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 from the past year — these can lower your countable income.
3. If applying as a spouse or surviving spouse, locate your marriage certificate and, if applicable, the veteran's death certificate.
4. Ask a doctor to complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) — this form documents your need for help with daily activities.
5. Apply online or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000. A VA representative can walk you through submitting your completed form and supporting documents.

What to expect: After submitting your application and all supporting documents, VA will review your military service history, medical need, and financial information. Processing times vary, so contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask for an estimate on your specific claim. If approved, Aid and Attendance is a tax-free monthly benefit added on top of the basic VA pension. Because this benefit is reviewed annually, be ready to provide updated income, asset, and medical expense information each year to keep your benefit active.

Renewals

annual