Here’s How the Aid & Attendance Benefit Works for Veteran Families

If you or a loved one served in the military during wartime, you might be eligible for a special benefit called Aid and Attendance Benefit (A&A). This valuable benefit can help cover the costs of daily living and medical care, providing essential support to veterans and their families.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Aid and Attendance benefit: what it is, who qualifies, how much you can expect to receive, and how to apply.

Whether you’re a veteran or caring for one, understanding this benefit can make a significant difference in managing daily expenses and ensuring proper care. Let’s dive in and explore how A&A can support you and your loved ones!

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What is Aid and Attendance?

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans and their families with the costs of daily living and medical care. This benefit is an addition to the regular VA pension and is specifically for those who need extra help with daily tasks due to disability or age.

What Do A&A Benefits Pay For?

Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits help cover the costs of various care services for veterans and their surviving spouses. These benefits are typically used for:

Home Health Care: Assistance with daily activities provided by a caregiver in your home.
Assisted Living Facilities: Services and support in a residential setting for those who need help with daily living.
Nursing Home Care: Full-time care in a facility for individuals who need extensive medical and personal assistance.
Adult Day Care: Daytime care services that provide supervision and activities for adults who need support while their family caregivers are at work or away.

Who Qualifies for Aid and Attendance?

Veterans who served during wartime and their surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they meet specific service, medical, and financial criteria. Surviving spouses qualify for these benefits, too, but they must have been married to the veteran for at least one year before the veteran’s death or had a child with the veteran. To qualify for VA Aid and Attendance benefits in 2024, here are the key requirements:

Military Service

The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period.
The veteran must have received an honorable discharge or anything other than dishonorable.

Age and Disability

Veterans must be at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled if younger.
There is no age requirement for surviving spouses.

Medical Needs

Need help with daily activities like bathing, feeding, and dressing.
Be bedridden or spend a lot of the day in bed due to illness.
Be in a nursing home due to mental or physical disabilities.
Have very limited eyesight (5/200 or less in both eyes, or visual field contraction to 5 degrees or less).

Financial Eligibility

The applicant’s net worth must be below $155,356 (includes both assets and annual income).
Income must be below the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR):
- Single Veteran: $27,609 per year
- Married Veteran: $32,729 per year
- Surviving Spouse: $17,743 per year

Note: You can’t receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time. The VA considers unreimbursed medical expenses when calculating income, which can help some applicants qualify even if their gross income is higher.

How Much Can You Expect from A&A?

The amount you can receive from the aid and attendance benefit varies based on your situation. Here’s a general idea of the VA Aid and Attendance benefit rates for 2024:

Surviving Spouse: $1,478 per month ($17,743 annually)
Single Veteran: $2,300 per month ($27,609 annually)
Married Veteran: $2,727 per month ($32,729 annually)
Two Veterans Married: $3,649 per month ($43,791 annually)
Veteran with a Dependent Child: $2,727 per month ($32,729 annually)

These rates reflect a 3.2% cost-of-living increase from the previous year. These amounts can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest rates on the VA website.

How is the A&A Benefit Calculated?

The Aid & Attendance benefit is figured out based on your income and medical expenses. Here’s how it works:

Add Up Your Income: Include all your income sources, like Social Security, pensions, and other earnings.
Subtract Medical Expenses: Take away any out-of-pocket medical costs, such as doctor visits, medications, and home care.
Check Against VA Limits: The VA compares your adjusted income to their limits to decide your benefit amount.

Note: If your income is over the VA’s limit, you might still qualify if you have high medical expenses, since the VA deducts these. Your benefit is the difference between the MAPR and your adjusted income. Your main home and car don’t count towards the net worth limit.

How and When Do You Get Paid?

Once approved, the Aid and Attendance benefit is paid monthly, directly to your bank account. This makes it easy to manage your finances and ensure you have the funds you need for daily living and medical care.

VA Aid and Attendance benefits are typically deposited on the first business day of each month. If the first business day falls on a holiday or non-business day, the payment is made on the last business day of the prior month.

How do you Apply for Aid and Attendance?

Applying for Aid and Attendance (A&A) can seem tricky, but here’s a simple breakdown:

Start by gathering all necessary documents, such as your military discharge papers, medical records, and financial info. Next, fill out VA Form 21-2680 (for medical needs) and VA Form 21P-527EZ (for pension). Then, submit these forms and your documents to your local VA office or online through the VA website.

The application process typically takes 3-6 months (although the VA can expedite applications for people over 90 and/or on hospice). If your application is denied, don’t worry — review the denial letter carefully and consider reapplying or filing an appeal.

For a smoother process, make sure your documents are complete, you can always get free help from a VA-accredited representative, and follow up with the VA if you don’t hear back in a while.

Are A&A Benefits Taxed?

No, Aid and Attendance benefits are not taxed. This means you receive the full amount of the benefit to use for your care expenses without worrying about tax deductions. Additionally, since A&A benefits are considered a pension, you do not have to pay them back.