If you are a U.S. military veteran or the widowed spouse of a veteran, you may be struggling to pay for the daily care you need.
There is a VA program that may help. How much do you know about Aid & Attendance?
About the program
The VA Aid & Attendance program is available to veterans and their surviving spouses. The government developed this program to assist those who need the help of another person in performing at least two daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and undressing, eating, toileting and moving about. Benefits are paid directly by the Department of the Treasury and can cover in-home care, board and care, or care in assisted living or private-pay nursing facilities. You can use the funds to pay for prescriptions or for your health insurance premiums as well as in-home professional nurses. Keep in mind that the program also pays for a family member to care for you at home.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for A&A benefits, the veteran must not have had a dishonorable discharge, must have served one day or more during wartime and a minimum of 90 days on active duty. Though certain requirements apply, eligible periods of war include 1941 to 1946 in World War II, 1950 to 1955 in the Korean War, 1964 to 1975 in Vietnam and from 1990 to a date provided under Presidential proclamation or law in the Persian Gulf War.
A&A program advantages
The A&A program is tax free, and you never have to repay the money. Like your Social Security payment, this government benefit is reliable; you can depend on receiving your payment on time every month. Here are examples of monthly payments:
- Surviving spouse: $1,209
- Single veteran: $1,881
- Married veteran: $2,330
- Two married veterans: $2,984
Next steps
Do not worry that your income or net worth may make you ineligible for A&A benefits. Take the next step. With legal guidance, you can find out more about this program and the qualifications the government requires.
