VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: A Guide for Veterans and Survivors

VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits can add money to a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. They are not stand-alone benefits for every older Veteran.

Aid and Attendance

VA lists qualifying circumstances that can include needing another person’s help with daily activities, being largely confined to bed because of illness, being a nursing-home patient because of loss of abilities, or meeting specified eyesight criteria.

Housebound allowance

A person receiving a VA pension may qualify for the Housebound allowance if a permanent disability causes them to spend most of their time at home. VA says a person cannot receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time.

Medical evidence matters

The application can require medical information. VA provides official forms and an online application route. Use VA’s instructions rather than paying an unknown service to create a claim package.

Start by confirming pension eligibility

Because these payments are additions to a VA pension, first determine whether the Veteran or survivor meets the pension requirements.