How to apply for VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)

Who it's for

Aid & Attendance is a tax-free monthly benefit added on top of the basic VA pension for wartime veterans (or their surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications — or who are housebound, in a nursing facility, or have very limited eyesight. The benefit is widely under-claimed because many veterans assume their non-service-connected condition disqualifies them. Eligibility requires the veteran to have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period, plus income and net worth below VA limits. VA uses a special income calculation that subtracts unreimbursed medical expenses from gross income before applying the limit — so the income test here is approximate.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other proof of military service showing wartime service period and 90+ days active duty
• VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) — completed by a doctor
• Proof of medical expenses for the past year (these reduce countable income)
• Marriage certificate (if claiming as a spouse) or death certificate (if surviving spouse)
• Documentation of all household income and assets

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dD-214 or other proof of military service showing wartime service period and 90+ days active duty, vA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) — completed by a doctor, proof of medical expenses for the past year (these reduce countable income) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your DD-214 or other military service records that show your wartime service period and at least 90 days of active duty.
2. Collect documentation of all household income and assets, plus proof of unreimbursed medical expenses paid over the past year.
3. If applying as a spouse or surviving spouse, locate your marriage certificate and, if applicable, the veteran's death certificate.
4. Ask your doctor to complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). The doctor must sign and return this form to you before you apply.
5. Submit your application online or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000. A VA representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about your specific situation.

What to expect: After submitting, the VA will review your service records, medical documentation, and financial information to determine eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask for an estimate on your claim. If approved, Aid and Attendance is paid as a tax-free monthly amount added on top of the basic VA pension. This benefit requires annual renewal, so watch for notices from the VA and respond promptly to any requests for updated income, asset, or medical information to keep your benefit active.

Renewals

annual