Paying for Care
Applying for VA Aid & Attendance
Aid & Attendance is the VA's most underutilized benefit — only ~1/3 of eligible families apply. Approval typically takes 3–6 months and is retroactive to application date.
Updated 2026-02-27
Who qualifies (2026 rules)
- Wartime veteran (any branch, 90+ days active duty with at least 1 day during wartime).
- Honorable discharge.
- Needs help with at least 2 activities of daily living OR is bedridden OR has severe vision loss OR is in assisted living/memory care.
- Net worth under ~$159,240 (2026 cap, excludes home + 1 car).
- Income minus medical expenses under benefit threshold.
2026 maximum monthly benefits
- Single veteran: $2,895/month tax-free.
- Married veteran: $3,432/month tax-free.
- Surviving spouse: $1,859/month tax-free.
- Both veteran and spouse alive, both eligible: $4,594/month tax-free.
Application steps
- Get form 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance Examination) completed by the veteran's doctor.
- Get form 21P-527EZ (Pension Application — veterans) OR 21P-534EZ (surviving spouses).
- Gather: DD-214 discharge, marriage certificates, death certificate if surviving spouse, bank statements, medical bills, list of unreimbursed medical expenses.
- Submit through a VA-accredited claims agent or VSO (Veterans Service Organization) — DAV, VFW, AmVets. Free.
- Or apply directly at va.gov/pension.
Common pitfalls
- Working with non-accredited 'pension poachers' who sell annuities — illegal in many states; always use a VSO or accredited attorney.
- Not deducting unreimbursed medical expenses from income — this is what gets most families approved.
- Missing the DD-214. Order from the National Archives if lost.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we get Aid & Attendance + Medicaid at the same time?
- Yes, but the structure matters. The benefit counts as income for Medicaid eligibility. An attorney can help avoid double-counting issues.
- How long does it take?
- Typically 3-6 months. Approval is retroactive to the month after application, so file early.
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