Attendance | Heritage Law Center
Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits
Our VA-accredited attorneys help veterans and surviving spouses obtain the benefits they deserve to cover the cost of care.
Non-Service Connected Aid & Attendance
Many eligible veterans and surviving spouses are unaware that this benefit exists. The VA Aid & Attendance pension supplement provides substantial monthly payments to help cover the cost of assisted living, in-home care, or nursing facilities.
General Qualifications
- Veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with one day during a Qualified War Period (generally consecutive, with some exceptions)
- Veteran must have received an other-than-dishonorable discharge
- Claimant’s physician must certify the need for assistance from another person, which may include assisted living services
- Household assets generally should be under $80,000 (excluding primary home, car, and personal belongings)
- Out-of-pocket yearly medical expenses must exceed or approach total yearly household gross income
- Widowed spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year and never remarried
2009 Maximum Pension Rates
| Claimant | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Single Veteran | $1,644 | $19,736 |
| Married Veteran | $1,949 | $23,396 |
| Widowed Spouse | $1,056 | $12,681 |
| Veteran Married to Veteran (Both A&A) | $2,540 | $30,480 |
Once awarded Aid & Attendance or Housebound Status, a veteran may obtain free medications, medical equipment, incontinence supplies, glasses, and hearing aids from the VA via U.S. Mail without visiting a clinic or hospital.
Important Note
Each VA claim is unique. The criteria above is general in nature and may not apply to every claimant. Consult our VA-accredited attorneys for advice specific to your situation.