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

Renewals

annual