Unlock a Hidden VA Benefit Most Veterans Overlook: Aid & Attendance
If you or your spouse served during wartime, you may already qualify for a monthly, tax-free payment VA benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs—and not even know it.
The Hidden Benefit Most Veterans Don’t Know About
The VA Aid and Attendance program is a special pension that helps wartime veterans and their surviving spouses afford home health, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. It isn’t a loan or reimbursement. It’s direct income—deposited monthly—to bridge the gap between what care costs and what your income can cover.
A Program Born from Gratitude
Think of Aid & Attendance as the long-term-care version of the G.I. Bill—a national thank-you that extends beyond the veteran to his or her spouse. The benefit recognizes that caring for those who served also means caring for the families who carried the weight of service at home.
Who Qualifies
Applicants must meet three requirements: service, medical, and financial eligibility.
1. Service Eligibility
- 90 days of active duty (or two years if service began after 1980)
- At least one day served during an official period of war, as listed on the VA’s wartime service-date schedule
- No dishonorable discharge
For surviving spouses:
- The veteran spouse must have met service eligibility.
- The marriage lasted at least one year before the veteran’s death.
- The surviving spouse has not remarried.
2. Medical Eligibility
- The applicant must be 65 years or older, and
- A physician must confirm that the veteran or surviving spouse needs help to remain safe in daily life.
(This confirmation can come from your own doctor—no VA hospital visit required.)
3. Financial Eligibility
- The program is designed for veterans or surviving spouses who are spending most or all of their regular income on long-term care.
- The current net-worth limit is $155,356, not including a primary home or personal vehicles.
- Working with an elder-law attorney, families can shelter additional assets through a Veterans Asset Protection Trust, provided the trust is created at least 36 months before the application. The 36-month rule was established in the VA’s 2018 Final Rule on Net Worth and Asset Transfers.
How Much Does VA Aid & Attendance Pay?
| Status | Monthly Tax-Free Benefit (approx.) | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran & Veteran | $3,649 | $43,791 |
| Veteran & Spouse | $2,727 | $32,729 |
| Veteran Alone | $2,300 | $27,609 |
| Surviving Spouse Alone | $1,478 | $17,743 |
| + Dependents | $235 | $2,831 |
The benefit can be used for home care, assisted living, nursing home care, or other personal expenses of the veteran or surviving spouse. To apply, families can review the official submission process on the VA’s Pension Management Centers directory.
Why Early Planning Matters
Because Aid & Attendance includes a three-year look-back period, early legal planning makes all the difference. At The Legacy Elder Law Center, our team helps veterans and their families use a Legacy Trust—a legally crafted Veterans Asset Protection Trust—to preserve savings, protect the family home, and still qualify for the full monthly benefit when care becomes necessary.
Real Families, Real Relief
For families like attorney Rory Clark’s own parents, the Aid & Attendance benefit made it possible to afford quality care, maintain dignity, and preserve independence for years longer than they thought possible. It’s more than a monthly deposit—it’s peace of mind for veterans and the people who love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit a VA hospital to apply?
No. Your own physician can provide the necessary documentation.
Can surviving spouses apply?
Yes—if the veteran was service-eligible and you were married at least one year before death.
Is the benefit taxable?
No. Aid & Attendance payments are completely tax-free.
Will owning a home disqualify me?
No. Your primary residence and vehicles are excluded from the asset test.
How long does approval take?
Usually 6–9 months, depending on documentation and VA processing time.
Resources for Veterans and Families
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Aid and Attendance Overview
- VA Pension Eligibility Periods of War
- Federal Register – 2018 Final Rule on Net Worth and Asset Transfers
- National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- AARP Veterans Long-Term-Care Guide
Next Steps
If you think you or a loved one might qualify, schedule a Right Fit Meeting with our team. We’ll review your service record, finances, and care needs to see how VA Aid & Attendance can work for you.
Call 703-988-7975 or visit LegacyElderLaw.com
