Frequently
Asked Questions
We know navigating Veteran benefits and caregiving support can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve put together answers to the most common questions families ask us. Our goal is to give you clear, straightforward information so you can focus on what matters most—caring for your loved one. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out—we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aid & Attendance Benefit?
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension is a tax-free monthly benefit from the VA that helps wartime Veterans and surviving spouses pay for long-term care costs.
Who is eligible for these pension benefits?
To qualify, you must be a wartime Veteran over 65 (or a surviving spouse) who needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. The benefit is income-based, meaning eligibility and payment amounts are determined by your household income and medical expenses. Contact us today for more information!
What are the eligibility requirements for Aid & Attendance?
The VA uses four criteria to determine eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits. You must meet the requirements for each one:
1. Service Time
- Served at least 90 days on active duty during a wartime period
- Received an honorable discharge
- Surviving spouses of Veterans who meet these requirements are also eligible.
2. Income and Assets
Income and Assets The VA sets a maximum allowable income to qualify for benefits. This limit varies based on individual circumstances and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
3. Age
- Veterans under 65 must be totally disabled
- Veterans 65 and older have no disability requirement
- Surviving spouses have no age or disability requirement
4. Medical Condition
You must meet at least one of the following:
- Require another person’s help with daily activities (bathing, feeding, dressing, adjusting prosthetic devices, laundry, light housework, etc.)
- Are bedridden
- Are in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Have impaired eyesight (legally blind or nearly blind)
How is wartime service defined?
For VA purposes, “wartime” refers to specific periods when the U.S. was officially at war—not whether you saw combat or were deployed to a war zone.
These recognized wartime periods include:
- World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation
*You only need to have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day falling during one of these periods. You could have been stationed anywhere in the world.
There are some nuances to eligibility, so contact us today and we’ll help determine if you qualify!
Can a relative or friend apply for benefits on behalf of a Veteran?
Yes, give us a call to get started.
Does the VA check on income after approval?
While the VA does not check for income after approval, they will check with the IRS and if there are inconsistencies, the Claimant could be audited.
Will the VA stop benefits if the Claimant’s income goes over the maximum at some point after approval?
Yes, the VA can stop or reduce benefits if the claimant’s income exceeds the maximum.
If the Veteran passes away, does the Spouse have to reapply to continue receiving benefits?
Yes, the surviving spouse must submit a new application to the VA. The Veteran’s Aid & Attendance benefit does not automatically transfer.
The surviving spouse will need to apply for the Survivors Pension with Aid & Attendance, which is a separate benefit with its own eligibility requirements. The benefit amount may differ from what the Veteran was receiving, and there may be a gap in payments while the new application is processed.
We can help guide you through this transition and ensure your application is completed accurately. Contact us today to get started.
Are there restrictions on how the benefits can be used? Can they be used for medical costs?
If the Claimant has paid their listed medical costs out of pocket, the VA reimburses for those medical expenses each month. Form FV13 defines these monthly medical costs.
The VA will expect to be repaid in full if they discover the benefits have been used for anything other than the stated medical expenses.