Countless veterans who served their country with honor are missing out on a substantial financial benefit that could transform their approach to long-term care. The Aid and Attendance pension represents one of the most significant yet underused resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs — offering monthly financial support that can mean the difference between struggling to afford care and living with dignity and comfort.
What This Benefit Actually Covers
The Aid and Attendance program provides monthly financial assistance to qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with basic daily activities. If you or your loved one requires assistance with bathing, getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating meals, or taking medications, this benefit may apply. Veterans who have lost their sight, are confined to bed, or reside in nursing facilities due to physical or mental limitations are also candidates for this support.
Importantly, this isn’t limited to institutional care settings. Many families discover that A&A benefits enable them to hire in-home caregivers, allowing veterans to age in place while receiving the assistance they need.
Determining Your Eligibility
Three essential requirements must be met to qualify for Aid and Attendance:
Service History: Veterans must have completed at least 90 days of active military service, including at least one day during a period the VA recognizes as wartime, and received an honorable discharge.
Care Requirements: Applicants must provide medical documentation demonstrating their need for daily living assistance. This typically involves obtaining a physician’s assessment of the required level of care.
Financial Qualifications: While there are income and asset restrictions, the VA evaluates “countable income” — your total income minus qualifying unreimbursed medical expenses. For 2025, the net worth threshold stands at $155,356, encompassing both assets and annual income. Certain assets, including your primary home, may not count toward this limit.
Monthly Benefit Amounts
The financial support provided through Aid and Attendance varies based on your situation. Current maximum monthly payments for 2025 include:
- $2,727 for married veterans
- $2,300 for unmarried veterans
- $1,478 for surviving spouses
These payments arrive completely tax-free, providing substantial relief for families managing the costs of quality care.
Navigating the Application Process
Securing Aid and Attendance benefits requires thorough documentation, including medical records, financial statements, military service documentation, and completed VA forms. While veterans can pursue applications independently through the VA, many families benefit significantly from partnering with a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can guide them through the complexities and help avoid common pitfalls.
Don't Miss This Opportunity
Too many deserving veterans and their families remain unaware of Aid and Attendance benefits, despite having earned this support through their military service. If wartime service is part of your history and daily living has become challenging, investigating this benefit could provide the financial foundation needed for proper care and peace of mind.
This earned benefit shouldn’t go unclaimed — take action to discover whether Aid and Attendance can provide the support you or your family member deserves.
At McKown and Myers, we focus on helping Hoosier veterans get the benefits they deserve – especially when the system seems overwhelming or unfair. If you’ve been denied benefits or are dealing with a complex appeal, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at 765-668-7531 or complete our contact form here to schedule a free consultation. No pressure, just help.
Your service to our country earned you these benefits. Make sure you have the right advocate in your corner.